How much does a new consumer unit cost in the Cotswolds?
One Cirencester firm says a new consumer unit typically starts from £400 plus VAT. A national cost survey puts the South West at £500 to £700. The price goes up with the number of circuits and with any faults found during testing. Prices vary; get at least three written quotes.
What local firms charge
One local firm publishes a starting price of £400 plus VAT for a new consumer unit. Crown Electrical Services in Cirencester says the price depends on the number of circuits. Most other local firms quote after a visit.
Two local firms also publish call-out rates. These rates help you compare the cost of a visit to find a fault.
| Firm (base) | Job | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Electrical Services (Cirencester) | New consumer unit (fuse board) | Typically from £400 plus VAT |
| Crown Electrical Services (Cirencester) | Call-out in Cirencester | £45 plus VAT first hour, then £38 plus VAT an hour per electrician |
| Future Power Solutions (Witney) | Call-out | £95 plus VAT first hour, then £60 plus VAT an hour |
Prices that each firm publishes on its own website, checked in October 2026. Future Power Solutions dates its price list May 2025. These are starting prices, not quotes for your home. Sources: Crown Electrical Services (Cirencester): consumer boards, Future Power Solutions (Witney): pricing page.
National guide prices for a consumer unit
National guide prices for a fitted consumer unit run from about £350 to £850. The number of circuits makes the biggest difference. These figures come from national cost surveys, not from local quotes.
| Job | National guide price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 6 circuits (small home) | £350 to £500 | MyJobQuote |
| 10 circuits (medium home) | £480 to £640 | MyJobQuote |
| 12 circuits (larger home) | £610 to £850 | MyJobQuote |
| South East or South West England | £500 to £700 | MyJobQuote |
| Smaller property | From about £600 | Homebuilding & Renovating |
| Typical 3-bedroom house | At least £750 | Homebuilding & Renovating |
National figures from the MyJobQuote fuse box guide (updated 1 October 2026) and Homebuilding & Renovating (published 9 April 2025), checked in October 2026. They are national or regional averages, not local prices. Sources: MyJobQuote: fuse box replacement cost (updated 1 October 2026), Homebuilding & Renovating: consumer unit replacement costs (April 2025).
What adds to the cost in older Cotswold homes
Faults in the old wiring are the main extra cost. Before the new unit goes live, the electrician tests every circuit. Modern units have RCD protection, which trips on faults that an old fuse box ignored. Old wiring in a cottage often shows faults that need repair first.
Earthing and bonding may need an upgrade. Older homes often lack main bonding to the water or gas pipes. A national survey puts earth bonding at £150 to £300.
The position of the unit matters. A national survey puts a short move at about £400. In a stone cottage, a move can cost more, because new cables must pass through thick walls.
The type of unit matters. A unit with a separate RCBO on each circuit costs more than a dual RCD unit. It also means that one fault does not cut power to half the house.
Travel between villages adds to small jobs. Some firms charge from the time they leave base. Ask about travel before you book.
Rules that apply to a new consumer unit
A new consumer unit is notifiable work under the building regulations. GOV.UK says you may need approval to replace a fuse box. A registered electrician can self-certify the work and notify the council for you.
The unit in a home must have a metal (non-combustible) case. This rule has applied to new domestic units since 2016. Ask for an Electrical Installation Certificate when the job is done.
In a listed building, ask the council conservation officer before you move the unit or run new cables through historic fabric.
How to compare quotes
Prices vary; get at least three written quotes. Ask each firm to list the same things, so you can compare them.
- The number of ways and the type of protection (RCBO or dual RCD).
- Surge protection, if the firm includes it.
- Testing and the certificate.
- The price of any fault repairs, or an hourly rate for them.
- Earth bonding, if needed.
- VAT.
Questions
How long does it take to fit a new consumer unit?
Ask each firm for an estimate. Faults found during testing can add time. The power is off for most of the job.
Do I need a new consumer unit if my EICR fails?
Not always. Some codes relate to the unit. Others relate to circuits or earthing. Ask the electrician to explain which code needs which repair.
Will the network operator need to visit?
Sometimes. If the main fuse or the cut-out is old or damaged, the electrician may ask your network operator to check it.