Electric11 replaces outdated, damaged or unsuitable consumer units for homes, rental properties and businesses throughout Attleborough.
Before recommending an upgrade, we assess the existing board, connected circuits, earthing and bonding, electrical demand and any planned additions. Installation includes appropriate protective devices, circuit testing, labelling, certification and Building Control notification where applicable.
Alongside fuse-board upgrades, our local electrician team in Attleborough provides EICRs, fault finding, rewires and other electrical services.
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Your consumer unit is the central control point for your property’s electrical circuits. It distributes power to lighting and socket circuits, and it contains protective devices designed to disconnect power quickly when something goes wrong.
Older fuse boxes and early consumer units can lack modern protective features, may not support current circuit layouts cleanly, and can become less reliable over time due to heat stress, aging components, or poor previous alterations.
A consumer unit replacement typically becomes relevant when:
circuits frequently trip or behave unpredictably
you have a very old fuse board (rewireable fuses) or visibly dated unit
you’re adding higher-demand equipment (EV charging, heat pumps, electric showers, induction, workshops)
an electrical inspection recommends upgrades
you’re planning a rewire, extension, or major renovation
Some signs are obvious, others are subtle. Here are common indicators that it’s time to look at a replacement:
burning smells, buzzing, or visible heat damage around the consumer unit
scorch marks, discoloration, melted plastic, or loose-feeling switches
frequent tripping, especially when multiple appliances run together
you rely on extension leads because you don’t have enough circuits or sockets
you have no RCD protection (or limited protection that doesn’t match modern expectations)
your board has minimal labeling, confusing circuit schedules, or signs of “add-on” work over time
you’re seeing nuisance tripping after new appliances or a change in use (home office setup, workshop tools, EV charger planning)
Important note: if you smell burning or see heat damage, treat it as urgent and switch off power if it is safe to do so, then call a qualified electrician.
Get a free quote now
eplacing a consumer unit is not “just swapping a box.” It is electrical installation work that must be tested and certified properly. In domestic settings in England and Wales, consumer unit replacement is commonly treated as notifiable work under Building Regulations Part P unless completed by a registered competent person who can self-certify and notify the work.
In practical terms, a professional replacement should include:
correct selection of a suitable unit and protective devices
safe isolation and controlled changeover
confirmation your earthing and bonding arrangements are appropriate
full electrical testing before and after (dead tests and live tests)
certification (Electrical Installation Certificate with test results)
building control notification where required
Not all modern consumer units are the same. The two configurations most people compare are:
dual RCD (split load / dual RCD boards)
RCBO-based boards (individual protection per circuit)
Each has pros and cons, and the best fit depends on your circuit layout, risk profile, and how you use your home.
Good decision factors include:
how many circuits you have now (and how many you’ll need later)
your tolerance for “whole-side” tripping vs single-circuit tripping
circuit types (kitchen loads, outdoor circuits, EV charging, garage/workshop feeds)
future expansion plans (extension, solar, battery storage, EV charger)
For authoritative technical guidance on consumer units and protective devices (including points like SPDs and protection choices), the IET has FAQs aligned with BS 7671.
To learn more about choosing the right configuration, see our guide on what type of consumer unit you need.
Many homeowners now have sensitive electronics throughout the home: TVs, routers, laptops, smart controls, boiler electronics, EV charging equipment, and sometimes solar/battery systems. Surge protective devices (SPDs) are often discussed in modern consumer unit upgrades because surges can damage equipment.
The IET notes that SPDs are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of an electrical installation and the electronic equipment connected to it, and it is often difficult not to justify installing them.
If your property has:
overhead supply exposure, rural lines, or frequent storms
expensive home office equipment
EV charger planning
solar PV or battery storage then SPDs are commonly part of the conversation.
We ensure that we will communicate well with each and every customer
Arrive on time and produce a prompt and comprehensive quotation
Undertake each task to the highest safety and workmanship standards
Electric11 is composed of a team of local electricians based in Attleborough, offering coverage to the entire Norfolk region. Moreover, through our extensive network, we have forged strong connections with quality tradesmen representing various disciplines in our area. As a result, we are empowered to provide a comprehensive one-stop service that fulfils all your requirements.
Alongside our office in Attleborough, we are also based throughout Norwich and provide daily services within Wymondham and surrounding areas. So don’t worry if you feel we are too far, we can still reach you!
A professional consumer unit replacement usually follows a structured process:
Pre-checks and planning
We look at the existing unit, circuit count, condition, labeling, and any signs of overheating or previous poor alterations. We also check earthing and bonding.
Safe isolation
Power is isolated safely before any work begins.
Removal of old consumer unit
The old unit is removed and the cabling prepared for reconnection. This often includes tidying and dressing conductors to support safe terminations.
Installation of the new unit and devices
The new consumer unit is installed (often metal enclosure), circuits are reconnected, and protective devices are fitted as per design.
Testing and verification
Testing includes dead tests (like continuity, insulation resistance, polarity) and live tests (like earth fault loop impedance, RCD/RCBO performance).
Labelling and handover
You receive clear labels/circuit schedules and your Electrical Installation Certificate with test results. Building control notification is handled where required.
A consumer unit replacement is the ideal moment to confirm that the property’s earthing arrangement and main bonding are appropriate. If these are missing or inadequate, your protective devices may not operate as intended under fault conditions.
This does not mean every job becomes “extra work,” but it does mean a proper installer checks what’s in place and explains any improvements needed for safety and compliance.
Sometimes the consumer unit is not the only concern. If wiring is old, damaged, heavily altered, or failing insulation tests, a consumer unit replacement alone may not be the best solution. In these cases, you may need:
partial rewiring of specific circuits
a full rewire (common in older homes that have never been updated)
More Attleborough homes are adding electrical loads that older boards were never designed to accommodate. Consumer unit upgrades often become relevant when adding:
EV chargers (dedicated circuits and protection are typically part of proper installations)
heat pumps or electric heating upgrades
solar PV and battery storage systems
garden rooms and home offices
workshop circuits and heavier tools
Not sure whether your home is ready for these upgrades? Start with a power supply assessment to avoid delays or unexpected costs later.
Book your free quote today
Pricing varies based on your setup, but the main cost drivers are consistent:
number of existing circuits (ways) and complexity of the circuit schedule
type of board and protective devices chosen (dual RCD vs RCBO, SPD inclusion)
condition and length of tails, meter position, and working access
any remedial work needed (earthing/bonding improvements, damaged conductors)
time required for full testing and documentation
For a clearer idea of what’s included and typical ranges, see our services & pricing.
When you’re replacing a consumer unit, you want a team that:
understands local housing stock and common layouts
can respond quickly if faults appear during upgrades
provides clear documentation and follow-up support
has strong local reputation and coverage from an Attleborough base
If you’re ready to replace your consumer unit, the fastest way to get a firm quote is to share:
your postcode and property type
a photo of the existing consumer unit (open and closed if safe)
how many circuits/switches you currently have
any known issues (tripping, burning smell, recent alterations)
upcoming plans (EV charger, extension, solar, workshop)
Electric11 provides electrical services in Attleborough and surrounding Norfolk villages, making it easier for homeowners, landlords, and businesses to find a trusted local electrician near them. Our team works across the Attleborough area for everything from EICR certificates and rewires to EV charger installation, consumer unit upgrades, solar panel installation, solar panel maintenance, and commercial electrical services.
We regularly cover:
Great Ellingham
Shropham
East Harling
Old Buckenham
Spooner Row
Searching for a local electrician in Attleborough or a nearby area? Electric11 delivers reliable electrical services across this part of Norfolk.
If you’re dealing with tripping circuits, an older fuse board, or planning upgrades like an EV charger, a consumer unit replacement is a smart way to improve safety and bring your electrics up to modern expectations. Below are quick, practical answers to the questions homeowners and small businesses in Attleborough ask most often.
In most domestic settings in England and Wales, replacing a consumer unit is commonly treated as notifiable work under Building Regulations Part P. If the work is completed by a registered competent person who can self-certify, the notification can be handled as part of the job. Electric11 will advise what applies to your property and handle the certification and notification where required.
A proper consumer unit replacement should include full electrical testing before and after the changeover (dead tests and live tests). You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) with test results, clear circuit labels/schedule, and building control notification where required.
Dual RCD (split-load) boards group circuits across two RCDs, so a fault can trip a “side” and affect more than one circuit. RCBO boards give individual protection per circuit, so faults are usually isolated to the single circuit involved, which can reduce disruption and nuisance tripping. The best choice depends on your circuit layout, current and future loads (kitchen, outdoor circuits, garage/workshop), and your preference for single-circuit vs whole-side tripping.
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) are often included in modern upgrades to help protect sensitive electronics like TVs, routers, laptops, smart controls, boiler electronics, EV charging equipment, and solar/battery components. SPDs are commonly recommended if you have an overhead supply, frequent storms, expensive home-office equipment, EV charger plans, or solar PV/battery storage.
The main cost drivers are usually the number of circuits (ways) and how complex the circuit schedule is, the board configuration you choose (dual RCD vs RCBO) and whether an SPD is included, the condition and length of meter tails and working access, plus any remedial work identified during checks (like earthing/bonding improvements or damaged conductors). A photo of your existing consumer unit and your planned upgrades (EV charger, extension, solar, workshop) helps Electric11 quote accurately.
Safety checks and certification
Custom solar systems for homes
Solar checks and system support
Store extra solar power for use day and night
Modern rewiring for safer homes
Fuse box upgrades and replacement
Appliance testing for compliance
Quick call-outs for electrical emergencies
Electrical services for businesses
Electric11 assessed an existing solar PV system and associated electrical records in Long Stratton, highlighting documentation conflicts and items requiring follow-up.
Electric11 completed trenching for a pump electrical supply at Pip’s Bothy in Lower Common, East Runton. The project records and follow-up photographs also document the existing pump, cable route and intake equipment so that the next electrical work could be scoped safely.
Electric11 installed a 16-panel solar PV system, 11.52 kWh Fox ESS battery and Zappi EV charger at a Wymondham bungalow, creating one integrated home-energy system.
Electric11 added a 7 kW Fox ESS hybrid inverter and 11.52 kWh heated battery to an existing solar-powered home in California, near Great Yarmouth. The retrofit also included cable alterations, protection, commissioning and BS 7671 certification.
Electric11 completed PAT testing for a Wicklewood ice cream business, checking mobile catering equipment, freezers, leads and everyday appliances. Several clear pass readings were recorded, while a failed result showed the value of testing equipment before continued commercial use.
Electric11 installed a 7 kW Myenergi zappi home charger in Norton, adding new consumer units and a protected underground supply to a detached garage.
Electric11 installed a 23.04 kWh FOX ESS home battery storage system at a Norwich property, combining two EP12 Plus batteries with a hybrid inverter, protected consumer-unit connections and cabling to the main house.
Electric11 completed key electrical installation work for the new Wymondham Banking Hub, installing a communications rack and terminating a commando socket to provide power to the rack busbar. The work was coordinated within an active commercial fit-out at 45 Market Street.
Electric11 retrofitted Fox ESS battery storage to an existing solar installation at a Barnt Green home, improving how surplus generation could be used.
Electric11 upgraded a Long Stratton home with a 4.45 kW solar array, Fox ESS hybrid inverter and 5.18 kWh battery storage system.
Electric11 installed a FastAmps EV charger at an Attleborough vehicle workshop, completing the dedicated charging circuit alongside an EICR and PAT testing across 60 portable items.
Electric11 completed targeted EICR remedial works at a Norwich property, addressing C1 and C2 safety observations and preparing the fixed electrical installation for follow-up testing and certification.
Electric11 replaced an older analogue solar generation meter at a Norwich property with an Emlite ECA2 100A single-phase kWh meter, providing clear digital recording for the existing solar PV system.
Electric11 replaced a damaged sauna light and associated wiring at a leisure property in Attleborough, restoring safe and reliable illumination.
Electric11 completed a garden room electrical installation in Norwich, adding a protected supply, local consumer unit, lighting and practical socket provision for a new music space.
Electric11 checked and tested a wall light lamp holder at an Attleborough home after bulbs failed to operate correctly, confirming safe circuit conditions and compliance with BS 7671.
Electric11 installed a customer-supplied 7 kW SolaX home charger at Cherry Tree, supported by a dedicated cable run, surge protection, a Type A RCBO and replacement protective devices.
Electric11 upgraded the outside of an Attleborough home with six wall lights, three weather-resistant double sockets, three replacement switches, a fused spur and carefully routed exterior cabling.
Electric11 replaced an earth bond at a Suffolk home, completed the associated electrical testing and issued a satisfactory EICR, giving the customer clear confirmation that the recorded remedial work had been completed.
Electric11 upgraded a commercial motorsport workshop with a dedicated car-lift supply, rotary isolation, 18 LED fittings and two PIR-controlled floodlights.
Electric11 completed targeted EICR remedial works at an Attleborough property, addressing C1 and C2 observations identified during an electrical safety inspection.
Electric11 installed a certified greenhouse power supply in Attleborough using buried 2.5mm² SWA cable, protective conduit and a weather-resistant double socket.
Electric11 restored lighting throughout a Kenninghall home by replacing failed bulbs across multiple rooms and confirming that the affected light fittings were working again.
Electric11 replaced an existing shower in Norwich with a Mira Advance 8.7kW thermostatic electric shower, tested the dedicated circuit and issued a Minor Electrical Installation Works certificate.
Electric11 upgraded a conservatory in Wymondham with six downlights, a replacement LED strip, relocated sockets, new double sockets and surface trunking for a brighter, more practical space.
Electric11 installed an Evec EV charger at an Attleborough home, including dedicated cabling, trenching, post mounting, surge protection, a Type A RCBO and full electrical testing.
Electric11 installed a 13.8 kWp solar array, 7 kW FOX hybrid inverter, approximately 23 kWh of battery storage and a failover system at a home near Carvers Lane, Attleborough. The system helps the property generate, store and manage more of its own electricity.
Electric11 added three Pylontech US5000C batteries to an existing three-phase Victron system in Wymondham. The 14.4 kWh upgrade increased total battery storage to 56.4 kWh—a 34.3% capacity increase.
In Attleborough, Norfolk, Electric11 completed a 3.9 kW solar installation for a bungalow property, featuring 12 × 325 W full-black panels, a Solis 3.6 kW hybrid inverter, and a Puredrive 5 kWh battery. The system is designed to generate around 3,400 kWh per year, delivering annual savings of £918, reducing CO₂ emissions by 851 kg, and cutting grid reliance by 70%.
Electric11 installed a 1.82 kW shed solar power system in Attleborough, Norfolk, featuring 4 × 455 W full-black panels and a Fox Hybrid 1.0 kW inverter. This compact setup is expected to generate 1,300 kWh of clean energy per year, delivering annual savings of £351 and cutting 299 kg of CO₂ emissions — a smart, efficient solar solution without battery storage.
In Breckland, Norfolk, Electric11 delivered a 6.2 kW solar farm installation featuring 14 × 445 W full-black panels, a Fox Hybrid 5 kW inverter, and a Fox ESS 5.18 kWh battery. The system is expected to generate around 5,706 kWh of renewable energy per year, providing annual savings of £601.23, reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,181 kg, and achieving a 67% decrease in grid reliance.
Taking a clean and practical design approach, our focus was on creating an efficient area dedicated to renewable energy generation. Following a full review of the land, we installed a ground-mounted array featuring 48 × 405 W full-black panels arranged across three separate arrays. We advised that a 19.44 kW total system size would be the most suitable configuration for the property’s energy needs.
Taking a clean and efficient approach, our focus was to design a system that made the most of renewable energy potential. After evaluating the property, we fitted 10 × 445 W full-black panels arranged across two separate arrays. A total capacity of 4.45 kW was determined to be the most effective solution for the property’s size and energy requirements.
Taking a straightforward and modern approach, our aim was to design a practical space focused on generating clean, renewable energy. After evaluating the property, we installed a carport solar array featuring 9 × 445 W full-black panels. We determined that a 4 kW system would deliver the best balance of efficiency and suitability for the property’s energy demands.
