Do I Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade? 7 Warning Signs Every Maidstone Homeowner Should Know
Your consumer unit (sometimes called a fuse board or fuse box) is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It controls, protects and distributes electricity—and when it becomes outdated, overloaded or damaged, it can quickly turn into a serious safety risk.
Many homes in Maidstone still use old-style fuse boards that no longer meet modern wiring regulations. Whether you’re renovating, adding new electrical loads or simply unsure about your current set-up, it’s important to know the signs that your unit may need an upgrade.
Below are the 7 most common warning signs Maidstone homeowners should look out for.
1. Your Fuse Board Has a Wooden Back or Ceramic Fuses
If your consumer unit has:
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- a wooden back
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- ceramic rewireable fuses
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- exposed wiring
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- toggle-style fuse carriers
…it’s likely 40–60 years old and does not offer modern electrical protection.
These boards fail modern safety standards and offer no RCD protection, putting you at much higher risk of electric shock and electrical fires.
2. You Don’t Have RCD Protection
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) protect you from electric shocks if a fault occurs.
If your fuse board doesn’t have RCD switches, it is considered outdated and unsafe by current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).
Most older Maidstone homes still rely on fuse wire systems with no RCDs—one of the strongest signs it’s time for an upgrade.
3. Lights Flicker or Circuits Trip Regularly
If you’re experiencing:
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- lights dimming
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- circuits tripping
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- appliances cutting out
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- sockets that feel warm
…it may indicate that your fuse board cannot cope with modern electrical demand.
4. You’ve Added New Appliances or Extensions
Common situations requiring a new consumer unit include:
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- kitchen remodels
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- new electric showers
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- EV charger installations
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- garden rooms or home offices
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- extensions and loft conversions
Any major upgrade increases electrical load, which an older unit may not handle safely.
5. Burn Marks, Buzzing or Smells from the Fuse Board
These are danger signs.
Burn marks, a buzzing sound or any smell of overheating mean a component is failing, which poses a serious fire risk.
If you notice this, switch off the power immediately and contact an electrician.
6. Your Home Fails an Electrical Inspection (EICR)
Most homes built before the 1990s fail an EICR due to:
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- lack of RCDs
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- aged wiring
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- non-compliant consumer units
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- incorrect bonding
If this happens, a consumer unit upgrade is usually recommended to bring the property to modern safety standards.
7. You’re Planning to Sell or Rent Your Property
Buyers and letting agents frequently ask for a modern fuse board, and landlords are required to meet strict electrical safety regulations.
Upgrading your consumer unit can:
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- increase property value
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- make your home more marketable
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- prevent failed inspections
How Much Does a Consumer Unit Upgrade Cost in Maidstone?
In Maidstone, the typical cost ranges from:
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- £450–£850 for a standard replacement
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- £900+ for large properties or complex rewiring
The final price depends on:
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- number of circuits
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- condition of existing wiring
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- type of consumer unit
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- earthing and bonding requirements
You’ll always receive a full certificate (EIC) once work is completed.
Why Choose a Local Maidstone Electrician?
A local, qualified electrician ensures:
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- fast response times
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- knowledge of local building requirements
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- competitive pricing
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- familiarity with Maidstone property types
Working with someone nearby also means support is easy if you need future upgrades or maintenance.