Fuse Box & Consumer Unit Upgrades
in Brechin
Upgrade your outdated fuse box to a modern consumer unit with RCD protection. Keep your family safe from electrical fires and shocks.
ModernConsumer Unit Upgrades Available in Brechin
We upgrade all types of old fuse boxes to modern, safe consumer units with full RCD and RCBO protection.
Standard RCBO Upgrade
Full consumer unit replacement with individual RCBO circuit breakers. Each circuit gets its own earth fault protection, so a fault in one room doesn't trip your whole house.
- 12-14 Way Consumer Unit
- Individual RCBO Protection
- Full Labelling & Testing
Metal Consumer Unit
Amendment 3 compliant metal enclosure for maximum fire safety. Required for consumer units installed under stairs or in escape routes. The safest option available.
- Non-Combustible Enclosure
- Amendment 3 Compliant
- Maximum Fire Safety
Garage/Shed Sub-Board
Separate consumer unit for outbuildings. Perfect for garages, workshops, and sheds. We run armoured cable from your main house and install a mini consumer unit for multiple circuits.
- SWA Cable Installation
- Independent Protection
- Workshop Ready
And More...
We also install Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), EV charger circuits, shower isolators, and split-load boards. Every upgrade is tailored to your specific home and future needs.
Ex-RAF. Ex-Fire Service.
100% Brechin Local.
I served as a Retained Firefighter with Brechin Fire Service and a Royal Air Force Electrical Engineer. I have seen firsthand what happens when electrical systems go wrong.
"As a former firefighter, I've seen what happens when old fuse boxes fail. Rewirable fuses and no RCD protection are a fire waiting to happen."
That's why every consumer unit I install meets the latest 18th Edition regulations. I upgrade fuse boxes across Brechin, Edzell, and Montrose, ensuring families are protected from electrical fires and shocks.
Engineer
Fire Service
Experience
Why Upgrade Your Fuse Box?
Old fuse boxes with rewirable fuses can't protect you from modern electrical dangers. Here's why you need a modern consumer unit.
Fire
Prevention
Old fuse boxes with wooden backs are fire hazards. Modern consumer units are non-combustible and meet Amendment 3 fire safety standards.
Shock
Protection
RCDs cut power in 40 milliseconds if you touch a live wire. Old rewirable fuses can't do this - they only protect cables, not people.
Insurance
Valid
Many insurers won't cover homes with old fuse boxes. A modern consumer unit keeps your insurance valid and may reduce premiums.
Future
Ready
Modern units can handle EV chargers, hot tubs, electric showers, and more. Old fuse boxes simply don't have the capacity or spare circuits.
Old vs New: The Difference Is Life-Saving
See why rewirable fuses are a danger to your family.
Old Fuse Box ❌
- ⚠️Rewirable Fuses - Can be over-fused with wire or nails
- ⚠️No RCD Protection - Won't save you from electrocution
- ⚠️Wooden Backing - Fire hazard under fault conditions
- ⚠️Limited Circuits - Usually 4-6 ways only
- ⚠️Insurance Issues - Many insurers refuse cover
Modern Consumer Unit ✅
- MCBs/RCBOs - Tamper-proof, instant disconnection
- Dual RCD Protection - Saves lives in 40ms
- Metal Enclosure - Non-combustible, Amendment 3 compliant
- 12+ Circuits - Room for EV chargers, showers, etc.
- Full Certification - Insurance compliant & safe
WhereWe Install Consumer Units in Brechin Homes
Every Angus home is different. Here's where consumer units are typically located.
Kitchen Consumer Unit
The standard location. Usually behind the kitchen door or in the utility room. We upgrade in place with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Under Stairs
Common in older Brechin homes. Metal consumer unit required under Amendment 3 regulations for fire safety in escape routes.
Garage Installation
For separate outbuilding supply. We run SWA cable from your main house and install a sub-board for garage lights, sockets, and EV chargers.
Meter Cupboard
Common in flats and newer builds. We install compact consumer units right next to your meter for a neat, accessible installation.
We Cover These Angus Zones
| Postcode | Town / Area | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| DD9 6 | BRECHIN / EDZELL | < 24 HOURS |
| DD9 7 | TARFSIDE / GLEN ESK | NEXT DAY |
| DD10 8 | MONTROSE / HILLSIDE | NEXT DAY |
| DD8 1 | FORFAR / LETHAM | NEXT DAY |
| AB30 | LAURENCEKIRK | 48 HOURS |
Danger: Rewirable Fuses Can't Protect You
As a former firefighter, I've seen the aftermath. Rewirable fuses don't trip fast enough to save lives. They can be over-fused with thicker wire or even nails, bypassing all safety.
Old fuse boxes offer no earth fault protection. If you touch a faulty appliance, it won't trip until you're already being electrocuted. RCDs save lives in 40 milliseconds.
OurConsumer Unit Upgrade Process
From assessment to certification. We make fuse box upgrades simple and stress-free.
Free Assessment
We photograph your current setup, check your earthing system (TN-S, TN-C-S, or TT), and identify any potential issues before we start.
Quote & Schedule
Fixed price, no surprises. We explain exactly what work is needed and book you in within the week. No pushy sales, just honest advice.
Installation
Typically takes 4-6 hours. We isolate power, replace the consumer unit, and label everything clearly. Your power will be off during installation.
Test & Certificate
We test every circuit with professional equipment and provide a full Electrical Installation Certificate for building control and insurance.
We Install All Major Brands
Fuse Box Upgrade FAQs
? Do you upgrade fuse boxes in Montrose?
Yes. We cover all of Angus including Montrose, Arbroath, Forfar, and Kirriemuir. We're based in Brechin and can usually be with you within 24-48 hours.
? How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
A standard replacement takes 4-6 hours. Your power will be off during this time, so we recommend scheduling it when you can be out of the house or have alternative arrangements.
? Will I need to rewire my whole house?
Not usually. Most homes just need the consumer unit upgraded. We test all circuits first - if wiring is dangerous, we'll advise, but in 90% of cases the existing cables are fine.
? What's the difference between MCB and RCBO?
An MCB is a circuit breaker that protects cables from overload. An RCBO combines this with RCD protection to save lives. RCBOs are better because one faulty circuit won't trip your whole house.
? Is my old fuse box illegal?
No, but it's dangerous. Old fuse boxes aren't illegal to own, but they don't meet current safety standards. If you sell your house, a surveyor will flag it, and many insurers won't cover you.
? How much does a fuse box upgrade cost in Brechin?
A standard 12-way consumer unit upgrade typically costs £600-£900 including parts, labour, testing, and certification. Complex jobs (like earthing upgrades) cost more.
? Do you offer surge protection?
Yes. We can install Type 2 SPDs (Surge Protection Devices) to protect sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, and smart home equipment from lightning strikes and grid surges.
? Can you add circuits for an EV charger?
Absolutely. We install consumer units with spare ways for future expansion. If you're planning an EV charger, hot tub, or electric shower, tell us in advance so we can spec the right board.
? What is Amendment 3?
Amendment 3 to the 18th Edition regulations requires consumer units installed under stairs or in escape routes to be metal (non-combustible). This prevents fires spreading if a fault occurs.
? Will you need to turn off my power?
Yes. We have to isolate the main supply while we work. The power will be off for 4-6 hours during installation. We recommend unplugging sensitive electronics and freezers beforehand.
? Do I need a certificate?
Yes. Every consumer unit replacement requires an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and notification to building control. We handle all paperwork and provide certificates for your records.
? What if my earthing is TT?
TT earthing (earth rod) is common in rural Angus. We install special high-sensitivity RCDs (100mA) on the main switch to ensure your installation is safe and compliant with regulations.
Time To Upgrade Your Protection?
Get a modern consumer unit installed by Brechin's trusted local electrician.
No sales teams. Just honest advice from James.