Fuse board upgrade Christchurch

Why upgrade your fuse board?

Your fuse board (also known as a consumer unit) is the heart of your home’s electrical system - distributing power safely to every circuit in your property. Over time, electrical standards improve, and the demand on your system increases.

If your home still has an older-style fuse board with rewirable fuses or no RCD protection, it may no longer meet modern safety requirements. Upgrading ensures your home is protected from faults, overloads, and electrical fires, giving you and your family peace of mind.

Common reasons to upgrade include:

• Improved safety - Modern boards include RCD and RCBO protection that instantly shut off power if a fault occurs, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire. 
• Home extensions or renovations - Adding new rooms, garden offices or extensions often means higher electrical loads that your existing board can’t safely handle. A stressed electrical system is a dangerous one. 
• EV charger installation - EV home chargers require dedicated circuits to charge your EV safely. If you’re considering an EV, you may require a board upgrade before a home charger can be installed. 
• Smart home systems - As homes integrate more technology (heating controls, CCTV, automation), your fuse board is likely falling behind. To ensure it can handle this increased power demand, an upgrade is an essential form of maintenance.  

Christchurch homes

Many homes in Christchurch date back several decades, with some properties still using original wiring or older-style fuse boards. While these may have served well in the past, today’s appliances and technologies demand much more power and better protection. If your property was built before the early 2000s and hasn’t had a recent electrical inspection, it’s likely time to consider a fuse board upgrade. We frequently work on properties ranging from Victorian terraces and 1960s semis to modern new builds and HMOs, ensuring every installation meets the latest BS 7671 wiring regulations.

What’s involved in a fuse board upgrade

When you choose Carmichael Electrical Services, we take care of the entire process from start to finish:

• Initial inspection: We inspect your existing electrical setup, test the wiring, and determine what’s required to get your home up to standard.
• Installation of a new consumer unit: We remove the old fuse board and fit a modern consumer unit with full RCD/RCBO protection for each circuit. It’ll also look 100x better! Is your fuse board in a tricky spot? We can also discuss relocation options. 
• Testing & certification: Once installed, we carry out in-depth electrical testing to ensure everything meets current safety standards, then issue a new Electrical Installation Certificate for your records - especially important if you’re a Landlord or hoping to sell up soon. 
• Future-proofing: We ensure your new board has capacity for future additions - whether that’s an EV charger, garden office, or loft conversion.

HMOs & student properties in Dorset

Christchurch has a growing number of HMOs and student accommodations, especially around Bournemouth University and nearby towns. These properties place additional strain on electrical systems due to higher usage and multiple occupants. Upgrading the fuse board is not just a smart investment - it’s often a legal requirement to ensure tenant safety and compliance with HMO licensing standards.

If your fuse board is outdated, frequently trips, or you’re planning home improvements, it’s time to upgrade. Get in touch with Carmichael Electrical Services today for more information.