Electrical panel upgrade-Many homeowners rarely think about their electrical panel—often called a fuse box or consumer unit—until a problem arises. Yet this critical component plays a key role in home safety and electrical functionality.
With modern households using more electricity than ever—from smart devices to electric showers and EV chargers—an outdated or overloaded panel can quickly become a serious hazard.
At Notts Fire & Electrical Ltd, we provide expert electrical panel upgrade services across Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the East Midlands, ensuring homes are safe, compliant, and future-proof.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel distributes electricity from the main supply to all circuits in your home. It protects each circuit using fuses or circuit breakers to prevent overloads and faults.
Modern consumer units include circuit breakers and RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for enhanced safety, while older panels may still use traditional fuses, which are less efficient and harder to maintain.
Upgrading your panel ensures your home complies with current UK electrical regulations (BS 7671) and can handle modern energy demands safely.
Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Are Increasing
Over the past 20 years, electricity usage in homes has surged:
- Smart TVs, computers, and home entertainment systems
- Electric showers, underfloor heating, and kitchen appliances
- EV chargers and renewable energy systems
Older panels weren’t designed for this load. Upgrading to a modern RCBO or dual-RCD consumer unit improves safety, efficiency, and compliance with current 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
Warning Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs Replacing
You don’t have to wait for a major fault. Watch for these indicators:
- Frequent tripping of breakers — Your panel may be overloaded.
- Burning smell or scorch marks — Signs of overheating and potential fire risk.
- Fuse-based system — Outdated and non-compliant.
- Flickering or dimming lights — Could indicate insufficient power supply.
- Recent home renovations or extensions — Extra circuits may exceed your panel’s capacity.
- Installing an EV charger — Requires a dedicated circuit and sufficient panel capacity.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Safety First – Modern panels reduce fire risk and protect against electric shock.
Compliance – Meets BS 7671 standards and ensures insurance coverage.
Increased Capacity – Supports new circuits for EV chargers, solar, or additional appliances.
Peace of Mind – Know your home is safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Property Value – Modern consumer units are attractive to potential buyers.
What’s Involved in a Panel Upgrade?
A professional electrician will:
- Assess your current installation and recommend the right consumer unit
- Disconnect the main power supply
- Remove the old panel and install a modern metal-clad unit with RCBOs or dual RCDs
- Test all circuits for safe operation
- Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and update the EICR report if required
Most installations take 1–2 days and may require temporary power outages.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
Prices vary depending on property size and complexity:
| Property Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £500–£600 |
| 2–3 bed house | £600–£800 |
| 4+ bed house | £800–£1,000+ |
| Extensions / EV charger setup | Custom quote |
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and options for additional circuits or remedial work are standard.
Is an Upgrade Worth It?
Absolutely. Consider upgrading if:
- Your panel is over 15 years old
- You’ve increased your electricity usage recently
- You’re adding EV chargers, solar, or other high-demand systems
- Your insurance policy requires compliance with current regulations
A modern consumer unit future-proofs your home, improves safety, and adds value.
Why Choose Notts Fire & Electrical Ltd?
We are fully insured electrical contractors serving Nottinghamshire, Worksop, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the East Midlands.
When you book a panel upgrade with us, you get:
- Qualified, experienced engineers
- Safe, compliant, and tidy installation
- Electrical certificates and updated reports
- Optional upgrades for RCDs, RCBOs, and consumer units
- Honest, no-pressure advice
Future-Proof Your Home Today
Don’t wait for a fault to strike. If your electrical panel is outdated or showing signs of overload, contact Notts Fire & Electrical Ltd for a free consultation and quote. Protect your home, family, and investment with a modern, compliant electrical system.
📞 Call: 01909 286986
🌐 Book online: www.nfeltd.co.uk