Is it possible to move a consumer unit, how is it done?

I understand that not everyone absolutely loves a huge electrical box on the wall of their hallway, living room or elsewhere. Some people will want these moved to another location, out of view or even to somewhere more accessible in case there are electrical problems and they need to reset the breaker. As an electrician myself, I am regularly asked if a consumer unit can be moved and the answer is nearly always YES, it is possible to MOVE A CONSUMER UNIT.

The issues arise when we start to look at the costs for the electrical work involved in moving one of these. A new location will often mean that a new consumer unit will need to be installed if the existing one is more than a few years old. Under most wiring regulations, it is not possible to relocate a consumer unit, extending all the wiring and reinstalling it elsewhere without upgrading the unit itself. Plastic consumer units will likely need to be upgraded when they are moved.

1) Can DIY enthusiasts move a consumer unit or fuse box?

NO. There is a straightforward answer for you right there. There is no way that the average DIY enthusiast has the knowledge of the safety requirements, the understanding of electrical installations, knowledge of test procedures or the right test equipment in order to safely and successfully relocate a consumer unit. Please note, if it turns on or appears to work then this is NOT an indication of safety. 

Electrical work is best left to qualified professionals who are licensed, insured and qualified to carry out works such as this. A consumer unit installation, relocation or swap is notifiable work to building control and as such, it must be carried out by someone who is able to fulfil the requirements.

2) What’s involved when moving a fuse board or consumer unit?

There are a number of things involved when moving a consumer unit or fuse board. Things that need to be considered include:

• Testing and inspection of existing circuits
• Hidden wiring faults
• Cables in the walls
• Any repairs that need to take place 

Testing and Inspection of Existing Circuits

Before the consumer unit can be moved the electrical circuits need to be fully tested and inspected to ensure that there are no wiring faults present in the electrical system. There needs to be no risk of electric shocks, no electrical faults, and no damage wiring in order to safely install the new unit. 

Hidden Wiring Faults

​Where wiring faults are discovered, it is important that these are rectified before the electrical wiring is extended or altered. In order to comply with wiring regulations, a new consumer unit cannot be installed and circuits connected where there are pre-existing issues.

Cables in the Walls

​Where moving a consumer unit would leave cables buried in the walls, the cables must be relocated or a junction box installed on the surface of the wall to indicate that there is wiring behind. Where wiring is going to be outside of safe wiring zones, there has to be some way of alerting people to the presence of buried cables. 

Any repairs that need to take place

​Where there are electrical repairs that need to be carried out, it is best to do these at the same time when relocating a consumer unit. A replacement consumer unit cannot be signed off until all issues are fixed.

What different location is suitable for consumer units?
You should check with your consumer unit relocator (electrician), to ensure that the new location you are planning for fuse board or consumer unit is suitable and will comply with the wiring regulations. Careful planning is needed to ensure relevant safety precautions are taken, the route for any cables is clear of furniture and debris and that the new location is unlikely to result in damage to wiring or new consumer unit installation.

3) What are the safety standards?

In the UK the safety wiring standards are BS7671 Safety Requirements for Electrical Installations. These guidelines should be followed by electricians that are carrying out electrical work. The wiring standards are available from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) website or from good online stores. You should seek professional advice before considering the relocation of your fuse box or consumer unit to ensure that the existing wiring is suitable for extension and alterations.

4) What are the potential risks moving a consumer unit?

​You may need to contact your electricity supplier to have the metering equipment relocated and the Distribution Network Operator to have the incoming mains equipment relocated. It may be a breach of the wiring regulations to move the consumer unit without relocating the other equipment. It’s best to speak to your trusted local electrician regarding the whole job as they will be best placed to inform you of the wiring codes and regulations in your area.

5) Are plastic consumer units illegal?

In 2024 in the UK, the best consumer unit is a metal construction. There are still many plastic consumer units out there doing a great job and they are certainly not illegal. It is simply against regulations to install a replacement consumer unit that is plastic. It’s a good idea to have plastic consumer units swapped out for new ones when major electrical works are due to take place.

6) What paperwork is required when moving a consumer unit?

In England and Wales an Electrical Installation Certificate and Building Control Compliance Certificate are required when moving a consumer unit. You should ask your electrician what certification is required in your local area when the relocation of a consumer unit or fuse box is carried out.

7) Summary

When MOVING A CONSUMER UNIT​ there are a fair few considerations that must be though through. A domestic job and commercial job will differ regarding the disruption, costs and certification required with this task. Without careful planning, sufficient testing, inspection and following regulations, there is risk of an electrical fire, electric shock hazards and injury. 

When relocating a consumer unit, consider upgrading to a larger consumer unit as there will be more room for additional circuits in the future. Electrical supplies for garden lighting, outbuildings and additional circuits in the home is useful and the costs should not increase drastically for a slightly larger consumer unit installation. Other electrical equipment such as meter cupboards, mains power supply and mains incoming cables may need to be shifted to the new consumer unit location but check with your local building authority and qualified electrician to make sure that the job will be done safely and comply with wiring and building regulations.