Electric Panel Upgrade
Electric Panel Upgrade | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Bristol
Whether you’re renovating a charming Clifton townhouse or future-proofing a bustling Bedminster café, HEP brings the know-how and efficiency Bristol homeowners and businesses rely on for safe, seamless electric panel upgrades. Our certified electricians evaluate your existing load demands, install modern breaker panels with surge protection, and tidy every cable run so your property is ready for today’s tech-heavy lifestyles—and tomorrow’s innovations.
We work around your schedule, obtain all local permits, and coordinate with Western Power to minimise downtime. From the first free assessment to the final circuit test, you’ll get transparent pricing, tidy workmanship, and the peace of mind that comes from a fully insured, NICEIC-approved team. Discover how effortless an electrical revamp can be with HEP at the helm—book your visit and let Bristol’s trusted experts elevate your power capacity today.
FAQs
Why might I need to upgrade my electrical consumer unit or panel in a Bristol home?
Older properties in Bristol often have re-wirable fuse boards or early MCB panels that lack modern safety devices such as Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Arc-Fault Detection. Upgrading to a current BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2 compliant consumer unit gives you better shock protection, reduces fire risk, adds capacity for new circuits (EV chargers, heat pumps etc.) and brings the installation up to the standard required when you sell, let or insure the property.
How can I tell if my existing fuse board is no longer safe or compliant?
Warning signs include a board with ceramic or cartridge fuses, scorch marks, frequent tripping, undersized tails, no RCD test button and cabling that’s rubber- or cloth-insulated. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out by a NICEIC or NAPIT-registered contractor will confirm whether your panel is coded C2 (potentially dangerous) or F/I (further investigation) and should be replaced.
What regulations apply to electric panel upgrades in Bristol and do I need Building Control approval?
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations for England & Wales. A registered electrician can self-certify the job and issue you an Electrical Installation Certificate plus a Building Control Compliance Certificate. The work must meet the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and, where the meter tails or service head need altering, Western Power Distribution’s rules on service equipment clearance.
How long does a typical consumer unit replacement take and will my power be off all day?
Most domestic panel upgrades take 4–6 hours, including testing every circuit. Your electricity will be off for most of that period, but we can schedule the work in stages and provide temporary power for critical equipment if needed. Larger homes, three-phase supplies or extensive remedial work may push the job to a full day.
What does an electric panel upgrade cost in Bristol and what factors affect the price?
A straightforward 6–10 way dual-RCD consumer unit replacement usually falls between £450 and £700 including certification. Costs rise for surge protection devices, RCBO-only boards, three-phase units, additional earthing upgrades, rewiring of non-compliant circuits or if the tails and main earth conductor must be upsized to 25 mm² and 16 mm² respectively. A free site survey lets us give a fixed quotation.
Do I need to coordinate with my electricity supplier or Western Power Distribution for a panel upgrade?
If the installer only works on your side of the meter, no prior appointment is needed. However, if the incoming service head, main fuse or meter tails require alteration, we’ll arrange a short isolation with Western Power Distribution (WPD). This is normally free and booked a week in advance. Smart meter providers may also need notice if the meter is to be repositioned.