Power Demands
Power Demands | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Bristol
Bristol’s homes and businesses are drawing more power than ever—from gourmet kitchens and fast EV chargers to growing work-from-home setups. If your lights flicker when the dryer starts or you’re juggling extension cords, HEP’s master electricians can transform that outdated breaker box into a rock-solid power hub. We listen to your goals, evaluate load requirements, and design right-sized electric panel upgrades that meet today’s codes while anticipating tomorrow’s tech.
Our team handles everything—from securing permits to coordinating with the utility—so you enjoy a seamless, mess-free installation. Every component we install is backed by industry-leading warranties and our own satisfaction guarantee, giving you confidence that your family, tenants, or customers are protected from avoidable electrical hazards. Ready to boost capacity, improve safety, and add value to your Bristol property? Schedule your free assessment with HEP today and feel the difference of power you can trust.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel in Bristol?
Modern homes and businesses rely on far more electrical devices than panels installed 20–40 years ago were designed to handle. An upgrade increases the amperage available (typically from 60 A or 100 A to 200 A or higher), adds additional breaker spaces, and incorporates current-generation safety features such as Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Arc-Fault protection. This helps prevent overloaded circuits, reduces fire risk, and ensures you have enough capacity for high-demand appliances such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers, heat pumps and induction hobs.
How do I know if my existing consumer unit (fuse box) is outdated or unsafe?
Common warning signs include: a fuse box that still uses re-wireable fuses, frequent breaker trips or blown fuses, warm or buzzing breakers, a panel that is physically damaged or shows signs of corrosion, and circuits that lose power when multiple appliances run together. If your installation predates 2008 it may also lack RCD protection. A periodic Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a qualified Bristol electrician will confirm whether an upgrade is recommended.
What size or capacity panel should I install to meet future power demands?
Most Bristol households today install a 200-amp (single-phase) consumer unit, which is generally sufficient for EV charging, electric heating and standard domestic loads. Larger properties, homes with three-phase supplies, or small commercial premises may opt for 300 A+ or three-phase boards. Your electrician will calculate your maximum demand (diversity calculation) and consult Western Power Distribution (now National Grid) if a service upgrade or three-phase connection is required.
What is involved in an electric panel upgrade and how long does it take?
1) Survey & Design – Your electrician inspects the existing supply, selects an appropriately rated board and gathers Part P documentation. 2) Power Isolation – The Distribution Network Operator isolates the incoming service or your electrician fits a temporary isolation device. 3) Removal & Installation – The old panel is removed, tails and bonding are upgraded, new breakers are installed and labelled. 4) Testing & Certification – The entire installation is tested to BS 7671 and an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued. 5) Building Control Notification – Required under Part P. For a straightforward domestic swap the work is usually completed in one day, with power off for 3–6 hours.
Do I need planning permission or Building Control approval in Bristol for a panel upgrade?
Planning permission is not required, but electrical work in dwellings is controlled under Part P of the Building Regulations. A registered Competent Person Scheme (CPS) electrician (NICEIC, NAPIT, STROMA, etc.) can self-certify and notify Bristol City Council on your behalf. If you use a non-registered installer you must separately notify Building Control before work starts and pay their inspection fee.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost and what factors affect the price?
For a typical three-bed Bristol home, replacing an old fuse box with a split-load 200 A 18th-edition consumer unit costs £500–£850 including testing and Part P notification. Prices rise if: the mains tails or earthing arrangements need upgrading; additional circuits, RCBOs or AFDDs are specified; the meter position must be moved; or a single-phase supply is converted to three-phase. Commercial or large domestic upgrades can range from £1,200 to £3,000+. Obtaining a fixed quotation after a site survey is the best way to budget.