Replacement of electrical panels

Replacement of electrical panels

Modernize your switchboard for safer power

Your electrical panel is the control centre of your property. It distributes electricity to every circuit, protects wiring from overloads, and helps reduce the risk of electric shock and fire. When a panel is outdated, damaged, or undersized for today’s appliances, it can create nuisance trips, hot spots, and unreliable power. A professional panel replacement restores safety, improves performance, and gives you room for future upgrades.

When a panel replacement is the right choice

Not every electrical issue means the panel must be replaced, but there are clear warning signs that the safest option is a full upgrade. If you notice any of the issues below, an inspection should be booked as soon as possible.

  • Frequent tripping breakers or blown fuses, especially when using common appliances
  • Burning smells, buzzing sounds, or visible scorching around breakers
  • Warm panel cover, loose breakers, or flickering lights across multiple rooms
  • Old fuse boards, cramped panels, or missing protective devices like RCDs
  • Renovations, an extension, a heat pump, EV charger, or new high load equipment planned

If you are unsure whether the issue is the panel or a specific circuit fault, our team can assess the full system and recommend the most cost effective and safe path forward through electrical troubleshooting and on site testing.

What is included in our electrical panel replacement service

Panel replacement is more than swapping a box on the wall. Done correctly, it includes system checks, safe isolation, proper labeling, and verification testing so every circuit is protected and correctly connected.

Assessment and planning

We start with a detailed review of your existing installation, including the main isolator, earthing and bonding, cable condition, and circuit layout. We confirm your current load requirements and discuss any future plans, such as a kitchen upgrade or EV charging, to ensure the new panel is sized correctly. This is also the stage where we identify any circuits that need attention before re energising.

Safe removal and installation

Once everything is agreed, we isolate the supply, remove the old panel, and install a modern consumer unit with appropriate protection. Circuits are reconnected carefully, tightened to specification, and neatly routed. We label every breaker for clarity, which makes future maintenance and emergency shut off much easier.

Protection devices and compliance

Modern panels typically include RCD and RCBO protection, surge protection where suitable, and properly rated main switches. These devices help reduce the risk of shock, limit damage from power surges, and improve fault isolation so a single issue does not take down the entire home or workspace. We work to current safety requirements and provide documentation for the completed work.

Testing and handover

After installation, we test circuits, confirm correct polarity, verify earthing performance, and check that protective devices trip within required limits. We walk you through the new layout, show you what each breaker controls, and explain what to do if a breaker trips. If you need related upgrades such as new circuits or rewiring, we can coordinate them as part of broader electrical installation services.

Residential and commercial panel upgrades

Homes and businesses have different demands, and we tailor the replacement accordingly. In residential properties, the focus is often on safety improvements, additional capacity, and clean labeling for everyday use. In commercial settings, reliability and continuity matter, along with clear circuit separation for equipment, lighting, and critical loads.

For both environments we can plan staged work to reduce downtime, verify that protective devices match the connected loads, and ensure the installation is ready for future expansion. If you manage multiple sites or need ongoing care after the upgrade, ask about scheduled electrical maintenance services for periodic inspections and preventative checks.

How to prepare and what to expect on the day

Panel replacement usually requires a temporary power shutdown. We will agree a time window in advance and advise you on practical steps to protect sensitive devices and avoid disruption.

  1. Save work and power down computers, routers, and sensitive electronics
  2. Keep access clear around the panel and meter area
  3. Plan for refrigeration and heating needs during the outage window
  4. Let us know about any critical equipment that must remain powered

Most replacements can be completed in a single visit, depending on panel location, circuit condition, and any remedial work identified during inspection. We aim for a tidy finish, with careful cable management, secure fixings, and clear labeling that makes your electrical system easier to understand and safer to operate.

If your panel is showing signs of age or your property is outgrowing its electrical capacity, a replacement is a straightforward investment in safety and reliability that you will notice every day.

FAQ

How do I know if my electrical panel needs replacing or just a repair?

If breakers trip frequently, the panel runs warm, or you see scorching, buzzing, or burning smells, replacement is often safer than repair. Older fuse boards and panels without RCD protection are also strong candidates for an upgrade. An inspection can confirm whether the fault is in the panel or a single circuit.

Will I lose power during an electrical panel replacement?

Yes, the supply is typically shut off for part of the job to keep everything safe. We will agree a time window in advance and work efficiently to minimise downtime. If you have critical equipment, tell us ahead of time so we can plan around it.

Can you add capacity for an EV charger or home extension when replacing the panel?

Yes, panel replacement is a good time to plan for future loads and add dedicated circuits if needed. We can size the new consumer unit correctly and install suitable protective devices. This helps avoid repeated upgrades later and improves overall reliability.