Add a Circuit

€ 265 including 21% VAT for the first circuit. That covers the breaker, correctly sized cable from the unit, RCD setup, testing with protocol, updating the meter-cupboard card and call-out within Amsterdam.

Each further circuit in the same visit costs € 195, because call-out, isolation and testing only happen once. The cable and socket to the appliance are extra, depending on distance.

Open the meter cupboard and look at the row of breakers. Each breaker is one module wide; empty slots are usually covered with a blank or a break-out section of the cover strip. Count those slots — that is your free space.

A standard circuit takes one module, an RCBO two, and an extra RCD also two. Use the space check at the top of this page, or simply send us a photo of the open cupboard via WhatsApp; we count it for you and say straight away whether it fits.

Four options. RCBOs combine breaker and RCD in two modules instead of three, often freeing just enough for one or two extra circuits. Merging two light circuits can work sometimes, but is rarely wise. A sub-board next to the existing unit is an option if the cupboard is too small for a larger unit. And fourth: replace the unit.

The tipping point is around three extra circuits. Adding three circuits costs € 795; a new 9-circuit unit € 945. For a hundred and fifty euros more you then get spare capacity, three RCDs and an inspection report. Then we advise replacement, even though the smaller job is easier for us.

For appliances that draw a lot (induction, oven, dishwasher, washer, dryer), for appliances that run for long stretches (charger, heat pump, air-con), and for appliances that must not trip because it is expensive when they do (freezer, boiler system, server rack).

For that last category it is not about power but independence: with its own RCBO, a broken garden light will not shut down your freezer while you are on holiday.

Adding one circuit takes about an hour; two to three circuits one and a half to two hours. During the work the unit is without power — allow half an hour to an hour.

If a cable and socket are also needed, time depends on distance and whether chasing is required. We estimate that at the enquiry; it usually stays within half a day.

Technically it is not complicated, but three things often go wrong. The breaker rating must match the cable size, otherwise the breaker does not protect the wire. For a charger or inverter a standard type A RCD is not always enough. And after the change the split across RCDs must still be correct.

Also: if fire or water damage occurs and the installation was altered by an unrecognised party, that becomes a conversation with your insurer you do not want. For € 265 that is a thin saving.

An MCB protects the cable against overload and short circuit — it trips if too much current flows through it. An RCD protects people: it trips if current leaks away, for example through a body to earth.

An RCBO is both in one component, two modules wide. That saves space in a full unit, and it has a second benefit: that circuit stands entirely on its own, so a fault there does not take out the rest of the home. We use them as standard for chargers, freezers and boiler systems.

Yes. Adding a circuit costs € 265 including 21% VAT for the first one and € 195 for each additional circuit in the same visit — covering the breaker, correctly sized cable back to the consumer unit, RCD configuration, testing with a measurement record and an updated circuit chart.

Not sure whether your consumer unit has space? Send a photo of the open unit via WhatsApp and we will count the free modules for you and tell you straight away whether it fits or whether replacing the unit is the better option.