Understanding Consumer Units: Your Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to Electrical2Go, your trusted source for all things electrical. Today, we're going to delve into the world of consumer units, answering some of the most commonly asked questions about this essential component of your home's electrical system.
• What is a consumer unit?
The consumer unit, a fundamental component in your residential or commercial electrical system, plays a pivotal role in electrical safety and functionality. This important device, also known as a fuse box, breaker panel, or distribution board, sometimes goes by several different names. Understanding its purpose is key for anyone interested in the foundational elements of electrical systems.
This device serves as the entry point for electricity into your property, distributing it to various circuits within your home. It acts to shield people from electrical shocks and to protect your electrical appliances from damage. It does this by using built-in parts and accessories like the main switch, circuit breakers, and safety devices called RCDs. These parts all work together to watch over and manage the flow of electricity, helping to make your home's electrical system safe and efficient.
• Which consumer unit do I need?
There are several types of consumer units available, each designed to meet specific needs. These include the Main Switch, Dual RCD, High Integrity, and RCD Consumer Unit. The type you need depends on your specific requirements and the nature of your property's electrical system.
• Main Switch : The main switch consumer unit is a simple, yet effective solution for smaller properties with fewer circuits. Its single switch controls all power, providing quick cut-off during emergencies. Some come with RCDs, while others are supplied part-populated, so you can add your own circuit protection devices to suit the requirements of the property. RCDs are recommended to avoid individual circuit failures disrupting your entire system.
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• Dual RCD : The Dual RCD consumer unit provides advanced protection by splitting circuits between two RCDs. A fault on one circuit affects only related circuits, preventing total power outages. Ideal for medium-sized properties, it isolates electrical disruptions for minimal impact.
• High Integrity : A high integrity consumer unit is built with three neutral bars and is supplied with a main switch and two RCDs. It also allows for two banks of MCBs and a bank of RCBOs – combining the best aspects of both the main switch and dual RCD boards. The High Integrity consumer unit is versatile, housing dual RCDs and independent circuits protected by MCBs or RCBOs. It's customisable for diverse circuit requirements, making it ideal for larger properties and commercial spaces with complex electrical installations.
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• RCD Consumer Unit : An RCD (Residual Current Device) consumer unit provides an additional safety feature that detects any imbalance in the electrical current, such as a leak, and instantly disconnects the power to prevent electrocution or fire. The RCD consumer unit's primary selling point is safety. It provides continuous monitoring and fast response to electrical faults, which makes it an excellent choice for families with children or where safety is paramount.
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You will then need to consider the amount of ways/number of circuits your consumer unit will need. Be sure to take into account the amount of appliances, devices requirements, and any future expansions (new rooms and electrical circuits) when choosing your consumer unit. In larger households and commercial buildings, you may opt for a double or even triple bank unit in order to house more electrical circuits. Check out Electrical2Go's Multibank Consumer Unit Selection Here.
• How does a consumer unit work?
An electrical consumer unit works by controlling and managing the electricity that enters your property. The distribution board comprises of several components such as a main switch, residual current devices (RCDs), and circuit breakers. These components work together to distribute electricity to the various circuits in your home and at the same time, provides vital protection against electrical faults that could lead to damage to your appliances or pose a risk of electrical shock.
Building upon the foundation of the electrical breaker panel's role, let's delve into the specifics of its integral components, like the modules and circuit breakers including MCBs and RCBOs.
• MCBs, or Miniature Circuit Breakers, are safety devices used within the consumer unit to prevent damage due to high voltages. They automatically switch off the electrical circuit during abnormal conditions of the network, such as an overload or short circuit. The MCB typically protects one circuit, actively switching off only the affected circuit in case of an issue to minimise disruption to your electrical supply.
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• RCBOs, or Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection, are more sophisticated devices. They combine the functionality of an MCB with additional protection against electrical shock, similar to an RCD. This means they not only protect against overloads and short circuits, but also against residual current faults. An RCBO is able to cut off the electricity supply when it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the live and neutral wires, which could indicate a leakage or a risk of electrical shock.
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• RCDs also known as Residual Current Devices or safety switches, offer additional protection against electrical shock. They monitor the flow of electric current and instantly disconnect the circuit within milliseconds if an imbalance is detected between the live and neutral wires. This imbalance indicates a leakage or potential risk of electrical shock. RCDs complement the functions of MCBs and RCBOs by providing an extra layer of safety, ensuring the protection of both people and equipment from electrical hazards.
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• SPDs (Surge Protection Devices) are components that protect against voltage surges and transient events. They divert excess voltage, safeguarding electrical equipment from damage caused by lightning or power fluctuations. Integrating an SPD into the consumer unit combines its functions with MCBs and RCBOs, providing comprehensive protection. Different types of SPDs are available, offering varying levels of protection.
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• AFDD (Arc Fault Detection Device) are sophisticated safety components that detect and mitigate arc faults in electrical circuits, preventing potential fire hazards caused by damaged wiring or loose connections. Their intelligent technology continuously monitors circuits and rapidly interrupts the power when an arc is detected, reducing the risk of undetected faults leading to fires.
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• What are the main components of a consumer unit?
The main components of a consumer unit include the main switch, RCDs, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), and in some cases, residual current breakers with overcurrent (RCBOs) and surge protection devices (SPDs). Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of electricity throughout your property. Moreover, you can purchase unpopulated units, which allow customisation with components tailored to your specific electrical needs.
The main switch can work alongside any type of breaker, whether it be an MCB, RCBO, or SPD, controlling the entire power supply to the property. You can conveniently fit MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) into the slots of your consumer unit, offering flexibility to meet your specific protection requirements.
Each manufacturer designs their components to work seamlessly with their own units; this information can typically be found within the products' datasheets. Always confirm with manufacturer if unsure.
Using parts from different brands can cause problems with compatibility and functionality, and it may even invalidate the consumer unit's warranty or create safety hazards.
Before combining components from different brands, be sure to verify their compatibility.
• What are the best consumer units?
The ideal consumer unit for a specific application depends on various factors, such as the building's electrical requirements, regulations, budget, and personal preferences. Additionally, new products are introduced and existing ones are updated frequently, so it's essential to check for the latest information. With that being said, some well-known and reputable brands in the electrical industry offer high-quality consumer units with excellent safety features and reliability. Here are a few of these brands:
Hager is a well-established brand known for its reliable consumer units and circuit protection devices. They offer a wide range of consumer units with various configurations to suit different installation needs.
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Wylex has been a trusted name in the electrical industry for many years, offering consumer units that comply with the latest safety standards and regulations. We stock accessories and all sorts of Wylex products at Electrical2Go; look through our ranges to find the best consumer unit accessories for your needs.
Browse All Wylex Consumer Units
FuseBox offer a variety of consumer units with different capacities and features to cater to various installation requirements; because of this FuseBox have quickly grown to be one of the UK's leading manufacturers in consumer units.
Browse All FuseBox Consumer Units
Click provides an extensive selection of products, as a trusted distributor of Click products, we stock a wide range of Click consumer units and accessories to cater to all your electrical needs. Whether you are looking for the latest configurations or seeking the most reliable and durable options, our Click Elucian range has you covered.
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• Can consumer units be plastic?
In the UK, consumer units must comply with the regulations set out in the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. These regulations mandate that you must construct all consumer units using non-combustible materials or house them within non-combustible cabinets, making plastic units obsolete. Regular inspections and testing ensure ongoing compliance with these regulations.
• How often should you inspect the consumer unit to ensure safety and compliance?
The recommendation in the UK is to inspect consumer units in owner-occupied homes every ten years. For rented properties, the recommended inspection frequency is every five years or each change of tenancy; whichever comes first. But, if you hear a crackling sound or see frequent tripping, you should get your consumer unit checked right away by a qualified electrician.
• How to wire a consumer unit?
Only a qualified electrician should undertake the complex task of wiring a consumer unit. It involves connecting the various circuits in your home to the consumer unit in a way that ensures safe and efficient distribution of electricity. Incorrect wiring can lead to serious safety hazards, so it's always best to leave this job to the professionals.
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FuseBox 100A 7 Way Main Switch Consumer Unit - F2007M£35.45 £29.54
• What type of consumer unit do I need for an EV Charger?
Whether you need a new consumer unit for an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger largely depends on your current electrical system's capacity. EV chargers can draw a significant amount of electricity, and it's important that your system can handle the additional load safely. Because of the power EV Chargers draw, ensuring your system can handle this load safely is crucial. Consider a dedicated circuit for the charger, proper wiring, and Residual Current Device (RCD) protection. Many chargers come with built-in RCDs, but if not, integrate them for electric shock prevention. Surge protection may be necessary, and professional installation is vital to comply with safety standards and local codes.
If your existing consumer unit has spare capacity and is in good condition, it may be possible to add an EV charger circuit. However, you may need to upgrade or replace older or fully utilised consumer units to accommodate the additional load.
Regardless, it's highly recommended to have a qualified electrician conduct a thorough inspection of your electrical system before installing an EV charger. They can assess the overall capacity of your current system, the condition of your consumer unit, and the electrical requirements of the EV charger to make the best recommendation for your situation.
Latest Update from 18th Edition Consumer Unit Regulations (2023)
Let us help you keep up the date and compliant with the latest changes to 18th Edition:
Consumer Unit Materials: Consumer units must be manufactured from non-combustible materials to comply with:
• BS EN 61439-3
• Regulation 421.1.201
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs):
• SPDs at the origin of the electrical installation should be Type 1 or Type 2
• SPDs near sensitive equipment for additional protection against internal switching transients should be Type 2 or Type 3
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Protected Escape Routes (Precautions for Fire Risk): Cables or electrical equipment should not be installed in firefighting lobbies, shafts, or staircases of protected escape routes, except for:
• Essential fire safety or related safety systems
• General needs lighting
• Socket-outlets for cleaning or maintenance
Protection against Transient Overvoltages (Lightning and Switching Effects): Protection against transient overvoltages is necessary when overvoltage consequences could lead to:
• Serious injury or loss of human life
• Significant financial or data loss
Keep up to date with the most recent changes to the 18th Edition - BS7671- IET Wiring Regulations to ensure utmost safety with your electrical installations.
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Remember, your consumer unit is a crucial part of your home's electrical system. Regular maintenance and inspections can help ensure it continues to function safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or need assistance with your consumer unit, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team 01424 220384.