For this example we are going to keep things very simple and use a consumer unit with 1 main double pole isolations switch, 1 RCD and a couple of MCB’s just to show how they are connected. Essentially each MCB is wired up in the same way so can just be repeated. Hager consumer units have a range of features that make them a popular choice for electrical installations. Some of the features of Hager consumer units include: One final point – If you still have an old style fuse box as opposed to a consumer unit, then this almost certainly won’t be compliant with the latest wiring and electrical regulations so you should think about getting it changed for a much safer modern consumer unit as soon as you can. The Consumer Unit – What is it? The image below is of what’s known as a split load board. This is where it features a main switch for the entire board plus at least 1 RCD labeled as “E”. For further information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here.

Surge protectors are designed to intercept voltage spikes and surges before they can reach sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions, and other appliances, and can help prevent damage to these devices. Clear Labeling: All circuits within the consumer unit should be clearly labeled to indicate their purpose or the area they serve. This labeling is important for safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Obviously, when a consumer unit is being installed the power to your entire house is isolated so that everything can be connected up and tested before it put live for use!Surge Protection: In certain installations, particularly where there is a risk of lightning strikes or power surges, surge protection devices may be required.

The major difference between this type of consumer unit and the below type is that this one does not feature an RCD’s so in terms of it’s relevance today, is now considered a little old-hat! Fire Resistance: The enclosure of the consumer unit should provide adequate fire resistance to contain any potential fire within the unit and prevent it from spreading. Once the old one is out of the way, the new one is fixed in place. Step 2 – Add Main Double Pole Isolation Switch and RCD RCD’s can also be switched off manually and can take the place of the isolator switch in the consumer unit, if they break live and neutral. Flush consumer units are one which is recessed into the wall. All four main consumer unit types are available in flush versions. They are functionally the same as a standard amendment 3 enclosure but are aesthetically better with a very slim profile.Only a qualified electrician can replace a fuse box or consumer unit. This is a legal requirement due to the dangers involved. Again, it entirely depends on your existing electrical layout as to how this is done, but your electrician will certainly know.

More recently RCBO’s have since come onto the scene. These are essentially a combination of an MCB and RCD so provide additional safety levels. Also they resolve the nuisance tripping issue highlighted in subsequent versions of the Wiring Regulations. If this isn’t done then it can lead to all manner of issues when reconnecting and testing the circuits, so it’s best for both your electrician and also you to know if there are issues before any work is started. It is a good idea to have an electrical inspection if the wiring in your home is old or you have specific concerns over whether it is safe or damaged. What is the cost of replacing an electrical consumer unit?Duplex consumer unitswhich are alsoknown as double bank are a type of consumer unitin which the circuits are arranged over two rows. Duplex consumer units have seen a rise in popularity in recent years with the growing trend incircuit separation.It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean the unit offers two banks of circuits.The majority duplex of sold are 'Main Switch'consumer units which are populated with RCBOs over two rows and connected using a 100A DIN rail connector. Duplex boardsare also available in'High Integrity' or 'Dual RCD' variants. The breaker panel is the part of a consumer unit that contains the circuit breakers. It isn’t possible to replace a fuse box with just a breaker panel (you need the entire unit) so the cost to replace a fuse box with a breaker panel is similar to replacing one with a consumer unit. Cost of replacing fuse box with circuit breaker Newer and safer, consumer units also break the electrical circuit if the power in the home rises too high. Once the first MCB is connected up, the others are connected in the same way, ensuring that each is connected to the correct size of MCB for the item(s) it’s powering. This seems to suggest that moving forward, RCBO’s should be used for individual final circuits as opposed to RCD’s as the earth leakage across several appliances on the same RCD could be enough to tip the balance and cause nuisance tripping, especially where washing machines, dishwashers and the similar that can earth leak quite a bit, up to 5mA in some cases are featured.

The most common enclosure is the standard surface mounted, metal, 'Amendment 3',enclosure. All four types of consumer unit are most commonly supplied in this format. They usually always feature a front lid hinged at the top, so that it closes through gravity when not being worked on, thus ensuring it is always closed. Width is dependent on the number of circuits, but they are usually about 240mm high and 110mm deep. Type 1+2 surge protection devices combine the features of Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs in a single device, providing comprehensive protection against surges caused by lightning strikes and other sources. These devices are designed to be installed at the main electrical service entrance and at critical sub-distribution boards, offering maximum protection for the entire installation. Location and Accessibility: Consumer units should be installed in a location that is easily accessible for maintenance and inspection. They should not be located in bathrooms, shower rooms, or similar spaces unless there is no other suitable location. Now that you know exactly what a consumer unit is and what role it plays in terms of the electrics in your home, it’s time to look at it in a little more detail so that you know the role of each component inside.

The defining difference between this and other types of consumer units is the fact that it does not have a 'Main Switch'. Isolation of the board is handled by the single RCD. In other words, all incoming electricity is managed by the RCD - hence the name. This guide features the various costs associated with replacing fuse boxes and consumer units that they provided. Periodic Inspection and Testing: Regular inspection and testing of the consumer unit and associated circuits should be conducted to ensure ongoing safety and compliance. Today, many consumer units that are installed will feature at least 1 RCD, sometimes 2 as this is really considered to be the “belt and braces” approach. If not, then most likely today, each circuit will use an RCBO. The first type is the single load consumer unit. This is where the incoming mains power is first taken through a double pole isolation switch, which then in turn feeds a live bus bar that supplies each MCB on the board.