This type of board is and should be the most common consumer unit being installed today. They are also the best type of consumer unit to choose to completely comply with 18th edition regulations. The major benefit of choosing a main switch consumer unit is you populate it with RCBOs and these devices give you individual protection of each electrical circuit. The majority of electrical contractors will recommend installing a main switch consumer unit following on from the 18th edition wiring regulations, as these boards are versatile and can be installed with RCBOs, surge protection devices and MCBs. Dual RCD consumer unit

With people making the move towards electric cars, EV charging consumer units will become more and more popular. Manufacturers are now releasing standalone EV consumer units that can be added to new and old dwellings. These EV boards are most commonly supplied with a 100A Main Switch, and Type 2 Surge Protection and should be populated with RCBOs. Things to look out for Dual RCD boards are supplied with a main switch and two RCDs. Consideration must be given to circuit design in this scenario. You should not, for example, put all the lighting circuits on the same RCD as if a fault ever occurs then the RCD will turn off the whole bank of MCBs it’s protecting. This will mean you will be in complete darkness whilst trying to resolve the issue. RCD incomer consumer unit

Things to look out for

Yes, you have to ensure the supply tails enter the enclosure through an appropriate means to prevent damage to the insulation around the conductors. It is also important to tighten the tails that go into the incoming device within the consumer unit to the recommended torque settings, as set out by the manufacturer. Ensure the tails are fixed and secured so as to prevent disturbance. What coding is given to an existing plastic unit in good condition in an electrical inspection report? Enclosure – This is the ‘box’ all of the relevant accessories are housed in. Since the introduction of the 18th edition, all new installations must be in a steel enclosure This is the most common consumer unit. These are metal and normally have a front lid hinged at the top, the size is completely dependent on the number of circuits you are having. (10 way, 14 way etc). Duplex Consumer Unit All of the components within the consumer unit play a fundamental role in guaranteeing safety and integrity for each installation.

Neutral Bars – The common connection point for the neutral cables from the earth leakage protection devices (RCBOs) Blanks – Blanks are pieces of plastic which clip to the din rail in just the same way as any circuit protection device and allow for future changes and additions to the circuit design. If you wanted to add a circuit for outdoor lighting for example – the consumer unit and busbar are ready to accept the MCB which would protect this circuit without any reconfiguration of the consumer unit SPD – Surge Protection Devices – They are now a requirement as part of the 18th edition regulations as it protects against surges into the electrics from outside the building. These are usually caused by lightning strikes, but can be caused by power surges from elsewhere down the electrical network. When this happens to your domestic fuse board it can be devastating to your home’s wiring. SPDs are installed between the outside feed and the main switch in your consumer unit and will trip if any inward surge is detected. If your consumer unit is tripping continuously then there is obviously a problem with one circuit or more. Again in this scenario, it is very important you call a fully qualified electrician to sort out the issue immediately No, providing the IP integrity after the installation is maintained, which is IP4X on the top and horizontal surfaces, and IP2XC everywhere else. However, the use of fire retardant glands and trunking is not precluded. Do intumescent pads and strips have to be used when installing a metal consumer unit?

These are the big boys – a consumer unit on top of a consumer unit! This type of board is usually supplied as a main switch option only but there are RCD options out there if you look hard enough. Duplex consumer units have become more and more popular since amendment changes in the last few years and because of the improved knowledge of circuit separation (RCBOs). Flush Consumer Unit As every year passes the rules, regulations and technology are updated to improve the electrical industry. The latest update was in 2022 to the amendment 2 wiring regulations. Earth Bar – This is the common connection point for all circuits’ earth cables. All circuit protective conductors will connect on the earth bar along with earth bonding connections These boards are predominantly used in garages and sheds. The big difference between this type of board and others is it doesn’t have a main switch. The main way to isolate this type of board is via a single RCD. High integrity consumer unit This type of board is anything under four ways… most of the time. They are commonly used in outhouses, sheds, and garages, where a couple of circuits may be required for lighting and tools. EV Consumer Unit