Garage Consumer Unit IP65 4 Way Fuse Box Fitted with RCD 63amp 30ma + 1X6amp, 2X20amp & 1X32amp mcbs

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RCBO’s used in a consumer unit in place of RCD’s – Image courtesy of the BS7671 18th Edition Wiring Regulations High Integrity Consumer Unit / Three-way Split Consumer Unit First of all, switch off the main switch or related MCB breaker in the main distribution board or consumer unit and make sure the main supply is turned off. Depending on the type of install will depend on what cables are used, you electrician will know exactly what to use. In this instance 16mm cables were used. A consumer unit is the type of panelboards seen in most UK homes, recognisable as a metal or plastic box containing breaker switches. But a distribution board is typically used in commercial buildings. It works in a similar way to a consumer unit in a home but on a larger scale. Its job is to safely deliver the right electricity voltage to each area of the building. Often, local regulations dictate how these boards are configured, and for that reason, distribution boards are fully customisable.

Again, it entirely depends on your existing electrical layout as to how this is done, but your electrician will certainly know. One very interesting point to note is that as of the issuing of the second edition of the BS7671 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, it introduces section 531.3.2 concerning unwanted tripping and how to minimise nuisance tripping in the home.One of the most important jobs your electrician will (or should) do before starting such a job is to first ensure they test all of the existing circuits in the property to make sure they function correctly and have no issues. How many consumer units do you need? You’ll only need one consumer unit for a home in most cases. However, there are some scenarios where you may need to fit a second consumer unit. For example, when adding electrical circuits to an extension in an existing building. The current consumer unit can only provide a certain amount of wattage. If the new circuit is going to exceed that wattage, then a second consumer unit will need to be installed. You may also want to install a second consumer unit if you’re powering an outbuilding, such as a garage or shed.

Transient overvoltage protection: a risk assessment must be carried out to determine if a property is at risk of transient overvoltage from lightning strikes or switching loads. Surge protection must be provided if there is a risk that could cause serious injury or loss of human life. Also you should be aware that some years ago, the standard wire colours used in the UK were changed so that they harmonised with those used in Europe so you may have several different colours of wire in your home. See our wire colours project here for more information. As we are all taught from a very young age, electricity is extremely dangerous and if you don’t know what you’re doing with it, working on or around it should be left to the professionals! This is certainly no different when it comes to consumer units. Fire cable and fire-related cable clips: all cable support systems must be constructed from appropriate materials to protect against premature collapse in a fire. This now covers all cable and cable management in a building – not just escape routes. So, this will apply if you are changing a consumer unit as part of a rewiring project. To learn more about rewiring, read our professional's guide to rewiring a house.

Firstly, MCB’s are clipped on to the DIN rail and positioned as required for the number of circuits that are being run from the consumer unit. When it comes down to it, the only person(s) able to do this are those that are Part P registered. If however you ignore this and do carry out electrical work that you’re not allowed to, this is illegal and also can invalidate your home insurance and cause potential issues when trying to sell your home. An information label near the consumer unit explains this. The resistor passes more current than that required for tripping, and the duration of the test is not limited, so testing in this way does not provide proof that the unit is working to specification. For further information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here. You have done, the electrical appliances now can be connected to the new wired consumer unit and its MCB’s via three wires i.e. Brown as Live “L”, Blue as Neutral “N” and Protective Earth “E” as Green with Yellow Stripe.