Consumer Unit – The Ultimate Buying Guide

What Are Consumer Units and Why Are They Important?

Consumer units, also known as fuse boxes or distribution boards, are critical components of any electrical installation. They distribute and control the electrical supply within a property, providing a central point for circuit protection and isolation. Essentially, they ensure that electricity is safely distributed throughout your home or business, protecting both people and appliances from electrical faults.

Why Are Consumer Units So Important?

Consumer units are vital for several reasons. Firstly, they enhance safety by isolating electrical circuits and protecting them from overloading, short circuits, and earth faults. Secondly, they make electrical maintenance easier by allowing individual circuits to be switched off without disrupting the entire power supply. Lastly, modern fuse boxes comply with the latest safety standards, offering advanced protection features that older units lack.

Main Brands in the Industry

When choosing a consumer unit, it’s important to consider reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Here are four leading brands:

Fusebox

Fusebox is known for producing high-quality, reliable consumer units. Their products are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, catering to both residential and commercial installations. Fusebox offers a wide range of circuit protection products, including those with surge protection devices (SPD) and dual RCD units.

Hager

Hager is another leading brand in the electrical industry. They offer a comprehensive range of consumer units designed for ease of installation and maximum safety. Hager’s units are known for their robust construction and innovative features, such as their “Design 10” range which includes high integrity boards.

WCED

WCED (Western Cape Electrical Distributors) specializes in providing fuseboards that combine durability with advanced protection features. Their products are particularly popular in industrial and commercial settings where reliability is paramount.

Live

Live consumer units are known for their flexibility and high performance. They offer a variety of units, including those suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Live focuses on creating user-friendly products that simplify installation and maintenance.

Types of Consumer Unit

There are several types of consumer units available, each designed for specific applications and offering unique features:

Main Switch / RCBO Consumer Units

Main switch consumer units provide a single point of control for the entire electrical system. These units allow for complete isolation of the power supply, making them essential for maintenance and safety.

Dual RCD Consumer Units

Dual RCD consumer units feature two Residual Current Devices, offering enhanced protection by dividing circuits into two separate zones. This ensures that if a fault occurs in one zone, the other remains unaffected, thereby maintaining power to essential circuits.

High Integrity Consumer Units

High integrity CU’s are designed to accommodate circuits that require separate protection. They typically include multiple RCDs and allow for the installation of RCBOs, providing a high level of flexibility and protection.

RCD Incomer Consumer Units

These units have an RCD as the main incomer, offering overall protection for all circuits connected to the unit. They are suitable for installations where additional safety is required, such as older properties or those with vulnerable occupants.

Garage Consumer Units

Garage consumer units are compact units designed for outbuildings like garages or sheds. They typically include a main switch and one or two MCBs, providing essential protection for circuits in these areas.

EV Charger Consumer Units

With the rise in electric vehicle (EV) ownership, dedicated EV charger consumer units have become essential. These units are designed to safely supply power to EV charging points and often include features like surge protection and RCDs.

Dual Tariff Consumer Units

Dual tariff boards allow for separate metering and control of different electricity tariffs, making them ideal for applications such as heating systems or economy 7 setups. They help in optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs.

Duplex Versions and Special Features

Many consumer units are available in duplex versions, which allow for more circuits within the same unit. Additionally, some units can be flush-mounted for a neater appearance. There are also IP-rated fuse boards designed for use in wet or dusty environments, offering enhanced protection against environmental factors.

Devices Used in Consumer Units

Various circuit protection devices are installed within a fuseboard to provide protection and functionality:

MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers)

MCBs protect electrical circuits from overcurrent and short circuits. They automatically switch off the circuit when they detect an overload or fault, preventing damage to appliances and reducing the risk of fire.

RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection)

RCBOs combine the functions of an RCD and an MCB. They protect against both earth faults and overcurrents, providing comprehensive protection for individual circuits.

SPDs (Surge Protection Devices)

SPDs protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes or other disturbances. They divert excess voltage to the earth, safeguarding sensitive electronics and preventing damage.

RCDs (Residual Current Devices)

RCDs detect earth faults and disconnect the circuit to prevent electric shock. They are crucial for protecting against potentially fatal electrical faults.

AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices)

AFDDs detect dangerous electrical arcs that can cause fires. They monitor the electrical circuit for signs of arcing and disconnect the power if a fault is detected, enhancing safety.

Consumer Unit Install Accessories

Several accessories can assist in the installation and maintenance of fuse box:

Flexi-Tails

Flexi-tails are flexible cables that connect the consumer unit to the incoming supply. They make installation easier and ensure a secure connection.

Fire Retardant Boards

Fire retardant boards provide additional protection against fire, enhancing the safety of the fuse box and the entire installation.

Cable Glands

Cable glands secure and protect cables entering the consumer unit, preventing damage and ensuring a safe, tidy installation.

Grommet Strip

Grommet strips protect cables from sharp edges within the consumer unit, reducing the risk of damage and improving safety.

Earth Blocks

Earth blocks provide a central point for connecting earth wires, ensuring a reliable and safe grounding system.

Henley Blocks

Henley blocks are used for splitting the incoming supply into multiple circuits, facilitating the distribution of power within the consumer unit.

Bell Transformers

Bell transformers provide a low voltage supply for doorbells and other low power devices, integrating seamlessly with the fuseboard.

Things to Consider When Installing a Consumer Unit

Choosing the right consumer unit involves several factors. Here are some important considerations:

1. How Many Consumer Units Do You Need?
   • Typically, a single consumer unit suffices for a home. However, you might need a second unit when adding circuits to an extension or powering an outbuilding like a garage or shed.
2. Where Is the Consumer Unit Going, and What Is It Used For?
   • The installation location and purpose will determine the type of board required. For wet areas, an IP-rated unit is necessary. For outbuildings, a garage CU is ideal. For the main house, consider the available space and opt for a flush unit if space is tight.
3. How Many Ways and Modules Are Needed?
   • Plan the number of circuit banks and individual circuits to determine the number of ways and modules needed. Always allow for extra space for future additions or changes.
4. Which Circuits Require Special Consideration?
   • Prioritize circuits that need special consideration, such as smoke detectors, security systems, home offices, or other critical areas. Ensuring these circuits are on separate protection zones enhances safety and reliability.

18th Edition Wiring Regulations

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, introduced in July 2018, set the standards for electrical installations in the UK. These regulations emphasize the importance of safety, including requirements for RCD protection, surge protection, and arc fault detection. Compliance with these regulations ensures that electrical installations are safe, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest safety standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right consumer unit is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical installation. Whether you need a main switch unit, a dual RCD unit, or a dedicated EV charger unit, it’s essential to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand like Fusebox, Hager, WCED, or Live. By understanding the different types on offer and the devices used within them, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs.