Types of Consumer Units Shop with Electrical4Less

Consumer Units – Fuseboards – Fuse Boards – Fuseboxes – Fuse Boxes

Consumer units, also known as fuseboards, fuse boards, fuse boxes, or fuse box, are essential components in electrical installations. The 18th Edition of the BS 7671 wiring regulations specifies the requirements for different types of consumer units to ensure safety and compliance. Here is an overview of the various types and their specific requirements:

1. RCBO Consumer Units

Description: RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection) Consumer Units provide individual protection for each circuit against both residual current (earth faults) and overcurrent (overload and short circuits).

• Benefits: With the cost of RCBOs decreasing in recent years, these consumer units have become very popular. They offer independent RCD protection for each circuit, helping to avoid inconvenience in the event of a fault.
• Compliance: The 18th Edition BS 7671 now requires a Surge Protection Device (SPD) in most cases, making RCBO Consumer Units with SPD a popular variant.

At Electrical4Less, we stock these types of consumer units from the following brands:

• Hager
• FuseBox
• Live Electrical
• WCED – Whitecliffs Electrical Distributors

2. SPD Consumer Units

SPD (Surge Protection Device) Consumer Units protect electrical installations from transient over-voltages, typically caused by lightning strikes or switching surges.

Versatility: Any consumer unit, such as RCBO, garage, or dual RCD consumer units, can include a built-in SPD.

3. Dual Row Consumer Units

Description: Dual Row Consumer Units feature two rows of circuit protection devices, providing more space for circuits in a compact form.

• Application: Ideal for larger electrical installations, these units house more circuits than standard single-row consumer units.

Examples include:

• Dual RCD Dual Row Consumer Unit
• Main Switch Dual Row Consumer Unit
• SPD Main Switch Consumer Unit

4. Dual RCD Consumer Units

Description: Dual RCD (Residual Current Device) Consumer Units incorporate two RCDs to split the load across different circuits, offering additional protection and minimising the risk of total power loss.

• Current Trends: While RCBO consumer units are becoming more popular for the reasons mentioned above, dual RCD units remain in use. They are available with or without SPD.

Brands:

• Hager Dual RCD Consumer Unit
• FuseBox Dual RCD Consumer Unit
• WCED Dual RCD Consumer Unit

5. Garage Consumer Unit

Description: Garage Consumer Units are designed for outbuildings, offering essential circuit protection for garage or shed installations.

Configuration: These units are usually small, with two or three ways, though larger units incorporating SPD are now more common. Some come with a main switch, while others have an RCD as the main switch

6. RCD Consumer Units

Description: RCD Consumer Units provide protection against earth faults by disconnecting the electrical supply when a fault is detected.

Usage: Often used for the same reasons as garage consumer units, providing essential protection in smaller installations.

Summary

The 18th Edition BS 7671 wiring regulations emphasise the importance of safety and compliance in electrical installations. Each type of consumer unit, whether it’s an RCBO, SPD, dual row, dual RCD, garage, or standard RCD consumer unit (fuse board, fuseboard), must meet specific requirements to ensure protection against various electrical faults and hazards. Proper installation and adherence to these regulations are crucial for maintaining safe and reliable electrical systems. For all your consumer unit needs, consider purchasing from Electrical4Less, an authorised distributor offering genuine and high-quality products.

Our Advise: Use only Qualified & Registered Electricians and let them help you with the purchase of your Consumer Unit

Purchase from Electrical4Less

For all your consumer unit needs, choose Electrical4Less, an authorised distributor. Buying from a trusted source ensures you get genuine, high-quality products. Electrical4Less offers:

• Reliable Service: Enjoy excellent customer service and support.
• Quality Assurance: Rest assured with authentic, top-quality Hager products.
• Fast Delivery: Receive your order quickly with their efficient delivery system.

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