Table of Contents
What comes in a Live Electrical RCBO consumer unit kit? A populated kit brings together a metal consumer unit enclosure and a selected set of protective devices, helping electricians order the components required for a new installation or consumer unit replacement. Depending on the kit, the package can include a 100A double-pole main switch, Type 2 surge protection device (SPD), multiple Type A bidirectional RCBOs, blanking plates and a meter tails cable gland.
However, the contents are not identical across all kits. The number of usable ways, the RCBO quantities and the supplied current ratings vary. This guide explains what to look for using examples from the Live Electrical kits sold by Electrical4Less.
For a broader assessment of the manufacturer and its different consumer unit systems, read our guide: Are Live Electrical Consumer Units Any Good?
What Is Included in a Live Electrical RCBO Consumer Unit Kit?
The purpose of a populated consumer unit kit is to supply an enclosure and compatible circuit protection components as one package. Electrical4Less offers several Live Electrical configurations, including kits with 5, 7, 11, 15 and 19 usable ways.
The following components are included in selected Live Electrical SPD kits. Always confirm the exact contents against the product page for the model being ordered.
1. Metal Consumer Unit Enclosure
The enclosure houses the main switch, RCBOs, surge protection equipment and internal distribution connections. Live Electrical’s LSMC metal consumer units feature steel enclosures with access for incoming and outgoing cables.
Enclosure dimensions and usable ways vary according to the model. The installer should allow sufficient space for the planned circuits, cable terminations and any anticipated future expansion.
2. 100A Double-Pole Main Switch
The listed LSMC SPD kits include a 100A double-pole main switch for switching the incoming supply to the consumer unit.
The 100A device rating must not be confused with the property’s available supply capacity. The installer must assess the actual supply arrangement, maximum demand and suitability of the complete consumer unit assembly.
3. Type A Bidirectional RCBOs
The populated kits referenced in this guide include individual Live Electrical Type A, B-curve, bidirectional RCBOs. These devices combine residual-current, overload and short-circuit protection for individual outgoing circuits.
With correctly designed individual RCBO protection, a fault on one final circuit will generally disconnect that circuit without unnecessarily disconnecting other independently protected circuits.
The Type A designation describes residual-current characteristics. B-curve describes the overcurrent tripping characteristic; it is not the same as Type B residual-current protection.
Bidirectional capability may be relevant where energy can flow in either direction, but it does not mean that a Type A RCBO is suitable for every solar inverter, battery system or EV charger. The connected equipment and applicable requirements determine the necessary protection.
To compare available current ratings and device configurations, browse the Live Electrical RCBO range.
4. Type 2 Surge Protection Device
The SPD versions of the kits include Type 2 surge protection intended to limit certain transient overvoltages that can affect the installation and connected equipment.
The Live Electrical kits examined for this article specify integrated Type 2 SPD arrangements. This can simplify purchasing compared with ordering the enclosure and surge protection components separately.
The SPD does not replace the RCBOs, and it cannot be described as providing protection from every electrical surge or fault. Its installation, connections and coordination must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable BS 7671 requirements.
5. Blanking Plates and Meter Tails Cable Gland
Selected kits also include blanking plates for unused ways and a meter tails cable gland for incoming cable entry.
For example, the Live Electrical 5-way kit with four RCBOs lists two blanking plates, while the 19-way kit with 15 RCBOs lists four. The exact number and purpose of supplied blanks should be checked against the selected kit.
Unused openings must be appropriately blanked off, and cable entries should be completed using suitable accessories and installation methods.
Live Electrical Consumer Unit Kit Sizes Compared
Electrical4Less lists the following populated Live Electrical SPD consumer unit configurations. These descriptions identify the usable ways and the number of included RCBOs, rather than assuming that every available way is fitted with an RCBO.
| Kit | Usable ways | RCBOs included | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact kit | 5 | 4 | 5-way Live SPD kit |
| Small domestic kit | 7 | 5 | 7-way Live SPD kit |
| Medium domestic kit | 11 | 9 | 11-way Live SPD kit |
| Larger domestic kit | 15 | 11 | 15-way Live SPD kit |
| High circuit-count kit | 19 | 15 | 19-way Live SPD kit |
The listed number of ways must be interpreted according to the manufacturer’s enclosure design and the space occupied by internal devices. Check the individual model’s published layout rather than calculating spare ways solely by subtracting the RCBO quantity.
Can You Choose the RCBO Ratings Supplied in the Kit?
Yes, selected Electrical4Less kits allow customers to request the required B-curve RCBO ratings when ordering, subject to available product options.
For example, the 5-way LSMC8M-SP/4RCBO kit allows customers to specify four RCBO current ratings from the listed options at checkout.
The 19-way LSMC22M-SP/15RCBO kit is supplied with a default selection of 15 RCBOs unless another available combination is requested.
Example: Default RCBO Selection for the 19-Way Kit
- 4 × 6A Type A B-curve bidirectional RCBOs
- 3 × 16A Type A B-curve bidirectional RCBOs
- 3 × 20A Type A B-curve bidirectional RCBOs
- 5 × 32A Type A B-curve bidirectional RCBOs
This is a standard supply configuration, not a recommendation for the circuit ratings in a particular property. The installing electrician must determine the appropriate device ratings through electrical design, taking account of cable current-carrying capacity, installation conditions, fault protection and the connected loads.
The 19-way kit listing specifies B-curve devices within the populated kit price. C-curve devices should not be assumed to be included as direct substitutions.
Populated vs Unpopulated Live Electrical Consumer Units
An unpopulated consumer unit generally requires the electrician or purchaser to select the appropriate outgoing protective devices separately. The included main switch, SPD and accessories depend on the exact board configuration.
A populated kit includes a stated selection of RCBOs with the enclosure, reducing the need to order each component individually.
Buying a kit can make ordering more convenient, especially where the included RCBO combination matches the planned installation. However, it is not automatically more economical or suitable in every case.
If the installation requires a different device type, tripping characteristic or number of circuits, purchasing an alternative kit or individually selected compatible components may be more appropriate.
What Should Electricians Check Before Ordering?
Before selecting a Live Electrical RCBO consumer unit kit, check the following:
- Usable ways: Is there sufficient capacity for all planned outgoing circuits and suitable future expansion?
- RCBO quantities: How many protective devices are actually included in the kit?
- Current ratings: Are the included amperages correct for the circuits, or should a different combination be requested?
- Trip curves: Does the installation require B-curve or another supported overcurrent characteristic?
- Residual-current type: Are Type A devices appropriate for the connected equipment?
- Bidirectional capability: Is it required for the proposed circuit arrangement?
- Surge protection: Does the kit include the required SPD arrangement?
- Compatibility: Are the supplied protective devices approved for the specific consumer unit assembly?
- Enclosure dimensions: Is there sufficient installation and cable termination space?
- Accessories: Are the necessary blanking plates and cable entry components included?
Importantly, Live Electrical’s standard LSMC consumer unit arrangements must not be confused with the manufacturer’s SRN system. SRN consumer units use dedicated compatible protection devices and busbar arrangements. An RCBO should never be substituted into another consumer unit solely because it appears to fit.
Why Choose a Live Electrical RCBO Consumer Unit Kit?
The main advantage is purchasing an identified combination of compatible components from one supplier rather than sourcing each item independently.
For suitable installations, other practical benefits include individual RCBO protection for outgoing circuits, a choice of populated board sizes, integrated Type 2 surge protection on SPD kits and the ability to request selected RCBO rating combinations.
Nevertheless, the kit is a starting point for purchasing, not a substitute for professional circuit design, installation inspection or verification under the applicable edition of BS 7671.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Live Electrical RCBO consumer unit kit include the RCBOs?
Yes, the populated kits described in this guide include the specified number of RCBOs. For example, the 7-way kit is listed with five RCBOs, while the 11-way kit includes nine. Unpopulated consumer units are also sold separately.
Are the supplied RCBOs bidirectional?
The particular LSMC populated kits checked for this guide specify bidirectional Type A B-curve RCBOs. Confirm this against the selected product listing, as not every Live Electrical RCBO family has identical specifications.
Can I change the included RCBO ratings?
Selected kits allow customers to request alternative available B-curve current ratings. Follow the ordering instructions on the individual product page and provide the required combination before dispatch.
Does every Live Electrical consumer unit include an SPD?
No. The kits discussed here are SPD versions, but the wider Live Electrical consumer unit range includes different configurations. Check the product code and specification before ordering.
Can I use any Live Electrical RCBO in the kit?
No. Device compatibility must be confirmed against the exact consumer unit and manufacturer’s approved arrangements. In particular, the Live SRN range has a different protective-device system from conventional LSMC configurations.
Is a populated consumer unit kit ready for immediate installation?
A populated kit supplies identified components, but it still requires appropriate selection, installation, termination, inspection, testing and certification by a competent person. The supplied device ratings and arrangement must suit the installation.
Where Can You Find Live Electrical RCBO Consumer Unit Kits?
Electrical4Less supplies Live Electrical populated RCBO consumer unit kits, unpopulated metal consumer units and compatible circuit protection products through our online store.
We are an independent electrical wholesaler based at 9 Seagrave Road, Fulham, London SW6 1RP, serving trade and retail customers with UK delivery and local collection options.
Our memberships include the Independent Buying Association (IBA) and the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA). We work closely with Live Electrical and supply its circuit protection and distribution equipment to customers across the UK.
Browse our Live Electrical consumer units and Live Electrical RCBOs to check available enclosure sizes, device ratings and configurations.
For technical details about the wider product range, visit the Live Electrical manufacturer website.
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