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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 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 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
If a consumer unit is located under a wooden staircase or in a passage way which is the sole route of escape then a coding of C3 would be logged. In all other situations no coding is required. When installing a metal consumer unit, does the metal lid that covers the protective devices have to drop down? Neutral Bars – The common connection point for the neutral cables from the earth leakage protection devices (RCBOs) 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? It is vital you know where your consumer unit (fuse box) is in your home in case of an emergency. What is inside a consumer unit?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 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
As to @The Happy Builder comments on being loose, that does not matter, we have an IP rating and not being able to be removed without tool. All of the components within the consumer unit play a fundamental role in guaranteeing safety and integrity for each installation. No, unless they are provided with the consumer units by the manufacturer. The use of them is not pre-cluded. Can a plastic consumer unit be fitted if it is enclosed in a steel enclosure?
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Unless you are a fully qualified electrician, then you should not under any circumstances try to replace your own consumer unit. It is a legal requirement that this type of electrical work is carried out by a certified professional. Beyond that, if done incorrectly, you could injure yourself and put both your family and home at risk. 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 I think @rogerk101 is spot on with blanks, we are told type testing means we must only use what is recommended by the manufacturer, so if the blanks supplied by the manufacturer can be removed without a tool, then up to manufacturer to do a recall. MCB – Also known as Mini Circuit Breakers, this protects appliances from overload. They come in a range of amperages from 6a to 50a in domestic installations. Nowadays a 32amp is used to protect an SPD which is installed in the fusebox
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. Main Switch – The main switch controls the electrical supply in your home, and allows you to isolate all circuits by simply turning it on and off. Everything within your consumer unit is controlled by the main switch RCBO (Residual Current Overload) – An RCBO is an intelligent bit of kit which combines the functions of both an MCB and RCD, protecting against both overload and earth leakage. They are now the most popular choice for electricians due to the added safety, although they initially cost more their functionality and safety features outweigh going to the RCD/MCB routeDual 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 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 Yes, providing a risk assessment is carried out to say that, in the event of a fire, flames would not spread to the main dwelling. Carrying out a risk assessment is fundamental in this instance. Do fire retardant glands and trunking have to be used?
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