Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd. We install Consumer Units in Grays and the surrounding areas.
- All types of Consumer Units Fitted
- NICEIC registered Electricians
- Free no-obligation surveys & Quotes
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A Consumer Unit is a metal enclosure that houses a series of switches, circuit breakers, or fuses to protect and control the electricity supply to different parts of a property. It’s the main distribution point for electricity, ensuring that each circuit in the property is properly protected against overloads, faults, and other hazards.
The primary components inside a Consumer Unit include the main switch, Residual Current Devices (RCDs), Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), and sometimes Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) and additional features like surge protection.
The Consumer Unit ensures that electricity is safely cut off if a fault occurs, reducing the risk of fire, electrocution, and appliance damage.
Types of Consumer Units
When selecting a Consumer Unit for your home or business in Grays, it’s important to understand the available types. Each type of Consumer Unit offers varying levels of protection and features to suit different needs.
Main Switch Consumer Units
The most basic type of Consumer Unit is the main switch Consumer Unit. This unit features a single switch that controls the entire electrical supply to the property. While it is adequate for small homes with limited electrical needs, it does not provide protection or flexibility for larger properties or those with more complex electrical systems.
Dual RCD Consumer Units
A dual RCD Consumer Unit is a popular choice for many Grays homes. This unit type splits the electrical circuits into two groups, each protected by an RCD.
The dual RCD setup offers better protection than a single RCD unit, ensuring that the rest of the circuits will remain powered if one RCD trips.
This configuration is ideal for medium-sized homes or properties with multiple electrical appliances, as it provides an added layer of safety. However, while dual RCDs offer good protection, they do not provide the same level of individual circuit control as more advanced units.
High Integrity Consumer Units
High-integrity Consumer Units are designed to provide superior protection for larger properties or properties with more demanding electrical systems.
These units offer multiple RCDs, allowing for additional protection of specific circuits. For example, certain circuits, such as lighting or kitchen appliances, may require extra protection to prevent potential electrical hazards.
High-integrity Consumer Units are typically required by law for properties with complex electrical needs or where additional safety measures are needed, such as in rented properties or those with high-powered electrical systems.
RCBO Consumer Units
Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) Consumer Units are among the most advanced types. Each circuit is fitted with an RCBO, which combines the functions of an RCD and an MCB.
This allows for more precise protection, as each circuit is individually monitored for overcurrent and earth leakage faults. RCBO Consumer Units are ideal for larger properties or properties with sensitive electrical equipment, as they offer the highest level of protection available.
While more expensive than other Consumer Units, they provide peace of mind and can help prevent damage to valuable electrical appliances.
Surge Protection Consumer Units
In an increasingly digital world, many homes and businesses in Grays rely on expensive electronics and appliances. A surge protection Consumer Unit is designed to protect against electrical surges, such as those caused by sudden power cuts or lightning.
These units include an integrated surge protector that helps safeguard sensitive appliances from voltage spikes that could otherwise cause irreparable damage.
Choosing the Right Consumer Unit for Your Property in Grays
When choosing a Consumer Unit for your property, it’s important to consider several factors.
- Size of the property: Larger properties may require a more advanced Consumer Unit with greater capacity to handle additional circuits.
- Number of electrical circuits: Larger homes with more circuits will likely require a more advanced Consumer Unit.
- Electrical needs: Properties with high-powered appliances or specific requirements (e.g., electric heating, air conditioning) might need a high-integrity or RCBO Consumer Unit.
- Safety features: Additional features like RCBOs, or surge protection, enhance protection against faults and electrical surges.
- Future expansion: Consider whether you might need additional circuits in the future, and choose a unit that allows for easy upgrades or modifications.
- Budget: Prices can vary significantly between types of Consumer Units, so balancing your requirements with your budget is important.
Installation & Upgrades
Installing or upgrading a Consumer Unit is not a DIY job and should always be done by a qualified electrician. The process involves disconnecting the existing Consumer Unit, installing the new unit, and ensuring all electrical circuits are properly connected and tested. Upgrading an old fuse box (those with traditional wire fuses) or an outdated Consumer Unit will improve safety and ensure your property meets the latest electrical standards.
Free No-Obligation Survey & Quote
A reliable and properly installed Consumer Unit is essential for the safety and functionality of your electrical system. It’s important to choose the right type to suit the specific needs of your property. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation surveys and quotes undertaken by one of our NICEIC Electricians. To ensure the best Consumer Unit for your requirments and property is fitted.
Please contact us using the phone number or email below to book your free no-obligation survey and quote.
Hi, I’m Terry, the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services
Please get in touch to book an appointment or receive a free, no-obligation quote
Call: 01375 720560