What Consumer Unit Do I Need?

What Consumer Unit Do I Need? The Consumer Unit you need depends on various factors, including the size of your home, the number of circuits, and specific electrical requirements. Typically, consumer units come in four main types: main switch, dual RCD, high integrity, and RCD incomer units. Your choice should balance safety, capacity, and future needs.

How to Choose the Right Consumer Unit

When selecting a consumer unit, evaluating the size and capacity required for your electrical system is essential. Here are the key factors to consider:

Size and Capacity

• Maximum Demand: Estimate the total electrical load in your home, accounting for all lighting, appliances, and outlets. This helps determine the appropriate size and ensures the unit can handle your household’s demand.
• Number of Circuits: Calculate the number of separate circuits you need. Always plan for extra capacity (15-20% additional) to accommodate future electrical needs or expansions.
• Number of Ways: This refers to the available slots for circuit breakers. Common sizes include 6-way, 10-way, and larger units for bigger homes.

The Four Main Types of Consumer Units

Understanding the different types of consumer units can help you choose the best one for your needs.

Main Switch Consumer Unit

A Main Switch Consumer Unit features a single main switch and is typically supplied empty, allowing for custom configuration. It is usually populated with RCBOs, offering individual protection against overload and earth leakage for each circuit. This setup is preferred by many electricians due to its high level of circuit separation, preventing faults in one circuit from affecting others.

Modern main switch units often include Type 2 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), complying with the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. They are ideal for smaller properties needing customized, high-level protection.

Best For: Homes needing tailored circuit protection with minimal risk of nuisance tripping.

Dual RCD Consumer Unit

The Dual RCD Consumer Unit is a popular choice for medium-sized homes. It features a main switch and two RCDs, dividing the circuits into two banks. This design helps prevent total power loss if one circuit fails, providing a practical and cost-effective solution.

While this setup offers good protection, careful planning is needed to avoid grouping critical circuits (like lighting) under the same RCD, which could result in a complete outage during a fault. Dual RCD units are ideal for most residential properties due to their affordability and straightforward installation.

Best For: Standard homes seeking reliable, affordable protection for typical household circuits.

High Integrity Consumer Unit

A High Integrity Consumer Unit offers enhanced flexibility with three neutral bars, allowing for two RCDs and a separate bank of RCBOs. This configuration provides total circuit separation, making it ideal for larger or more complex installations where critical circuits need individual protection.

High-integrity units are well-suited for properties with 12 or more circuits, offering adequate protection without the high cost of using RCBOs throughout. They are favoured for their versatility and ability to effectively accommodate standard and essential circuits.

Best For: Larger homes or properties with critical appliances needing a mix of RCD and RCBO protection.

RCD Incomer Consumer Unit

An RCD Incomer Consumer Unit is designed for smaller installations, such as sheds, garages, or garden offices. Unlike other consumer units, it does not feature a main switch; instead, a single RCD manages isolation and circuit protection. This design is straightforward and cost-effective for limited applications.

However, this unit type does not offer circuit separation, meaning a fault in any circuit can cut power to all circuits. It is rarely used in main homes but is practical for small, isolated setups.

Best For: Small installations with minimal circuit requirements, such as outbuildings or workshops.

Additional Considerations

When choosing a consumer unit, consider the following:

Location

The installation site may require specific units, such as IP-rated units, for areas prone to moisture (e.g., garages or bathrooms).

Future Expansion

Plan for additional capacity to accommodate new circuits or appliances in the future. Choosing a larger unit with extra ways can save on upgrades.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the unit meets the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which require metal enclosures for fire safety and may include surge protection devices (SPDs) requirements.

Special Features

For enhanced safety and compliance, consider additional protection like surge protection devices (SPDs) or arc fault detection devices (AFDDs).

Get Professional Advice

Selecting the right consumer unit is crucial for ensuring safe electricity distribution in your home. Consulting a qualified electrician is compulsory to assess your needs, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide expert advice tailored to your property.

If you live in Essex and require advice, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below.