What Size Consumer Unit For A 3 Bedroom House?

A 12 to 16-way Consumer Unit is usually the right size for a 3-bedroom house. A 12-way unit will handle most homes with 8 to 10 circuits, while a 16-way unit gives more space for future upgrades. The right size depends on how many circuits you need now, what you might add later, and following the latest electrical rules.

What Circuits Are Needed in a 3-Bedroom House?

In most 3-bedroom homes, several circuits are needed to power everything safely and reliably. Each circuit connects to a different part of your home or a specific appliance. Most properties will have:

• Lighting circuits – usually one for upstairs and one for downstairs.
• Socket circuits are often split between upstairs and downstairs.
• Kitchen circuits – for cookers, ovens, hobs, and possibly a dishwasher or washing machine.
• Bathroom or shower circuits – especially if there’s an electric shower or heater.
• Boiler or heating system – which often has its circuit.
• Outdoor power – if you’ve got garden lighting, a water feature, or an outdoor socket.

This can add up to around 8 to 10 circuits in a typical household. That’s why we usually recommend a Consumer Unit with at least 12 ways—this gives space for all your current circuits and a couple of spare ones in case you need them in the future.

Allowing for Future Expansion

Planning is always a good idea when choosing a Consumer Unit. Even if your current electrical needs are simple, things can change over time.

You might get a new kitchen appliance, add a garden office, or even install an electric car charger. All these things may need extra circuits.

We suggest choosing a Consumer Unit with some spare capacity—around 15 to 20% more than you need.

For example, if your home currently has 10 circuits, a 12-way unit gives you two extra spaces for future use. If you think you’ll be making upgrades down the line, a 16-way unit gives even more flexibility.

Planning like this means you won’t have to replace the entire Consumer Unit later, which saves time and money. It also makes it easier for your Electrician to add new circuits when needed without working around a packed-out board.

Choosing the Right Consumer Unit

For most 3-bedroom homes, a 12-way Consumer Unit is usually enough to cover all your essential circuits with some room to spare. If you plan any upgrades or want to future-proof your property, a 16-way unit gives you more flexibility.

The type of Consumer Unit you choose—a main switch, dual RCD, or high-integrity—depends on your current setup and how much control you want over individual circuits. No matter which option you choose, the Consumer Unit must be installed by a qualified Electrician who will ensure everything meets current safety regulations.

TM Hughes & Son offers professional Consumer Unit installation services for homeowners across Essex. Our experienced Electricians will assess your needs, help you choose the right board, and carry out the work safely and efficiently.

We install quality brands and every unit to the latest 18th Edition standards so you can have complete peace of mind.

If you’re unsure what size or type of consumer unit your home needs, we’re here to help. Get in touch today for a free survey and a no-obligation quote.