2 X Consumer Unit - Distribution Board Blanking Strip MCB Blanks (2 Pack)

Product Information

SPD – Surge Protection Devices – They are now a requirement as part of the 18th edition regulations as it protects against surges into the electrics from outside the building. These are usually caused by lightning strikes, but can be caused by power surges from elsewhere down the electrical network. When this happens to your domestic fuse board it can be devastating to your home’s wiring. SPDs are installed between the outside feed and the main switch in your consumer unit and will trip if any inward surge is detected. 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 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 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?

Earth Bar – This is the common connection point for all circuits’ earth cables. All circuit protective conductors will connect on the earth bar along with earth bonding connections Neutral Bars – The common connection point for the neutral cables from the earth leakage protection devices (RCBOs) There are four types of consumer units. The most common are the main switch consumer units and the dual RCD consumer units. Main switch consumer unit 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 UnitEnclosure – This is the ‘box’ all of the relevant accessories are housed in. Since the introduction of the 18th edition, all new installations must be in a steel enclosure Even consumer units are now stylish! These flush boards are becoming the new trend. They install seamlessly into modern homes and are less bulky. The only difference here is the appearance, in terms of all the necessities (main switch, busbar) they are all the same. Garage 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

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. 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. 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?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 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 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 route