When it comes to keeping your house running smoothly, the beating heart is the consumer unit. This big piece of kit makes sure that the electrics work and is a vital part of the building’s infrastructure. If it fails, you’re out of luck – you’re out of money! But don’t worry, there are ways to ensure that your consumer unit is on time! Continue reading to learn more. Here are four things to keep in mind about your consumer unit.
Cost of a consumer unit
The cost of a consumer unit depends on the type of electrical installation that is needed. Older models with wooden backs may need to be replaced to remain compliant. Consumer units that trip often may need to be replaced. Flickering lights or electrical installations may also indicate that a unit is not running efficiently. To compare prices for a new consumer unit, you can use our free online quote comparison service.
A consumer unit with a dual-split load feature two sets of residual current devices. The unit’s miniature circuit breakers create up to 15 usable ways. The fully-loaded model costs around PS60 to PS120.
This unit also doesn’t provide accurate circuit separation, making it the cheapest choice. The other type of consumer unit is called a split load consumer unit. This type of consumer unit combines a main switch and a residual-current device. Depending on the type of installation, the price may be anywhere from PS30 to PS80.
RCD Testing Service
The consumer unit is the central part of the electrical wiring system in your home. There are several types of consumer units, each with their own functions and responsibilities. Understanding each type can help you maximize your electricity usage. A fully-loaded consumer unit has a full set of MCBs and two RCDs, creating 10 to 15 ways to use electricity. However, it doesn’t provide accurate circuit separation. A split load consumer unit has a main switch and a residual current device.
High integrity consumer units are used in larger properties and have two or more RCBOs to protect circuits. They are also used in homes with mission-critical circuits. A dual-RCB consumer unit is often used as a sub-board to the main distribution panel. A single-RCB unit uses only one RCD per circuit. However, it does have the advantage of total circuit separation and excellent protection.
Fire risk of a consumer unit
The consumer unit was located underneath a staircase in a terraced three-storey home. The amount of stored materials and the timber staircase meant that the fire quickly spread throughout the building. Only one of the ten occupants was awake at the time, but the other nine people in the house were alerted to the fire, allowing them to escape safely. Although the fire was extinguished quickly, the fire damaged the consumer unit so badly that it was impossible to identify the brand.
