Consumer Unit / Fusebox Upgrade
Consumer units otherwise commonly known as fuseboxes are designed to safely manage electricity used within your dwelling/premises. They also control and distribute electricity to final circuits and provide a means of isolating the electrical supply in the event of an emergency or to carry out installation/maintenance activities.
There are 4 main types of consumer unit, each of which may be more suitable for a specific application and/or budget. The cost of the consumer unit may have an impact on the level of circuit separation afforded and consequently the amount of inconvenience experienced by the client in the event of a fault occurring. Increased circuit separation will provide a more reliable electrical supply (within the premises) under fault conditions.
1. Main Switch Consumer Unit
Supplied with the main switch only. All protective devices usually need to be purchased separately. Fully configurable to suit the client’s requirements. When fitted with RCBO’s provides total circuit separation. A faulty circuit only trips the protective device assigned to that circuit. All other circuits remain energised. These consumer units are recommended however they are usually the most expensive.
2. High Integerity Consumer Unit
A versatile consumer unit providing a good level of circuit separation at a reasonable cost. Can be configured with 2 banks of RCD protected MCB’s, whilst a third neutral bar can facilitate the connection of RCBOs. These could be assigned to client deemed essential loads, (burglar alarm etc.) Usually supplied with some protective devices. Making it a more affordable alternative to the main switch consumer unit.
3. Dual RCD Cunsumer Unit
A competitively priced consumer unit better suited to domestic installations. Supplied with protective devices (fully loaded). Additional MCBs may be required if the supplied type do not meet your exact requirements. Provides 2 banks of RCD protected MCBs. Where an RCD protects multiple circuits, an earth fault on any circuit on that bank will trip the RCD and ALL remaining circuits on that bank will be de-energised also. (To a lesser extent, this will apply to the High integrity board also). Accumulative earth leakage currents will also need consideration when selecting a suitable consumer unit. These earth leakage currents can occur in healthy circuits and are usually produced by electronic using equipment. (Computer, Televisions, washing machines etc,).
4. RCD Incomer Consumer Unit
The main switch is replaced with an RCD. This provides isolation and protects all circuits. No circuit separation is afforded. Typical applications might be a domestic garage, garden shed, etc. Can only be populated with MCBs.
Consumer Unit Components
1. The main switch provides: Isolation/Emergency switching.
2. MCB provides: protection for individual circuits, overload/short circuit.
3. RCD (Residual current device) provides: Additional protection. Which can also include RCCB (Residual current circuit breaker). RCBO (Residual current breaker, over-current protection). These devices will monitor a circuit or group of circuits and trip the power in the event of an earth fault. They are designed to reduce the risk of electrocution/fire.
4. SPD (surge protection device) provides: protection against voltage surge caused by lightning strikes or transient over voltages. Transient over voltages are caused by the switching of large inductive loads connected to the distribution network/grid. The subsequent voltage surge can present a shock/fire risk as well as damage to electronic equipment, including Electric vehicles.
5. AFDD (Arc fault detection device): These devices are designed to mitigate the risk of fire. By detecting the arc fault, the AFDD can prevent the initial cause of a potential fire. An arc is created when electrical current jumps the gap between two conductive materials, which can generate very high temperatures producing a source of ignition. This could be caused by damaged cable insulation, a break in the cable or loose electrical connections etc.
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