The consumer unit is used to power all of the circuits in your property and is made up of several different components, all of which have their own responsibility. To understand how your consumer unit works and potential problems that it may encounter, familiarising yourself with these components is key. So, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when looking at the internal parts of your consumer unit:
Just as the name suggests, the main switch is responsible for supplying the consumer unit with electricity from the meter. Once you turn off the main switch, your consumer unit will become isolated, and your property will no longer be provided with a supply of electricity. This is the only switch in the fuse board that can be manually turned off and on again. For example, if you needed to carry out any repairs on your electrical system or you were experiencing a severe issue, then you would use the main switch to turn off your electricity supply.
The RCD, also known as the Residual Current Devices, is a set of switches that is in charge of monitoring all of the electrical currents in your home. They help to prevent electric shocks, as well as identify faults that could cause a fire. As soon as they notice that the power flow is not balanced, the switches will automatically turn off, which is also known as tripping. As of the July 2008 Wiring Regulations, it has become mandatory for all new or rewired properties to be equipped with an RCD for safety purposes.
The Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is the small port that your electrical circuits connect to. Much like the RCD, the circuit breakers turn themselves off, but in this case, the trip may be caused due to two different reasons. The first of these is an overload of power, commonly down to too many items being plugged into one circuit, and the second is an overcurrent. If the circuit itself has a defect, such as a loose live cable, then an overcurrent will be produced. More information on Miniature Circuit Breakers can be found on Consumer Unit World.
RCBO stands for Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent, and this component, in straightforward terms, combines the use of an RCD and MCB. This makes it an important aspect of your consumer unit because not only does it prevent overloads, overcurrents and electric shocks, but it will also limit tripping.
An SPD, or Surge Protection Device, is not an essential component of your consumer unit and is only installed should your electricians feel as if it is necessary to do so. It acts as a layer of protection over both the electrical system itself and any equipment that you connect up to the system. During the initial installation of your fuse board, your electrician will complete a full risk assessment which will determine whether you would benefit from an SPD.
Once you feel confident in understanding the various components of a consumer unit, it will become considerably easier to tell the difference between the different types available and identify which is best suited to your needs. The essential functions and responsibilities of fuse boards will always remain the same; however, certain aspects will be slightly altered to accommodate different requirements. The types of consumer units include:
If you choose to go for a Main Switch Consumer Unit, then it will be supplied to you without any of the additional devices used for protection. It will feature only the main switch, but you can install an RCD and MCB if you wish to do so.
The next option is a Dual RCD Consumer Unit, which, as you can expect from the name, will be equipped with two RCDs, as well as the conventional main switch. This remains one of the most popular fuse board types because it is far cheaper than its alternatives.
Featuring two MCBs, High Integrity Consumer Units offer an affordable layer of protection as they allow circuits to be separated. They are created with a simple design, making them straightforward to install and maintain.
These types of units are most commonly used for areas that require a smaller electrical supply, for example, a garage or workshop. Unlike their alternatives, an RCD Consumer Unit does not have a main switch because this function is controlled by a specialist RCD.
Much like any other essential aspect of your home, the consumer unit requires regular maintenance to ensure that it remains in good condition and free from potential dangers. This means that it is of utmost importance to ensure that you are well-versed in how to care for your consumer unit, along with how to spot signs that a problem may be brewing. Follow our top tips below, and you should never experience any issues with your system:
Particularly if your consumer unit is plastic, there are a number of key warning signs that will indicate a growing issue – the first is regular tripping. While the protective components of your unit are designed to trip when they detect danger, if it frequently happens with no explanation, then it is recommended to enlist the help of professionals. Many fall into the trap of resetting the breaker each time that their electrics trip, and while this temporarily solves the issue, it will cause the problem to deteriorate, leading to more expensive repairs.Another sign that you need to contact an electrician is a crackling sound coming from your consumer unit. The crackling sound is caused by arcing, which is the process of electricity jumping from one connection to another. This could be potentially fatal if someone were to touch the fuse board, risking skin burns, eyesight damage and even a shock big enough to knock you off your feet.
Along with keeping an eye out for danger signs, it is also vital to take the time every few months to visually inspect your consumer unit. There is no better way to spot issues before they have the chance to grow than by noticing changes in appearance. If you have never checked your consumer unit, then head over now and ask yourself the following questions:
Is the cover secure?
Are any parts of the consumer unit exposed?
Are all of the wire covers in good condition?
Has the plastic cover started to warp?
Are any areas of the plastic burnt?
If you spot any of these visual defects, then, again, we would highly recommend booking in with an electrician to check the condition of the consumer unit. While it may only be a minor issue, it is much safer to resolve any problems while they are small to prevent further damage and keep your property protected.
With age and constant use, it is inevitable that at some point, electrical components will begin to deteriorate, which makes a periodic inspection essential in preventing any associated damage. A periodic inspection is carried out by a qualified, certified electrician and involves the assessment of electrical installations. How often you are required to schedule an inspection is based on your property type. For example, an owner-occupied home must be checked every ten years, whereas this is lowered to five years for a rented property and three years for a caravan. There are some instances where an inspection will be required ahead of these dates, such as before you move into a new house.In opting for periodic inspections with trained professionals, you can keep fully updated on the condition of your electrical installations. It will highlight several different potential issues, such as electric shock dangers and fire hazards, helping you keep your property safe. Your electrician will also be able to spot whether any of your circuits have overloaded since the last testing and advise on any recommended repairs to protect your home
