What is the function of a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit, also known as a fuse board or electrical fuse box, distributes electricity from the main supply to individual circuits around a property. It acts as the control centre for the power supply. Each circuit is monitored and will trip the system if any overloads are detected. Thus helping prevent electrical shocks and fires. A distribution board typically includes a main switch that can be used to manually turn the power off and on if required to isolate the supply.
The Consumer Unit or fuse board is the most important electrical safety device in the home and workplace.
What are the components of a Consumer Unit?
Consumer Units are also known as a fuse boxes or fuse board and are a necessity in any home or workplace. A consumer unit usually contains three things, which are used to control and distribute electricity around your property. These other three parts are the fuses and/or circuit breakers, Residual Current Devices and RCBO’s
What kinds of Consumer Units are there?
There are mainly four types of consumer units. These are:
- Main Switch Consumer Unit: These offer highest degree of circuit separation and all circuits are protected from earth leakage independently.
- Dual RCD Consumer Unit: Offers a cost-effective solution by protecting two banks of circuits from earth leakage with the use of two RCDs
- High Integrity Consumer Unit: These are normally used in larger properties with greater numbers of circuits. This type of consumer units offer good circuit separation through the use of multiple RCDs while allowing for the independent use of RCBOs.
- RCD Incomer Consumer Unit: These are not very common. An RCD incomer does not use a main switch and are usually used as a sub-board to a main distribution panel.
Where can I get services involving Consumer Units?
Pure Power Electrical provides both installation and maintenance services for consumer units. Check our price listing for cost details.
