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Consumer units / Distribution Boards Examples

Consumer unit moved using a Wiska 818CUR Consumer Unit Relocation Kit and upgraded with a Wylex 13 way consumer unit with type 2 surge protection installed at a domestic property on the Fylde Coast and populated with combined arc fault detection, overcurrent/overload protection and residual current devices (AFDD/RCBO's) as the latest and safest solution was opted for by the client. Following Grenfell, arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) conforming to BS EN 62606 must now be provided on single-phase AC final circuits supplying socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32A within higher risk residential buildings (HRRB), houses in multiple occupation (HMO), purpose-built student accommodation and care homes. Mandated within other countries AFDD's are recommended within the UK for all other categories of domestic properties, although this could change should production costs reduce as production / sales volumes of AFDD's increase and manufactures become more competitive. This installation was installed against amendment 2 of the 18th edition wiring regulations. For further information as to the benefits of installing AFDD's and how they work, please read the article linked here  

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Old rewireable fuse board change at a property in Burnage, Manchester after E-ON raised concerns with the customer following installation of a smart meter. A new Hager 8 way consumer unit with type 2 surge protection device (SPD) and populated with 6 RCBO's. This installation was competed to comply with amendment 2 of the 18th edition wiring regulation to include the new requirement from September 2022 to install surge protection device (SPD) within domestic properties. SPD's can pre­vent the spread of overvoltage in the elec­trical in­stall­a­tions and pro­tects equip­ment con­nec­ted to it. The regulations states that “Protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by the overvoltage could result in: 

  • serious injury to, or loss of, human life (for example. Hospitals and, care homes, or in the provision of home dialysis equipment) 

  • failure of a safety service

  • significant financial or data loss

For all other cases, protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided unless the owner of the installation declares it is not required due to any loss or damage being tolerable and they accept the risk of damage to equipment and any consequential loss.” 

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When considering whether or not to install SPD during a new consumer unit upgrade within a domestic property, it becomes clear very quickly that the cost of the connected equipment such as computers, widescreen TV's, or EV charger points by far exceeds the marginal cost of the SPD device or devices, and therefore could lead to significant financial loss when not installed. More information on SPD's from Hager can be found here

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Old plastic 'split board' with only half the circuits protected by one residual current device (RCD) was replaced at a property in Heaton Mersey, Stockport with a new 14 way Hager metal consumer unit comprising of 11 RCBO's and 1 MCB supplying a second consumer unit providing power and lighting to a loft extension with a new termination of the SWA cable and fire sealing. RCBO's combine the function of a residual current device (RCD) with a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) in one device to provide both overcurrent/overload protection and additional protection reducing the risk of a electric shock should a fault occur. Installing RCBO's on individual circuits is a good way to minimise any disruption should RCD's or MCB's operate. Under the latest regulations and requirements for the division of circuits, RCBO's should be used instead of a 'split board', even where two RCD's are installed to avoid power being lost to multiple circuits at the same time; where RCBO's are used, only the individual circuit affected should lose power when the device operates.

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This installation was installed to meet the 18th edition wiring regulations, to include the requirement from an earlier edition (January 2016) to use non-combustible materials for the enclosure (usually metal) to help contain any electrical fire within the enclosure or cabinet and to minimise the escape of flames. Fire investigators have found that consumer unit fires are almost invariably found to be the result of poor workmanship or a lack of maintenance. At Aris Electrical we are acutely aware of these factors and go to great lengths to ensure our work is of the highest quality by being meticulous and paying attention to detail to ensure our electrical connections are correctly made. This includes tightening connections to manufacturer torque setting, making sure cable insulation isn't taken inside terminal connections so that proper contact with the conductor is made and ensuring all factory-installed connections are checked for tightness where required to do so by the manufacturer. Further information can be found within Wiring Matters article from 2015 here

New Circuits and Partial Rewires Examples

New socket outlets installed at a property in Heaton Moor, Stockport to include 1 with USB ports, socket height raised and new wiring installed replacing old junction box and non-compliant radial circuit with maintenance free junction box extending the existing ring final circuit.

New loft extension wiring at a property in Heaton Mersey, Stockport; connection of distribution circuit to new sub board, 1 lighting and 1 power circuit to new loft extension to include extractor fan isolator, two way lighting on the stairs, ring final circuit and spurs. Fire alarm circuit extended with additional detection added to the landing, main roof apex and rear dormer. Second fix installation of high quality lighting accessories.

Additions and Alterations Examples

Rectification of gas and water bonding that was inadequate at a property checked prior to a consumer unit change.     

New 5W LED Security Amenity Bulkhead light installed to replace old unit within a porch.

Low ceiling pendant lights removed, spotlights installed throughout and under cabinet lighting replaced within the kitchen.  

New compact outdoor LED flood light fitted, twin and earth cable clipped direct within garage into IP44 adaptable box with Wago connectors feeding flexible cable to the flood light

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