Consumer Unit Advice
Discussion
I’m looking into the electrics in my home ahead of receiving my first EV. My existing consumer unit is probably on the older side (the house was built in 1996, but I’m not sure if the unit is original) but I've had zero electrical issues to date.
I’ll be hiring a professional to supply and fit the new consumer unit, but are there any specific features I should request or any brands I should avoid? I presume RCBOs and surge protection are the minimum?
I’ll be hiring a professional to supply and fit the new consumer unit, but are there any specific features I should request or any brands I should avoid? I presume RCBOs and surge protection are the minimum?
The latest thing is arc fault detection (AFDD), this is only recommended for high risk properties at the moment (HMO, thatched etc) No doubt it will become mandatory at some point. It’s quite pricey, I have just had one fitted to an HMO and it cost £800, that was not including fitting, it was quite large though as there were 6 bedrooms all on separate circuits, the photo was taken before all rooms/kitchen etc were complete.
Electricians have their preferred manufacturers, just like plumbers have their preferred boilers.
Electricians have their preferred manufacturers, just like plumbers have their preferred boilers.
You don't have to have RCBOs & on a board with so few circuits there's no real reason to change from an single (or maybe two) RCD if there is only one ring & one lighting circuit & they can't be split into upstairs & downstairs circuits. These days you'll probably get pushed into having Surge Protection & maybe Arc Fault Detection as well but neither of these is mandatory except for certain cases - eg AFDDs are required in HMOs & high-rise buildings.
Where is the incoming supply & meter because it's possible the EV charging could be split off in there rather than having to be brought into the existing CU. Electricians often have a favourite brand - Hager, Schenider & Wylex seem ok. Not sure about MK these days & avoid cheaper uncommon brands.
Where is the incoming supply & meter because it's possible the EV charging could be split off in there rather than having to be brought into the existing CU. Electricians often have a favourite brand - Hager, Schenider & Wylex seem ok. Not sure about MK these days & avoid cheaper uncommon brands.
The sparky will probably add a new consumer unit specifically for the EV. If they open the existing one, they become responsible for any issues that arise with that CU so its way better for them to add henley blocks to the meter tails and a new CU with surge protection.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-5-modul...
There are also IP65 rated ones if it needs to be outside near your meter.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/lewden-65-enc-ip65-weat...
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-5-modul...
There are also IP65 rated ones if it needs to be outside near your meter.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/lewden-65-enc-ip65-weat...
Thanks for the comments so far.
gmaz said:
The sparky will probably add a new consumer unit specifically for the EV. If they open the existing one, they become responsible for any issues that arise with that CU so its way better for them to add henley blocks to the meter tails and a new CU with surge protection.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-5-modul...
There are also IP65 rated ones if it needs to be outside near your meter.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/lewden-65-enc-ip65-weat...
This is what I'm wanting to avoid - adding extra tat to the walls (especially on the outside) - I'd much rather just pay an independent electrician to fit me a newer/safer and more future proof unit.https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-5-modul...
There are also IP65 rated ones if it needs to be outside near your meter.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/lewden-65-enc-ip65-weat...
gmaz said:
119 said:
gmaz said:
If they open the existing one, they become responsible for any issues that arise with that CU]
Really?The last couple of guys we used didn t even bat an eyelid at ours and it was the same condition as the OPs
I'm not an electrician, but from what I can see, all the circuits to the left of 1 and 2 (ring main) don't seem to have RCD protection. If it were me, I'd ask the electrician installing the EV charger to add one in. There's enough space in the consumer unit, and they cost only about £25 plus fitting. It adds extra peace of mind if anyone touches those circuits.
gmaz said:
That's what the sparky that fitted my heat pump last week told me.
That has Octopus written all over it... They do it as most DBs they encounter will be full or unsuitable. No SPD, AC RCD rather than A. By putting their own mini board Henley blocked off the meter tails, they can ensure compliance and a straight fit for every install.
I've seen other ASHP installs come straight off a suitable board that has the prerequisites ticked.
chrismoose91 said:
gmaz said:
That's what the sparky that fitted my heat pump last week told me.
That has Octopus written all over it... They do it as most DBs they encounter will be full or unsuitable. No SPD, AC RCD rather than A. By putting their own mini board Henley blocked off the meter tails, they can ensure compliance and a straight fit for every install.
I've seen other ASHP installs come straight off a suitable board that has the prerequisites ticked.
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