Consumer Units

All Electrical Installations in the UK have to conform to the BS7671 Wiring Regulations. At various times they are updated to take into consideration changes in technology and equipment.

The introduction of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations will bring about several major changes to the way the average UK home is wired and by association, the layout of a typical domestic consumer unit. The new regulations came into effect on July 1st 2008 and from that date, all wiring installations must conform.

The major change that will impact on CPN products is the increased use of RCD and RCBO protection. At the moment RCD protection is a suggestion in certain situations. With the implementation of the 17th edition RCD protection IS A MUST in the following situations:

1) REGULATION 411.3.3

RCD PROTECTION SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR:
Any circuit containing sockets not exceeding 20A which will be used by “unskilled persons”.
Mobile equipment for outdoor use not exceeding 32A.

2) SECTION 701 SPECIAL LOCATIONS (BATHROOMS)

Additional protection shall be provided by Residual Current Device with an operating current not exceeding 30mA. (701.411.3.3).
SHOWERS/LIGHTING/HEATING/VENTILATION CIRCUITS.

3) CABLE PROTECTION

If the wiring in any circuit is less than 50mm below the surface and not in any form of mechanical protection such as Conduit and being used by an “unskilled person”, it shall be protected by a Residual Current Device rated at no more than 30mA. (522.6.7).

In line with this CPN have made several changes to their range of consumer units.

Standard Split Load Consumer Units

A split load consumer unit with MCBs on the RCD protected side and single module RCBOs and MCBs where required on the isolator side.

Twin RCD Split Load Consumer Units

An alternative to the current split load consumer unit is a unit fitted with a main switch and TWO 30mA RCDS which can be either 63A or 80A rated. To see the CPN range of Twin Rcd Boards Click Here

Main Switch and RCBO/MCB Enclosure

Unlike the split load consumer unit, this unit is an non split enclosure fitted with a 100A main switch and a combination of RCBOs and MCBs to suit the circuit requirements. CPN have several types of these units available Click Here for details.

Twin RCD Split Load Consumer Units plus 2 High Integrity Circuits

A twin RCD consumer unit that has two circuits outside the scope of the RCDs. These would normally be mains powered smoke alarms or fire protection systems which cannot be controlled by the same RCD that protects the normal power circuits. Click Here to see the range of HI boards

View products and shop now
No need for log in

View our latest special offers
Available today

Customers with accounts
Log in here