However it is possible to add more but they should always have a fused connection unit or FCU between them and the location you’re taking power from. In pretty much every other configuration they are a required feature for each and every individual circuit. It’s also important to understand that RCD’s have a test button which creates a simulated earth leak with a resistor, and it is usually recommended that they are tested once a month to ensure they are operating correctly.

For further information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here. Essentially, if you understand this paragraph then you are able to test yourself. If you do not, leave it alone.Before any work is done, firstly it is ensured that power to the entire property is isolated so that the consumer unit can be safely worked on. In terms of the law, RCD’s are only required to be installed in a new build, where additions or major alterations are done to an existing property or when a rewire is carried out. As they are very sensitive to the slightest bit of earth leakage, it is not practical to fit one RCD to protect the whole house, hence the reason they are split over 2 circuits, normally one upstairs and one for downstairs. RCD’s also work by detecting an imbalance between the Live and the Neutral conductors and this feature is a requirement for all Class 2 double insulated equipment.

The reason this size cable is used is that it ensures that enough current can be supplied to all the likely appliances that could be plugged into it and also that any voltage drop won’t be sufficient enough to effect the operation of appliances. This consumer unit, like the RCBO version was mainly born out the nuisance tripping addition to the wiring regulations and in effect combines the best features of each of the other types of configuration. Identifying a radial circuit and a final ring circuit requires a test. A sparky (electrician) will disconnect the wires in the consumer unit and test continuity between the two cables on the live and return terminals. Just as a matter of interest, DIN stands for Deutsche Industrie Norm and, originating in Germany, is any of a series of technical standards, used internationally, to designate electrical connections, film speeds and paper sizes. What are the Different Types of Consumer Unit?

What are MCB’s?

These rules apply for both ring mains and radial circuits and you also have to be aware that adding spurs to an existing circuit will also count towards the total length. Adding long spurs could make you exceed the limit!

Once the incoming live is connected using a bus bar for each MCB, the next job is to connect each circuit to it’s relevant MCB. What this seems to suggest is that, although it isn’t at present, may be at some point in the future, split load boards may be deemed non-compliant and will need to be changed. This is something to bear in mind.However to be sure that your electrician is doing it correctly, this is generally the process that’s followed: The second condition applies to any circuits where an earth fault current is not sufficient to blow the fuse, or trip the switch in the designated time allowance stated in the regulations. Once the first MCB is connected up, the others are connected in the same way, ensuring that each is connected to the correct size of MCB for the item(s) it’s powering. Finally, connect the incoming earth/ground wire in Green with Yellow Stripe color (from the main earthing system) to the earth busbar terminal in the garage consumer unit. BG enclosures are typically used as an extension to an existing consumer unit btu can also be used in isolation. Typical applications include house, loft extensions, garages, sheds, workshops and for showers. They are manufactured from steel and are complete with devices, DIN rail, neutral cable, neutral and earth terminals and a busbar.

Firstly, MCB’s are clipped on to the DIN rail and positioned as required for the number of circuits that are being run from the consumer unit. The modern consumer unit also has a range of other safety features including a main switch that controls the power to the entire unit, that, once switched off, will turn the power off to the entire house.Read carefully all the cautions and instructions and follow them strictly while doing this tutorial or any other work in practical related to electrical works. Scottish Islands:HS1-9, IV40-51, IV55-56, KA27-28, KW15-17, PA20, PA30, PA32-34, PA41-49, PA60-78, PH42-44, ZE1-3 In most cases, to add an RCD to an existing consumer unit, it’s much easier to simply replace the entire consumer unit, as space is often an issue. This is obviously a costly job and if it’s not necessary then it’s a cost that can be avoided. However, due to the added protection that they give, it’s a great idea to do it as and when you can. Split Load Board RCD’s can also be switched off manually and can take the place of the isolator switch in the consumer unit, if they break live and neutral. As we are all taught from a very young age, electricity is extremely dangerous and if you don’t know what you’re doing with it, working on or around it should be left to the professionals! This is certainly no different when it comes to consumer units.