What to do with a new consumer unit
New Consumer units was introduced under the last IEE wiring regulations BS7671, when this happened under the 17th edition it was stated that all consumer units must have protection via an RCD for all cables embedded in walls except circuits of a high integrity nature, these circuits where deemed to include burglar alarms, smoke alarms, heat alarms etc.
New consumer units are made up of several electrical components but the main ones that would be visible to you would be as follows we have also included a short guide for if they trip;
MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) For a consumer unit
An MCB will switch off in the event of an overload or a short circuit here is a step by step guide to reset it;
1. Switch off and unplug all appliances and check to see if the is any damage
2. Reset the MCB that has tripped to do this it should usually be pushed into the up position, this should reset the electricity supply to that circuit
3. If the MCB does not switch on call Trade Certificates on 02036371446
RCD (Residual Current Device) For a consumer unit
An RCD protects against an electrical current flowing to earth and some faults can be momentary, you can find some extra information on it on our page about what happens if my RCD trips or you can use our quick guide below
1. Switch off all MCBs.
2. Switch on RCD.
3. Switch on each MCB in turn. This should reset the system.
4. If the RCD switches off again when an MCB is switched on, there is a fault.
5. If the RCD cannot be switched on with the MCBs in the “OFF” position, call Trade Certificates on 02036371446
Switches on a consumer unit
The new consumer unit would have a dual RCD and in most cases be set up in the following ways
RCD 1
- Upstairs Lights,
High Integrity consumer Unit
- Downstairs Ring Final,
- Garage Sockets,
- Shower
RCD 2
- Downstairs Lights,
- Upstairs Sockets,
- Cooker,
- Heating,
The reason for the new consumer units being set up in this way is by alternating them only one part of the supply will get interrupted in case of a short circuit, overload or any other fault occurs.
If there is not the space to install a dual RCD consumer unit in your property then the alternative method would be to use RCBO’s which is a combined RCD and MCB, we do promote this as it can be quite expensive to our customers but if required this would be the only option that we would follow.
If you require a new consumer unit or advice please call Trade Certificates on 02036371446
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