Distribution panel

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Not really electronics, but close. SWMBO has decreed that we need a new kitchen. Part of this will involve moving the electrical distribution box. I currently have 6 MCBs but it would be better with an extra to make provision for an electric hob in future.  I can get 8 ways, but they come in 2 varieties, 8 module and 16 module. I’m struggling to find the difference. My preference is 8 as it fits the physical space better. And yes I am going to get a proper electrician to supply and fit it.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-fortress-16-module-8-way-populated-high-integrity-main-switch-consumer-unit-with-spd/275rl#

 

Might get you started … click through the assortment

MichaelG.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

As you are asking the questions I assume you are not  qualified electrician.
Replacing the consumer unit is notifiable work so needs to be done, or at least supervised, by a registered “Part P” electrician (there are other options but not practical).
This is not a DIY job.

Edit. Sorry I missed the ” going to get a proper electrician to supply and fit it”. I suggest you talk to the electrician before making any decision.
They will almoost certainly want to do an inspection of the installation before commiting and may insist on additional work. Some will only do the work if it is a full re-wire to the latest recommendations. This is a bit of abuse of position in my opinion but most of them  seem to have enough work to let them pick and choose.

Robert.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

That’s why I said I’m going to get a proper electrician to supply and fit it. I just want to understand the difference

And I’d looked on the Screwfix site which doesn’t explain anything

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

The latest recommendations include at least two RCD’s and possibly RCBO’s and radial (rather than ring) circuits.
Your sparky may not agree with any guidance given on here.

Robert.

[Roger HartParticipant @rogerhart88496]

I did change my consumer unit and got my knuckles rapped. Being cowardly and afraid of death I pulled the fuse and changed the unit. Not difficult – but see later on. Electric company got niggly when asked to put fuse seal back and made me get a proper inspection and involve council building dept. Forked out for inspection and eventually got letter from council declaring all OK. But electric company would not take council’s letter as OK, they want the proper certificate. Council said no, it’s our property (I paid!!!) but very kindly sent me a photocopy. Eventually seal got put back on.

But doing the work I discovered two rings were single ended. The unused (bare) ends were neatly coiled up under the upstairs landing. Circuit diagram drawn after much cursing and pulling up carpets and floor boards and the rings properly made. At purchase this house had an inspection certificate!

I would hazard a guess with some supporting experience that a good number of houses have duff ring mains. I never really believed the ‘saving copper’ story, I reckon market protection was the real reason.

As Robert says it’s not really a DIY job any more.

[duncan webster 1]

On duncan webster 1 Said:

[…] I just want to understand the difference

And I’d looked on the Screwfix site which doesn’t explain anything

It may not explain anything, but the descriptions are clear enough … in your example  just imagine a row of parking spaces … 16 or 8 spaces are available, and 8 cars could be parked in either.

MichaelG.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Having done a lot of head scratching I finally found a website which explains it. I think Michael has just about got it. A 16 module module unit has space for 16 single width devices like MCBs, but things like isolators and RCDs are twice as wide, so you can have say 8 MCBs, 2 RCDs, an isolator and 2 SPDs (surge protection device, a new one on me). Now that I understand a bit more I can have a more informed discussion with the electrician, who seems happy to modify what’s there subject to checking it out rather than ripping it out and starting afresh.

[Author]

Posts