Consumer unit
This term 'consumer unit' is now officially defined within the 2018 edition of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) as:
| A particular type of distribution board comprising a type-tested co-ordinated assembly for the control and distribution of electrical energy, principally in domestic premises, incorporating manual means of double pole isolation on the incoming circuit(s) and an assembly of one or more fuses, circuit breakers, residual current operated devices or signalling and another control devices proven during the type-test of the assembly as suitable for such use. |
To many, the consumer unit is the modern-day equivalent of a ‘fuse box’ or ‘fuse board’ and provides the origin of all outgoing final circuits.
Successive evolutions of BS 7671 over the last few decades have seen the requirements for consumer units grow substantially – not only in what they may house, but also their construction – particularly in recent years with regards to increased fire safety.
The most recent version of BS 7671 in 2018 (the 18th Edition) now imposes much greater emphasis on ensuring that all such equipment that may be housed in such a consumer unit, often to fulfil specific individual purposes, is properly considered with respect to how it performs alongside other equipment in its vicinity. This will include attributes such as thermal performance, magnetic effects, fixing details and terminations, ability to withstand fault levels as well as current carrying capacity.
--ECA
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Articles about electricity.
- Consumer electronics.
- Domestic micro-generation.
- ECA articles.
- Electric motor.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical component.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrician.
- Electrical safety.
- Electricity bill.
- Electricity supply.
- Flexible electrical networks for a low carbon future.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- The Future of Electricity in Domestic Buildings.
Featured articles and news
A history lesson in geographic information systems.
A low tech, easy to use method of extinguishing small fires.
How can these valued spaces be reused?
Partnership avoids the need for listed building consent.
Connecting building design from inception to completion to operations.
Gregor Harvie predicts interoperability will be construction’s Uber moment.
ICE's State of the Nation 2020
Expert commentary and insight.
Guidance offered for stained glass window maintenance.
Define need before determining viability.
Adding civility to civil engineering
Framework examines social value of projects.
An open ended procurement method
RfX or Request for [fill in the blank].
Organisation establishes Equality, Diversity, Inclusion taskforce.
The new deal for infrastructure
Government announces plans for new building projects.
Outsourcing method to procure and manage supplies.