Where are you lot buying consumer units.

[Iona222]

And for value, quality, easy of parts, what brand do you guys recommend.

Cheers.

 

[pc1966]

I agree with @westward10 that the whole "18th board" stuff is simply marketing crap. You might think that it means it comes with a SPD as standard since that is one of the new aspects not really seen in the previous editions, but nope - they don't always.

 

[Iona222]

I agree with @westward10 that the whole "18th board" stuff is simply marketing crap. You might think that it means it comes with a SPD as standard since that is one of the new aspects not really seen in the previous editions, but nope - they don't always.

Still trying to find a place to buy a quality db.

 

[westward10]

I agree with @westward10 that the whole "18th board" stuff is simply marketing crap. You might think that it means it comes with a SPD as standard since that is one of the new aspects not really seen in the previous editions, but nope - they don't always.

My test equipment is probably 15th Ed??

 

[Iona222]

My test equipment is probably 15th Ed??

As long as it calibration cert is valid kid.

 

[pc1966]

Still trying to find a place to buy a quality db.

Ask around your local trade suppliers, but I would avoid the own-brand options as (a) they are often not that good, and (b) you can't get them from other outlets.

Fusebox seems to be the go-to for quality on a budget, and the compact RCBO tick the boxes (a) of being type A so fine with many electronic faults, and (b) double pole so easier to test as both L & N are open for IR test just by tripping them.

Wylex do the same, but a bit more expensive and they don't seem to be very good on long-term compatibility.

Hager are liked at the higher end, as are Schneider, and both of them have a good reputation for long-term support.

 

[Iona222]

Ask around your local trade suppliers, but I would avoid the own-brand options as (a) they are often not that good, and (b) you can't get them from other outlets.

Fusebox seems to be the go-to for quality on a budget, and the compact RCBO tick the boxes of bring type A so fine with many electronic faults, and (b) double pole so easier to test as both L & N are open for IR test just by tripping them.

Wylex do the same, but a bit more expensive and they don't seem to be very good on long-term compatibility.

Hager are liked at the higher end, as are Schneider, and both of them have a good reputation for long-term support.

I like the wylex mate cheers for that.

 

[pc1966]

I like the wylex mate cheers for that.

Ask around for best prices, etc. If buying on-line you might want to give these folks a try:

Discount Electrical Wholesalers Online

Shop4 Electrical stocks discount electrical wholesale supplies. NO MINIMUM ORDER, money back guarantee, FREE delivery over £50, 5⭐ customer reviews

www.discount-electrical.co.uk

Not quite next-day speed but good prices.

My own flat has this one:

Consumer Units: Fuse Boxes & Fuse Boards

Explore our range of consumer units. NO MINIMUM ORDER, money back guarantee, FREE delivery over £50 ex VAT, 5⭐ reviews. Order fuse boxes & fuse boards here✅

www.discount-electrical.co.uk

(with 5 RCBO added, of course!)

Don't forget the cable entry gland for the tails, and I would also suggest you get the Doncaster easy-fit (19 strand) tails. Conveniently you can get them at Toolstation if not quite planned well!

 

[pc1966]

I got my CUs from Holland House (Scottish wholesale outlet) as helpful folk there and close by, but sometimes easier to order on-line.

 

[Iona222]

I got my CUs from Holland House (Scottish wholesale outlet) as helpful folk there and close by, but sometimes easier to order on-line.

I'll pop in see them, there one near by, cheers.

 

[pc1966]

I'll pop in see them, there one near by, cheers.

I don't think they carry Wylex as much as others. Hager was the other type they got for me and carry more of, but ask and they are quite good at sorting out a good deal on stuff.

 

[Dartlec]

I agree with @westward10 that the whole "18th board" stuff is simply marketing crap. You might think that it means it comes with a SPD as standard since that is one of the new aspects not really seen in the previous editions, but nope - they don't always.

Many of them don't even come with Type A RCDs yet, which might be the only thing that Marketing could use to label a board "18th"

Toolstation currently do both A and AC options in BG - with £2.10 difference between them - and seem to have more stock of the type AC ones nationally at least.

Screwfix now do a range of BG with SPD fitted at a reasonable price - but they come with Type AC RCDs.

I've found even with real electrical wholesalers, it's often more about selling premade kits than having the ability to make up your own - number of times I've wanted to make one up, but the busbar isn't available as a separate item off the shelf...

 

[Mikegh]

Are distribution boards all 1 row in the UK ?

They seem much simpler to dress the wiring than 2 row boards with busbar at the bottom

 

[pc1966]

Are distribution boards all 1 row in the UK ?

They seem much simpler to dress the wiring than 2 row boards with busbar at the bottom

Vast majority are, as we generally have single-width MCB or RCBO in use.

While I have not dealt with them myself, you occasionally see dual-row for some cases like dual supply (time-switched), etc.

I suspect that large UK houses needing more than 12 or so circuits would be on multiple sub-boards off different phases, probably by floor or similar.

 

[Lister1987]

Might come as a stupid question - but how can places still sell 17th edition consumer units when I thought the latest is 18th edition and it's illegal to install anything less than current regs / specs.

17th And 3 boards comply as SPDs are not mandated andsplit load is still permitted under 7671 so I'm struggling with the question. Moreover noncompliance with 7671 is not illegal, noncompliance under EaWR on the other hand is.

 

[JBW175]

DTR excellent service

Totally agree, the rate at which they get stuff shipped out and delivered to you is impressive.