It is possible to extend a ring main if you need to. For help and information on how to do this, please see our extending a ring main project here. Cooker and Electric Shower Circuits 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. Essentially, if an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is carried out on such a setup and it is found that everything is working as it should be then all should be well, as long as there are no outside or zoned circuits that require an RCD.

The major difference between this type of consumer unit and the below type is that this one does not feature an RCD’s so in terms of it’s relevance today, is now considered a little old-hat! The third and final circuit(s) basically sit next to the main switch and are comprised of individual RCBO’s that provide all the protection for the circuit they are supplying. These circuits are considered highly important and as they are individually protected and outside of the RCD circuits, won’t trip with the other circuits protected under them. The final stage left is then for your electrician to test every single circuit on the board and ensure it’s safe, wired correctly and has no issues what so ever. Obviously, when a consumer unit is being installed the power to your entire house is isolated so that everything can be connected up and tested before it put live for use! Finally, for more help and information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here. What is a Ring Main or Ring Final Circuit or Final Circuit?Once all of the MCB’s have been connected up, the final job then is to simply connect the earth running from the meter to the earth bar in the consumer unit 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. Enclosures are typically used as an extension to an existing consumer unit but can also be used in isolation. Typical applications include house and loft extensions, garages, sheds, workshops or for showers. First of all, switch off the main switch or related MCB breaker in the main distribution board or consumer unit and make sure the main supply is turned off. You have done, the electrical appliances now can be connected to the new wired consumer unit and its MCB’s via three wires i.e. Brown as Live “L”, Blue as Neutral “N” and Protective Earth “E” as Green with Yellow Stripe.

The split board shown here has one RCD and is a simple version to show the user how the board works, however most modern split load boards feature 2 RCD’s. 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. Since its introduction, the consumer unit has now become the product of choice for distributing electricity around your home due to it’s simple layout and relatively straight forward setup (if you’re an electrician and know what you’re doing obviously).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.

However it is possible for both a ring or radial circuit to power lighting, but it requires the use of a fused spur which is fused independently of the circuit the power is coming from. You can see more about how a switched or fixed fused spur works in our project here. Along with an MCB for each circuit and the wiring required to wire up each MCB (more on this below), that’s pretty much it in terms of what you’ll find in a consumer unit, however there are some exceptions depending on what it’s serving, whether it’s domestic or industrial etc. Once all the testing has been completed the next job is to isolate the power to the existing fuse/circuit board and then remove it. Essentially, if you understand this paragraph then you are able to test yourself. If you do not, leave it alone. 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.Similarly, connect the Phase or Live wire “L” (Brown color) to the live terminal of RCD. The output Live terminal of RCD should be bonded to other MCB’s via a common copper busbar segment terminal. 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. 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.