Electrical currents have fatal risks, which is why they have to be protected. Besides, any wiring is connected to the consumer unit, the distribution point of the electric current. As such, it regulates the current to prevent any electric system failures. With the 18th edition consumer unit, you can be sure to avoid electric shock and fires since the unit offers a way of switching off the current flow. However, when the unit is faulty, there is a need to replace it. There are various reasons why property owners may need a change of consumer unit, especially if it is not compliant with the current regulations of the 18th edition consumer unit. Discussed below are the things to consider when making the replacement;
The client is not a Qualified Electrician.
As an electrical contractor, you should never forget that no matter how well-informed your client could be, they are not professional electricians. They have not replaced a consumer unit and could be unlikely aware of all the issues. Therefore, encourage your client to have an electrical report to perform before replacing the unit. The aim is to establish that the latest regulations have been met and you will not be left with faults to clear which were not present in the original contract. Furthermore, educating your customer on the level of protection required will help you develop a solution that will match the client’s requirements.
High Priority Circuits
To correctly specify a circuit protection solution that will fit your customer’s expectations, you must ascertain the circuit that requires special consideration in regards to RCD’s. Thus, separation of high priority circuits is vital since it will take away the chances of the course being knocked out by the earth leakage fault. Moreover, the high-priority circuits include security systems and smoke alarms, although every client may have a different attitude to what constitutes a high priority. In addition, home offices that have PCs, stairwell lighting, tropical fish tanks, heating systems, and swimming pools are all cases of high-priority circuits.
Type of Consumer Unit
Lastly, several elements determine the type of consumer unit that will fit for replacement. They include types of circuits, the number of courses, and the client’s budget. A fully loaded consumer unit is a low-cost option that comprises a dual RCD board entirely supplied with MCBs, making it suitable for smaller properties that have fewer complex circuits. On the other hand, a central switch consumer unit offers total circuit separation, and they are costly. High integrity consumer unit combines dual RCD unit with central switch consumer unit, suitable for more extensive duplex arrangements for homeowner’s excellent flexibility over circuit design.
