5 FAQs About Consumer Units

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While many people find consumer unit equipment as a scary electrical gadget, we take pride in selling the best type you can ever find in the market. The gadget helps in protecting the home. However, many people still have a wide range of questions on the operation of consumer units. Well, here are five FAQs that are common with fuse boxes.

What are the differences between the fuse board, Consumer Unit, and Fuse Box?

A fuse board or fuse box refers to the outdated name of what is currently known as consumer units. Modern consumer units feature the main switch, MCBs, and RCDs.

What are MCBs and RCDs, and what is their purpose?

The main purpose of RCDs is to offer protection against electrical fires and electric shocks simply. They are responsible for detecting even the slightest amount of leaking currents and quickly react by cutting down the power before electrocution or injury happens. A standard consumer unit has to feature at least two or even three RCDs.

MCB’s purpose is to protect the electrical circuit against any damage this is caused by excess current. They are responsible for preventing overload within the circuits and the electrical wires. Simply they are responsible for preventing any overheating through cutting off electricity immediately after a fault has been detected. With new consumer units, you will find single MCBs for every electrical circuit within your property.

What does it mean when an RCD Trips?

Once an RCD trips within the fuse box, then the RCD switch automatically flips to an off position. This normally indicates there is a fault within one of the electric circuits. A major and common cause of such an occurrence is faulty appearance, among other reasons.

What should you do when an RCD Trips on your Consumer Unit?

Well, first try to reset your RCD by carefully toggling the RCD switch on. If it was just a temporary flip, doing so would solve the problem. However, if it fails and strips immediately, you can:

  1. Try and identify the faulty circuit
  • Flip each MCB protected by the RCD off
  • Flip your RCD switch back on
  • Finally, switch your MCBs back on

When an RCD trips, you will then get to know which circuit is experiencing the problem. After which you can decide to seek the services of an electrician.

  1. Check for faulty appliances
  • Unplug all appliances
  • Reset your RCD to ON
  • Plug the appliances one at ago

If the RCD strips once you plug in a certain appliance, then it is the source of the error.

How often should you Test the RCDs of Your Consumer Unit?

After every 3 months is a good period to check if the RCDs are functioning perfectly. This will help you identify if there is any problem with the consumer unit and make a replacement as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Well, if you have any issue with your consumer unit, you can easily make a purchase at Electrical Discounted Supplies with just a click. We have a wide variety of consumer units that best meet your electrical requirements.