Uncategorized

Have you ever wondered what makes up a consumer unit? It consists of a timer, a main switch, MCBs, and RCDs to form a fuse box. Even though you mostly deal switches around your house, it’s worth noting and understanding how to consumer units work. But first, let’s delve into the components of a LIVE Electrical consumer unit.

Timer

It’s among the smart features of the fuse box. You can easily control circuits by automatically turning it off and on by a timer. For example, when you are out on vacation and would wish to turn on and off lights still off—getting a fuse box that has a timer would come in handy at this juncture.

You can set this timer to the recommended time you wish to turn on and off your lights. However, various consumers units do not come with the said device. You can, however, buy one and incorporate it into your consumer unit. It’s important, therefore, to go for enclosures and metal clad that have room for such a device. At Electrical Discounted Supplies is the best place to get such enclosures.

Main Switch

Other components in consumer units are automatic but not the main switch. It requires you to control it manually. However, you wouldn’t operate it too often. The main switch supplies electricity to the house. You will come in contact with the main switch when you are trying to repair faulty electrical lines.

While at it, you’ll first open your panel, locate the main switch and turn it off before embarking on the repairing task. After you are done, you can then switch on the main switch. Before handling any electrical lines, you must ensure that the lines are deactivated.

Residual Current Devices

RCDs will automatically trip when there’s an electrical leakage in your consumer units. You’ll know there’s a problem with the RCDs in the fuse box when lights in a particular room go off while the rest are on. This is your cue to go to the consumer unit, open the live electrical enclosure and locate the tripped RCDs in the fuse box.

You then turn them on, and the lights will come back on. It’s important to check the RCDs regularly by incorporating the push button test to counter-check if they are working correctly. The test will make the RCDs in the consumer unit have earth leakage, thereby making them trip. If they do so, they are in great shape.

Miniature Current Breakers

Something that you will never miss in some consumer units is Miniature Current Breakers. They work the same way RCDs do. Once the trip, you’ll have to turn them on manually. But when there’s a continuous tripping after you’ve turn them on, you must call in an electrician to have them checked.

Wrapping Up

There are various other components you can find in the consumer unit, like RCBOs, which will depend on the type of fuse box you’ve chosen. But the mentioned above will never miss in most consumer units. It’s usually important to buy consumer units that can easily incorporate these items nicely. Electrical Discounted Supplies is the best place to find 18th edition wiring regulation consumer units and enclosures.

Any home that has electrical wiring must have a consumer unit. It’s a vital component that acts as a checkpoint for electrical supply from the main electrical point before supplying current to your house. Its role is massive when it comes to the supply of power, and therefore the consumer unit must always be in tip-top shape. Here are a few answered questions that will put you in a better position to know how to deal with a LIVE Electrical consumer unit box.

How Often Should My Fuse Box Get Checked?

The ideal period for checking the consumer unit is after 10 years. But you can check it as often as you want it. There are instances where you’ll be required to check it. For example, if you are trying to sell or buy a house, the mortgage firm will have you check the consumer unit or deny your request.

If it’s a leasing property, then it’s wise to have them checked after 5 years. You can take the opportunity to check and inspect the unit while a tenant moving out or a new one is set to move in.

When Should I Replace My Consumer Unit?

If your consumer unit is not faulty, there’s no need to replace them. But older versions do not meet the 18th edition wiring regulations for consumer units. In this scenario, you need to change them as soon as possible. In this edition, it is required that all Fuse Box have additional RCDs, MCBs, and even RCBOs to make them more secure and prevent fire hazards as well as other electrical faults.

Furthermore, plastic fuse boxes are not considered as safe as those made from metallic clads. Good examples are those supplied by Electrical Discounted Supplies. If you have plastic ones, then you should consider replacing them. The metallic ones are considered safer because it limits the spread of fire when it occurs.

Can I Change My Own Consumer Unit?

DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to undertake the process, but this is not advisable. Leave it for the professionals to do this job. Doing so may put you at risk of getting harmed. Electricians have the experience and knowledge that will ensure efficiency.

If you are upgrading to the latest versions that Electrical Discounted Supplies firm offer, you must with a certified expert. It is only then that these experts will offer you certification as well as copies of records of tests done. After the job is completed, the electrician can give you a certification from a building regulation.

Final Thoughts

The consumer unit is a vital component in an electrical wiring in a home. It’s wise to have it checked on occasion to ensure it is working exceptionally. Working with an experienced electrician will go a long way in ensuring you get satisfactory results. If you wish to acquire consumer units for upgrades, then Electrical Discounted Supplies is the best option.

Buying a new property requires that you get to understand whether the consumer unit is up to date or needs an upgrade. In such a case, various things have to be checked to determine the consumer unit age properly.

Of course, the assistance of a professional electrician will come in handy. However, it’s also essential that you also have a look at the unit. Older consumer units are easily identified as these units were not made using the same materials. Older units were frequently made using Bakelite which is not suitable for modern fuse boxes.

While having an old fuse box is not considered illegal, it’s always wise and advisable to upgrade them. So how do you identify old consumer units from the upgraded ones?

The Appearance

New or upgraded consumer units will have a plain white or grey casing, a row of switches, and a red isolation switch. The other switches are black and are linked to the electrical circuits within the house. The upgraded unit should also feature at least two RCDs.

While the consumer unit appearance will certainly help you determine if the fuse box is outdated, you can also lookout for the following signs:

1. A fuse box made from a light-grade metal or from Bakelite.
2. Metal pin connectors that have been pushed into the board.
3. Very old units will have a wooden back. Well, these date way back in the 50s and will undoubtedly need a replacement.
4. The unit will have no RCD protection. The modern model will feature a test button that is normally marked with a ‘T’ while the old model lacks this.

What Dangers Exist with Older Consumer Unit Models?

One of the significant dangers of an old consumer unit is the fact that it lacks an RCD. Residual current devices have vital importance as they are the differentiating factor between a safer use of a fuse box and potentially life-threatening situations.

Older units may also contain exposed cables and wires, a situation where electric shocks can be of significant threat. Once you notice any loose wires, you need to call a professional immediately.

Some of the outdated units may also have fitted wires that are not standard or up to the task. In most cases, electricians have had to report call-outs that led to the identifications of older fuse boxes with such wires, and it’s just unbelievable that no one was injured or even killed.

While the modern consumer units also feature certain issues, older ones are much worse with the possibility of frequent trips. If you notice such an occurrence in your property, then once again, it’s wise that you enlist the services of a skilled electrician. The professional will advise you on the right consumer units to use for better results.

Conclusion

Consumer units also referred to as fuse boxes, have an essential part in the electrical system of a home. Without such a unit, you will not have a functioning circuit. Having an old consumer unit will therefore bear high electrical risks and should be replaced immediately.

At Electrical Discounted Supplies, we have modern consumer units that just stand out. Feel free to reach out and get the best advice from our experienced professionals.

Popularly known as fuse boxes, consumer units play a significant role in preventing fires in a home. It controls and distributes electricity in your home. This makes them vital gadgets that should never miss on a property. They somewhat act like a checkpoint, where electricity passes through from the mainline to your property. So, what other importance do live electrical consumer units play?

Circuit Protection

The fuse box has circuit protective devices that ensure electrical devices’ safe and smooth running. It also protects them from impact and dust. We install the fuse boxes in such a way that when your property is receiving more current or has shocks due to faulty electrical lines. They have metallic enclosures to protect these electrical devices. We have excellent enclosures in store including:

1. Live Electrical 5 Way Empty DIN Rail Metal Enclosure with Lid
2. Live Electrical EMCU4-SP 4 Way Mini Metal Surge Protection with 100A Main Switch Consumer Unit Enclosure.
3. Live Electrical IP65 8 Way Populated 100A Plastic Garage Consumer Unit Enclosure

Protection from Fires

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are safety switches that are put inside the fuse box to monitor the gravity of the electrical supply. They prevent fires that are caused by insulating faults in the consumer unit. The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) recommends always putting Arc Fault Detection Devices to prevent fires.

Prevents Spread of Fires

Our live electrical consumer units meet the set (IET) regulation, which states that consumer units must be manufactured from a non-inflammable material. The reason for this is to be able to contain any fires that erupt in the consumer unit in the event they occur. It will limit the spread of the fire and deter any substance that can fuel its spread.

These devices are mostly made of plastic, and when there is a short fuse or current on the fuse box. It can easily burn the plastic, releasing toxins. It is, therefore, to put the consumer unit in away from the escape route like the hallway or below the stairs.

Protection from Electrical Shocks

Our consumer units for a home have additional safety measures, which are the Residual Current Devices (RCD). They will protect you from electrical shocks, and they measure in milliamps (mA). They are more sensitive than circuit breakers and fuses.

Two RCDs are put in a circuit to protect various circuits within an installation. It will limit the further danger to the user in the event of a fault. For example, the electrical connection of upstairs and downstairs are separated by two RCDs. If one Residual Current Device fails to work, the other will continue to work, ensuring you, the consumer, is not in total darkness.

Wrapping Up

Consumer units are vital components in a residential and commercial building. Understanding how they work plus having basic knowledge about them will go a long way in ensuring you prevent electrical hazards.

Electrical Discounted Supplies offers a myriad of consumer units for various spaces. It’s a one-stop online shop for everything live electrical fuse boxes. Depending on the type of installation you wish to undertake, whether a residential or commercial building, we’ve got all you need when it comes to consumer units.

When a room in your house doesn’t have a supply of electricity, a light bulb lights up in your head, and you remember you have a fuse box somewhere in your house. This, however, should not be the case. Consumer units need to be checked regularly to keep them running efficiently. These consumer units are of different shapes and sizes, depending on the area where you intend to install them.

Each type consumer unit will however depend on the kind of application at hand. Its therefore important to ensure you have abetter understanding on the the different types of consumer units. Here are various types of LIVE electrical fuse boxes with examples.

Split Load Consumer Units

Its famously known as high integrity consumer unit. It’s a combination of Residual Current Breaker Over Current (RCBOs) and Residual Current Devices (RCDs). The single pole’s MCBs are secured by the Residual Current Devices, while the main switch controls the RCBOs. It has proven to be the better fuse box when compared to the simple consumer unit, dual RCDs consumer unit, and RCD consumer unit.

It provides overcurrent, overload, earth leakage together with short-circuit. The components needed to make a split load consumer unit include 2poles RCDs, a consumer unit, two poles main switch MCB, 3 RCBOs, and 3single poles of MCBs. To house such units you’ll have to use massive metal-clad like the live-electrical-mcu22m-sp-22-way metal-clad-surge-protection-consumer-unit-100a-main-switch/

RCDs Consumer Units

RCDs stands for Residual Current Devices. The consumer unit will work in such a way that if the RCDs senses a leakage, there’s an automatic cut in power supply. Therefore, as the property owner, you are protected against electric shocks, together with damage to the electrical appliance and the circuit. They are smaller in capacity and size than its counterparts.

They are excellent when you want to separate consumer units for your storehouse, garden, and garage. You will not need a massive consumer unit for the main house as the smaller ones will work perfectly fine. Examples of such units are 3 way or 5ways. A good housing example for such units  is the  Live Electrical 4 Way Metal Clad 100A Main Switch.

Dual RCDs Consumer Units

These types are a cost-effective way to meet the seventh edition of wiring regulations. They protect two banking circuits from earth leakage with the use of two Residual Current Devices. They comprises of several MCBs and two RCDs. It can create 10 to 15 usable ways. The best Din rail housing for such units include the Live Electrical MCU10M-SP 10 Way Metal Clad Surge Protection Consumer Unit.

Final Note

The type of LIVE electrical consumer unit you go for will depend on various factors. For instance, the size and layout of your property, number of buildings, outbuildings, expected load level, and other factors.  Whichever consumer unit box you go for with your needs in mind, at Electrical Discounted Supplies is your trusted firm when it comes to these enclosures and boxes. We only offer those that meet the 18th edition regulatory standards. Our aim is to ensure we are in a position to offer the most reliable information in regards to consumer units.

A black nickel finish is a process that makes electrical devices look more attractive. Black nickel finish provides a smooth and shiny, classy look to devices. This process prevents the device from getting corroded and tarnished. It keeps the device safe from dust, dirt, and other particles that can cause rusting or corrosion.

There are many reasons why a black nickel finish is a great option for the construction of electrical units. Some of the benefits include corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and ease of maintain.

A lot of people are going for black nickel finish in their electrical units, such as black nickel dimmer switches for lights. It has become popular for a variety of reasons. When you are building an electrical unit, you need to consider the black nickel finish as it will give you peace of mind with the various benefits that it provides.

The Black Nickel Finish is an electrical unit that has been around for a long time. It is also known as silver nickel. This new finish may be a difficult concept to understand and accept in the world of electronics and power engineering, but it is powerful in its benefits to all fields of electrical engineering.

A black nickel finish is a matte, flat, and almost completely black finish applied to many surface materials. It is used in the creating various electrical surfaces such as wires, switches, and connectors.

The benefits of a black nickel finish are that it gives an electrical wire or surface a sleek look with minimal reflection, and its colour does not show up on the surface. The mat finish also provides protection for the underlying surfaces from corrosion.

The black nickel finish is a type of electroplating process. It is used to produce coatings that are highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, stand up well in many environmental conditions, and stay shiny for a long time.

A black nickel finish can offer the following benefits:

• Black nickel resists rust and oxidation better than other finishes.
• Black nickel doesn’t wear out easily as other finishes do.
• A black nickel finish will stay shiny for a long time because it is not marked by fingerprints or smudges as easily as other finishes.
• A black nickel finish doesn’t require regular maintenance as other finishes do; it only requires good care after the first few months of use.

Black nickel finishes have been in use for many years in the manufacturing industry. They provide a high-gloss, durable surface that is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.

One of the most common uses of black nickel finish is in electrical units such as switches, outlets, receptacles, junction boxes, and circular saws. It also helps prevent water from penetrating into the unit, thereby making it last longer.

When you’re looking for a new electrical unit with a black nickel finish, you should consider these benefits:

• Black Nickel Finish resists corrosion and tarnishing
• Helps prevent water penetration into the electrical unit

The difference between a polished chrome finish and a fake chrome finish is the appearance of the surface. The polish is smoother on the surface, which means that it reflects light more, giving it a brighter and shiny appearance.

Polished chrome is a finish that is reflective and smooth. It is the result of the surface being sanded, polished, and treated with a series of coatings.

A highly reflective chrome finish has been applied by processes that use electrical units such as electroplating or electrophoretic deposition. Because the surface has been made highly reflective, it can also be considered “fake chrome.”

Automotive chrome plating is a process that protects the metal parts of cars by creating a thin, tough layer of chrome on top that reflects light and keeps the car looking shiny.

Chrome plating has been around since 1825 and, over time, has become more popular than traditional methods. There are two main methods to create a polished finish: using electrolytic reduction and using electroless nickel deposition. Electrolytic reduction uses chemicals like chloride in solutions that are then applied to the metal surface either through immersion or electroplating (as seen above). The chemical reaction between metals results in corrosion which causes the desired effect on the surface.

A chrome finish dimmer light switch is desirable for many reasons. It is shiny and reflective, which makes it a great aesthetic choice. It also helps with cleaning and shows the true colours of an object, providing a show-stopping finish.

The most common type of chrome is called “galvanized” chrome, which has thicker layers of coating than other finishes.

Polished Chrome Finish is an aqueous dispersion of compounds of chromic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This substance has a shiny and smooth appearance that gives a high-quality shine to the surface.

Polished chrome finishes are a great way to protect the surface of metals and their corrosion. These finishes are created by using three types of chemicals- nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and hydrochloric acid.

At the start, the finish is black in colour and will turn white after the process has been completed. The process can take up to 3 hours, depending on how complicated your design is.

The chemical mixture will change the surface of metals into a high-quality polished chrome finish that looks like new porcelain tile.

A chrome finish is a common finishing process for chrome-plated metal surfaces. It is typically achieved using the anodizing process, and the word “chrome” comes from the Greek word χρώμα, which means “colour.”

A polished chrome finish looks like an unending reflection of light, and it can be found on various parts of cars. It enhances the view of metal surfaces and creates a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

Platinum metals are also known to have a polished chrome finish. The metal shows streak-free reflections with every angle that it faces while still maintaining its luster over time.”

Black Nickel is quickly becoming the latest trend in electrical units. It is a finishing option for stainless steel appliances, which can be used for either kitchen or bathroom fixtures.

Black Nickel provides a sleek finish that can be paired perfectly with any kitchen or bathroom. It looks stunning and sophisticated and is perfect for those who want to make their home look classy and sophisticated.

Black Nickel has been around for many years, but it has only recently become popular in modern homes due to its durability and beautiful finish, which is why it has become a trend in electrical units.

Black nickel is a type of finish that is applied to metallic surfaces. It is found on appliances, fixtures, and other metal objects. Black nickel has been used in the past on wood, but it has more recently been applied to stainless steel appliances.

Black nickel can be used to create a sleek and smooth look for your kitchen or bathroom. It also gives your appliances a sleek and modern design. Black Nickel mainly consists of copper, which makes it durable as well as strong and resistant to corrosion.

Black Nickel light switch plates is one of the latest trends in electrical units that are seen in many homes today. Because of its shine, black nickel can also be used as a material for interior design purposes or even art practices.

Black nickel is a finish that is getting popular these days. The trend is growing rapidly in the industry, and designers are using this finish to create appliances with a sleek and modern look.

Black nickel has been used for decades but in a different sense. It was used on stainless steel kitchen appliances that have been commonly seen in commercial kitchens. It was mainly used as a protective coating to avoid rusting and discolouration from the acidic properties of vinegar or coffee.

Black nickel’s popularity increased when it was introduced to home appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators

Black nickel appliances, or stainless steel appliances in a black nickel finish, are a new trend in the industry. In this piece, you can find out more about these appliances and how they are trending in the market.

Black nickel is an appliance finish that has been trending for quite some time now. While it was mostly seen on kitchen appliances before, it is now being used on many other types of units like refrigerators and washing machines.

It also appears to be gaining momentum with time as more manufacturers are incorporating the trend into their products.

Black Nickel is a finish that resembles black nickel or copper, which is often found on stainless steel appliances. It is a unique and elegant finish that has been seen on appliances in the home, office, and even industrial spaces.

As this trend seems strong, companies are showing their creative side by offering new finishes for their appliances. It allows them to stand out from the crowd with aesthetically pleasing finishes that make people’s homes feel more luxurious.

A polished chrome finish has a lot of benefits for electrical outlets. It will be less likely to corrode, tarnish and retain dirt when exposed to chemicals or water.

It is also known for its attractive look and can help improve the aesthetic value of your home or office.

Polished chrome finish is mostly seen in outdoor outlets which are exposed to harsh conditions like rain, snow, salt spray, etc.

While polished chrome finish is not mandatory for all electrical outlets, it provides a number of benefits to the unit.

Some of these benefits are:

• It makes cleaning the outlet easier and prevents corrosion.
• It gives a better look than the typical matte finish.
• Polished chrome finish can be more energy-efficient than matte finish.

A polished chrome finish on electrical units, such as a polished chrome light switch, makes it look attractive to the eyes. It makes the whole unit look perfect and shiny. This is because of the chemical reaction that occurs when galvanized steel is immersed in molten chromium.

Chrome Electrical Outlets are a great way to make your home more beautiful and get more compliments from guests

The polished chrome finish on these units can also be used as a safety measure to protect you from accidental electrocution.

In the market, you have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing an outlet type like standard outlets or electrical outlets, but there are only two types of outlet finishes: chrome or nickel-chrome.

A polished chrome finish is the best way to make your room or home look luxurious and classy. A polished chrome electrical outlet will not only add a lot of character to your home but will also provide you with a better grip.

Polished chrome electrical outlets are efficient in conveying a modern, luxurious look to the interior of your home.

Electrical outlets that are adorned with the polished chrome finish provide a sleek, polished aesthetic appeal. They also distribute heat evenly and reduce the risk of electrocution from exposed metal surfaces.

Polished chrome finishes can be found on every type of electrical outlet. From traditional two-slot and three-slot electrical outlets to decorative wall plates, you can find a polished chrome finish for your home’s interior layout

Chrome Polished Electrical Outlets are made with quality construction that lasts for years. These outlets are IP65 rated, which means they are extra safe. Because of their quality, Chrome Electrical Outlets provide the most benefits to businesses and homeowners.

Chrome Polishes Electrical Outlets offer two different types of outlets – standard and contractor. The standard outlet is great for general home use, including cooking and cleaning appliances in your kitchen or bathrooms. The contractor outlet is designed to handle heavy-duty jobs in your business space, such as wiring up power outlets for computers or installing new electrical wiring

When you install electrical outlets in your home, it is important to take a look at the standard that the outlet is set up to. A standard outlet can be found in homes and offices of professionals who are electrical contractors.

If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to have electric outlets installed in your home or business, then Chrome Polished Electrical Outlets are a great option for you. They come with design-friendly outlets that use less space and offer a classic look.

When installing new electrical outlets in your home or running wires for new ones, it’s important to consider the benefits of having premium-grade outlets installed. These benefits include reducing electricity costs, improving efficiency, increasing safety, and raising the quality of life.

The brushed steel finish is a good match for the electrical units. It is cool, contemporary, and modern.

The brushed steel finish is also popular in the architectural industry. This is because it helps to make your home building or construction project stand out visually from the rest of the buildings around it.

Brushed steel finishes are often used in the architectural and decorative sectors. They come in a variety of colours and textures, which makes them a versatile finish to use in residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

When you have to select the correct type for your project, you need to consider three main factors: type of surface, finish, and colour.

When you visit a hardware store, you will see a variety of electrical units available. These come in various forms and sizes. When it comes to selecting the correct type for your project, it is vital to know what type of unit you need.

Different Types of Brushed Steel Finish:

There are three types of brushed steel finish that can be found in electrical units, like brushed steel dimmer light switches. They are polished, flat-brushed, and brushed-steel painted.

The polished finish is the most reflective; it looks shiny but has a matte feel. The satin finish is the least reflective, giving off a soft shine.

The flat-brushed finish is not too reflective and looks more natural than polished or brushed-steel painted finishes.

It is imperative to understand the important difference between brushed steel finish and other finishes that may be used for electrical units.

A brushed steel finish is a type of brushed surface made of steel with a dull finish. This can be done on any type of metal but is usually used for electrical units because it does not rust as easily as other types of finishes.

Each type of brushed steel finish has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, a satin finish is more difficult to clean than a polished finish. When selecting the correct type for your project, you should consider the amount of time that will be spent cleaning up after the project and its intended use.

Other finishes

There are a variety of different finishes that can be applied to electrical units depending on the specific project or the needs at hand. So what options are available? Let’s take a look at some different ones:

• Polish only: This is easy to apply and gives an attractive finish, but will often leave scratches over time and doesn’t provide much protection against corrosion.
• Oil rubbed: It is not applicable to electrical appliances
• Satin Finish: This is the cheapest option because it is less likely to show dirt or dust quickly. However, this type is prone to scratching and corroding over time. When used in commercial spaces, touchless faucets are easy to clean. However, there is more of a risk when it comes to dealing with residential settings due to their build-up.