A Garage Consumer is a type of consumer unit and distribution board (aka mini consumer unit) used to extend and provide electric supply to the exterior buildings such as shed, workshop or other outdoor installations in the garage. A garage consumer unit is used to feed up fewer load circuits (generally 2-5 units).
Is a garage consumer unit notifiable?
You are absolutely correct, a consumer unit upgrade is classed as notifiable work under Part P of the building regulations as is any new circuit installed in a domestic environment.
Where can a consumer unit be located?
An often overlooked element of fitting a consumer unit is the location where it is placed. Consumer units are famously located in some of the most awkward places imaginable often behind piles of storage boxes , in the darkest corner at floor level!
Can a consumer unit be fitted outside?
Particularly attention needs to be given to consumer units located outdoors or where environmental factors need to be taken into account. Such locations should always be avoided but if such a location should be necessary, a consumer unit should be of a design appropriate to the situation in which it is to be used.
Can I put a consumer unit in my shed?
There is no need for a consumer unit in the shed . if the wiring in the shed is adequate for the MCB rating in the house it can just be used. There is however a possible issue with lollipop rings (a single radial cable being terminated in a ring) as it is not a normally used configuration and needs proper design.
What is the height of a consumer unit?
consumer units are mounted so that the switches are 1350 – 1450mm above floor level . At this height, the consumer unit is out of reach of young children yet accessible to other people when standing or sitting.
Which consumer unit is best?
We always recommend Hager or other large brand name manufacturers when it comes to choosing a consumer unit or fuse board. Hager, Wylex and Schneider Electric are all premium brands and are of the highest quality.
Do I need building regs for a new consumer unit?
Everything else, such as installing complete new circuits or changing a fuse board for a consumer unit, is classed as ‘notifiable work’. This requires a Building Regulations application to be made in advance so the work can be inspected and checked.
Does a garage consumer unit need to be metal?
Do consumer units have to be metal? Since regulations changed in 2016, all domestic consumer units must be either enclosed in a non-combustible material or housed in a cabinet made from a non-combustible material. ... Consumer units made out of non-ferrous metals such as steel would pass these regulations.
Can a consumer unit be in a bathroom?
Can I have a consumer unit in my bathroom? According to regulations, electrical equipment should not be present in shower rooms or bathroom . This includes simple equipment such as wall switches, plugs and especially consumer units.
Does a garage consumer unit need RCD?
Hi. The cable that supplies the garage unit with power may very well need RCD protection itself. ... A circuit only requires to be covered by one 30m/a RCD which is already in the main consumer unit (if it isn’t, then that needs doing first), so only a main switch is needed in the garage unit .
Does a garage consumer unit need an earth?
The supply to the garage, being a distribution circuit, will require a fault to earth to clear within 5 s (Regulation 411.3.2.3 refers). The final circuits within the garage will generally be rated at values not exceeding 32 A, therefore, the disconnection time must not exceed 0.4 s (Regulation 411.3. 2.2 refers).
Can I change my garage consumer unit?
A garage consumer unit is used to extend the electrical distribution to an outdoor building including a workshop or shed, connecting the desired lighting or electrical outlets to the power supply.
Can I move a consumer unit?
With regard to moving the consumer unit and creating a new position for the meter in the hall, then yes this is entirely possible and could be done without the expensive re-routing of the incoming main UKPN cable.
Can I use a 17th edition consumer unit?
Hence most 17th Edition style insulated CUs can be used on a TT system without further change or modification. A high integrity type can be used, but with the incomer switch replaced with a 100mA trip time delay RCD. All RCBO installations are also acceptable.
How far can a consumer unit be from meter?
The meter tails between the meter position and your consumer unit should not be longer than 3 metres .
