Consumer unit upgrade

[ash121]

Looking to upgrade the current consumer unit, it is located in the garage, the new cu will be in the same location. Having read various posts it appears that the Hager boards are well regarded but the MK boards not so

But my electrician is adamant in wanting to install an MK RCD board 13 way, he advised 13 way is a bit more than my actual requirements but it will be future proof in the event i decide to do an extension or something

I suggested a Hagar board but he dismissed that! And insisted to fit an MK board as he is familiar with them

Your thoughts would be appreciated, where does the MK board rank? Would you recommend any other CU other than Hagar?

 

[Baddegg]

Everyone has boards and brands they prefer,I prefer Hager but horses for courses......either that or he has an mk board on his van......

 

[Deleted account]

Go with someone who will do what you want.

Hager boards are good.

MK boards are good.

Getting extra ways is sensible.

I would not want to fit an RCD personally. Much prefer RCBO boards.

 

[Andy78]

It won't be future proof as MK are apparently stopping production of that range soon.

MK discontinues the Sentry consumer unit range

MK has announced that the once-popular sentry consumer unit range is to be discontinued by December 2019

www.efixx.co.uk

I fit Hager and Lewden and am happy with both.

 

[littlespark]

having spare ways is a good idea for the future, but 13 may be way more than you need. how many circuits do you currently use?

you will be paying for it, so you tell him what you want fitted.

 

[Baddegg]

Agree with @Paignton pete, I can’t remember the last split board I fitted (completely not altered) I much prefer full rcbo, not much difference cost wise either these days.....did he discuss arc fault and surge protection with you as an option?

 

[ash121]

What would be the top 5 consumer units, I'll try and suggest something other than Hager to him

 

[Pete999]

Looking to upgrade the current consumer unit, it is located in the garage, the new cu will be in the same location. Having read various posts it appears that the Hager boards are well regarded but the MK boards not so

But my electrician is adamant in wanting to install an MK RCD board 13 way, he advised 13 way is a bit more than my actual requirements but it will be future proof in the event i decide to do an extension or something

I suggested a Hagar board but he dismissed that! And insisted to fit an MK board as he is familiar with them

Your thoughts would be appreciated, where does the MK board rank? Would you recommend any other CU other than Hagar?

Why does "your

Looking to upgrade the current consumer unit, it is located in the garage, the new cu will be in the same location. Having read various posts it appears that the Hager boards are well regarded but the MK boards not so

But my electrician is adamant in wanting to install an MK RCD board 13 way, he advised 13 way is a bit more than my actual requirements but it will be future proof in the event i decide to do an extension or something

I suggested a Hagar board but he dismissed that! And insisted to fit an MK board as he is familiar with them

Your thoughts would be appreciated, where does the MK board rank? Would you recommend any other CU other than Hagar?

Why does your "Electrician" demand that you have to change your CU? has he done any testing of the installation? probably has the one he is recommending kicking around in his Van, get a second opinion.

 

[ferg]

If he won't fit what you want get someone else.

On the odd occasion I've fitted MK boards I've been unimpressed by them but honestly If I would not be concerned if there was one in my own home.

 

[ash121]

Pic of current consumer unit attached, there is one for immersion heater and electric shower but these are no longer needed for the new CU. This one is Hagar

 

[Deleted account]

What would be the top 5 consumer units, I'll try and suggest something other than Hager to him

Why not Hager out of interest?

 

[ash121]

Why not Hager out of interest?

Because he doesn't want to fit that so will suggest alternatives..

 

[Deleted account]

Do you know and trust this electrician?

If yes go with his board if the price is right.

If no get some one else.

You’re the customer, you get what you want within reason and within the regs.

 

[Baddegg]

You’ve got 7 circuits from what I can make out In your picture....13 ways on ya new one is certainly future proofing!....have you indicted a new kitchen in the future to him?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Very bizarre for an electrician to refuse to fit the board of your choosing.
I can only presume he has an old MK board in the back of the car he wants to off load to someone...

 

[Strima]

I'm hearing good things about Fusebox: Distribution - Thomas Electrical Distributors Ltd - https://thomaselectricaldistributors.co.uk/product-category/distribution/

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

I'm hearing good things about Fusebox: Distribution - Thomas Electrical Distributors Ltd - https://thomaselectricaldistributors.co.uk/product-category/distribution/

Your hearing good things for good reason. The best budget board put there. 10 Way RCBO board for 120 quid add an SPD for an extra 25 quid.

Hager are by far and away my favourite though.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Also i wouldn't fit MK, hate the left side main switch. Ruin the MCB alignment

 

[Dustydazzler]

Anyone fitted a Hamilton consumers unit ?

 

[ash121]

Ok spoke to the electrician, convinced him to fit a hagar he has asked me to supply hooray!

What would you recommend he said it needs to be rcd dual/split load 12 or 13 way

 

[DPG]

Why 13 way though? Seems a bit OTT

 

[Spoon]

I'm with @Baddegg on this. To go from 7 way to 13 way is a bit OTT.
10 way would be sufficient.
If possible mate, price up for RCBO's.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Go to your local wholesalers and ask them for their best rate on an rcbo board

 

[ash121]

May also do a garage conversion and also fit mains smoke alarms, and in the future but unlikely may do a rear extension, rather be safe than sorry

Install is for normal rcd board not rcbo

Could you provide links to what Hagar board i should buy please i.e 10, 12, 14 way if there is not much price difference then happy go with 14 way

 

[richy3333]

What would be the top 5 consumer units, I'll try and suggest something other than Hager to him

Top 5:
5-Hager
4-Hager
3-Hager
2-Hager
1-Hager

 

[HappyHippyDad]

If your electrician has said get a 13 way then I would get a 13 way. Usually during the pre-works visit I would open up the CU, he may have done this and seen lots of extra conductors in each circuit breaker and realised that you need (for example) 10 used ways, therefore you will have 3 spare.

It really doesn't matter if you get hagar, wylex, crabtree, MK, BG etc etc etc. They will all be exactly the same for you (barring cost), it's just about personal preference for the installer. He probably has plenty of MK spares should anything go wrong and he needs them.

 

[Des 56]

Existing 7 circuits + Garage +smokes+ extension + any possible existing doubled up circuits
Seems to be a reasonable suggestion by your own spark
Best go with the advice given by your electrician on the job,he is in a far better position to make recommendation than anyone from afar

 

[ash121]

Existing 7 circuits + Garage +smokes+ extension + any possible existing doubled up circuits
Seems to be a reasonable suggestion by your own spark
Best go with the advice given by your electrician on the job,he is in a far better position to make recommendation than anyone from afar

He's told me to supply the board but not sure what to go for any links to the product to purchase will be appreciated there are so many different ones to choose from

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Hager VML966RK 12 Way Dual 100 amp RCD Metal Consumer Unit

Hager Populated 12 way consumer unit VML966RK. Supplied complete with 100A Main switch, 2 x 100A RCDs. Amendment 3 & 18th Edition compliant

www.consumerunitworld.co.uk

5 word count sucks

 

[ash121]

Thank you very much

Is that the best one to go for?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Thank you very much

Is that the best one to go for?

If you dont want the Surge Protection this is the baby. Duel 100A Type A RCDs make it 18th conplient for your spark aswell.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Do a price check around though. That seems expensive.

 

[ash121]

If you dont want the Surge Protection this is the baby. Duel 100A Type A RCDs make it 18th conplient for your spark aswell.

Cheers thanks alot, I'll order that

 

[ash121]

Do a price check around though. That seems expensive.

Where would be the best place to buy from?

 

[Des 56]

The price for a distribution board can vary enormously
You have to take into account what you are prepared to pay because it has a great influence on the type of board to fit
If price is no problem,then a full RCBO board is a must,if cash is tighter then the regs permit systems that comply but may not give the same ability to cause minimum disruption in the event of a fault

You may be advised to be open about what you can afford
Are you cash tight or is pounds no problem?

 

[ash121]

The price for a distribution board can vary enormously
You have to take into account what you are prepared to pay because it has a great influence on the type of board to fit
If price is no problem,then a full RCBO board is a must,if cash is tighter then the regs permit systems that comply but may not give the same ability to cause minimum disruption in the event of a fault

You may be advised to be open about what you can afford
Are you cash tight or is pounds no problem?

I have a budget as renovating complete house, so do not mind not having and rcbo board but happy to pay for the best rcd board that is currently out there

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Where would be the best place to buy from?

Not sure, i get them from my local independent wholesaler. Around 100ish plus VAT for that board i pay.

 

[Andy78]

I'd seriously consider RCBO options over dual RCD. If Hager works out too pricey then my cheaper option to customers is Lewden.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

If you went Hager 14 Way non SPD RCBO board fully loaded with the new Mini RCBOs your looking about 300+Vat.

If you go that route though get a picture of the end product, will be like looking at ----. Not had a client willing to pay for one yet.

 

[ash121]

If you went Hager 14 Way non SPD RCBO board fully loaded with the new Mini RCBOs your looking about 300+Vat.

If you go that route though get a picture of the end product, will be like looking at ----. Not had a client willing to pay for one yet.

thats way out of my budget, ill stick to the one you recommended and look for the best price