Looking for advice

[Logie]

I recently moved to a new property built in 1992.

It is in a rural North of Scotland location and I'm a bit unfamiliar with the way the power supply is set up.

I understand the two MEM 12 way consumer units and observed that the upper one is protected by an ELCB but why not the lower?

The main thing I don't understand is the grey transformer box which receives the main power supply cable and has a selector switch on it marked 1 and 2.

It runs on position 1 and I haven't tried switching it to position 2 yet in case something untoward happens!

Can anyone give me some idea as to the function of this unit and give me a run through the logic behind the setup ?

 

[HandySparks]

Welcome to the forum.

Judging by the word written on the front of the grey box, I expect that the switch is a changeover switch to allow your installation to be powered by a generator, when set to position 2. If you follow the cables from the switch, you should either find a generator or a plug to connect one to; most probably on the black cable running up the corner of the room. If you move the switch to either the OFF or 2 positions, I would expect your power to be cut off, but return when switched back to 1.

I would expect the consumer unit supplied via the RCD to be supplying socket outlets, with the other one for lighting. Socket outlets for use outdoors have required RCD protection for some years. If you say what's connected to each CU, it might help to shed some light on this.

 

[gnuuser]

i agree with handysparks
that appears to be a transfer switch

 

[telectrix]

look closely, it's faintly marked on right hand side as "generator".

 

[Engineer54]

look closely, it's faintly marked on right hand side as "generator".

That must have been very confusing for the OP to work out!! lol!!

 

[overskilled]

Also be aware if any of the breakers fail on either of those 2 Consumer units, they are obsolete and parts are getting akin to hens teeth; so in the event of a failed breaker - you are talking either used breakers (reliability cannot be assured) or new at what I can only describe as insane costs (breakers for a new consumer unit are about £3. For the boxes you have...£50-£70+VAT each is what I was quoted recently and the supplier only had a limited range of breakers.) So planning for a future upgrade (the box is likely serviceable for the time being) would be a sensible move.
Has the properties wiring been tested recently? I ask as I've noticed that the house has a swimming pool, it would be a good idea for your safety and that of anyone else using the pool to ensure the safety of the installation.