Which consumer units are best

messimagician · May 13, 2015

I have a very old Wylex fuse board which is need to bring up to current standard Amendment 3.

I believe my property is supplied using a TN-S

I'm looking for a new consumer unit that is 11 or 12 way but not sure which brands are best as I plan on going for all rcbo.

So far I've seen Schneider, Hager and Wylex units

Schneider do one called Resi9 that's top of range but can't find any places that sell them, I can only see the Easy 9 for sale

Hager do one called Design 30

Wylex seem well stocked but I hear their rcbos are over sensitive and trip a lot, also they have had a recall in the past so I'm not sure on their quality in today's climate

I'm just wanting some advice on what you guys like to install, money isn't an object so I'm not after any budget stuff

Can anyone post pictures of their installs, be it cabinets or new metal consumer units

cprfenom · May 13, 2015

Why do you "NEED" to update it to amendment 3? That regulation isn't even in force yet. As for a brand its a personal preference, but I like both Hager and Crabtree.

messimagician · May 13, 2015

I know it's not in force at this very moment but it will be soon. I don't like the idea of a consumer unit that is capable of exploding and going up in flames be it installer error or bad quality, I would prefer a metal enclosure be it a metal CU or a cabinet.

Thanks

DPG · May 13, 2015

messimagician said:
I know it's not in force at this very moment but it will be soon. I don't like the idea of a consumer unit that is capable of exploding and going up in flames be it installer error or bad quality, I would prefer a metal enclosure be it a metal CU or a cabinet.

Thanks

Blooming heck, tell me you don't believe your plastic CU is going to explode or catch fire just because it's not metal?? Daz

cprfenom · May 13, 2015

I really think you need to look at the actual figures, but I respect that you want what you feel is the best.

The Hager Design 30 is a nice board. I have not had many issues with their RCBOs or MCBs. As for your installation, I would always used a trusted electrician and ask him what he uses or recommends.

messimagician · May 13, 2015

Well I don't suspect mine is going to melt into a ball of flames but you have some manufacturers that cost cut these days and have poor quality control, I know because I work in producing gas meters. it's like most things in today's world, cheap **** from China ect, the number of fires that are happening at consumer units is a bit alarming though.

I'm not a huge fan of metal consumer units in case of them becoming energised either but I know it will be safer tham plastic should a fire occur

Maybe a plastic CU with a cabinet would be best

Thanks guys

Pete999 · May 13, 2015

How old is the board you have already, ever had any problems with it, etc, probably better made than most of today's garbage IMHO

messimagician · May 13, 2015

Exactly my point Pete, I couldn't say for sure how old it is but I would guess it is as old as the house which was built in 1959, it's only a small 6 way board

But no I've not had any problems with it at all, It just doesn't have any protection should a fault occur which is another worry

cprfenom · May 13, 2015

messimagician said:
Exactly my point Pete, I couldn't say for sure how old it is but I would guess it is as old as the house which was built in 1959, it's only a small 6 way board

But no I've not had any problems with it at all, It just doesn't have any protection should a fault occur which is another worry

I honestly think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill. If you are concerned then talk to your local trusted electrician for an opinion. Take a drive to the local wholesaler and look at the new boards compared to the previous designs.

We are all for safety, but I do feel the new changes have caused panic amongst some and that is a shame.

Deleted member 72666 · May 13, 2015

It's entirely up to you, if money is 'burning' a hole in your pocket then yes upgrade, you can't go far wrong with the schneider boards and the new Hager Design 30 looks very neat as well. Also as others have pointed out a fully trained experienced electrician is essential for this install who will provide you with a top class service and certificates to prove compliance. If you post your location one of the guys local to you can pm you and quote for the works.

messimagician · May 13, 2015

Seeing as i need a new board away, not enough ways plus no rcd protection, it makes perfect sense to upgrade plus these new regs are coming in whether people agree with them or not.

So Hager 30 seems to be a favourite
Does the Schneider boards have a metal cover or plastic covers? the resi9 doesn't seem to be sold in many places online
No one mentioned Wylex, do people avoid these now ?

Oh i should mention that i will not be attempting to do this work myself in any case, a fully qualified electrician will be doing it, hopefully one who will provide a nice and neat install

telectrix · May 13, 2015

nowt wrong with wylex. some time ago, there was a recall on electrium MCBs. these were use by other CU manufacturers as well as wylex. since the recall, there have been no issues.

DPG · May 13, 2015

messimagician said:
Seeing as i need a new board away, not enough ways plus no rcd protection, it makes perfect sense to upgrade plus these new regs are coming in whether people agree with them or not.

So Hager 30 seems to be a favourite
Does the Schneider boards have a metal cover or plastic covers? the resi9 doesn't seem to be sold in many places online
No one mentioned Wylex, do people avoid these now ?

Oh i should mention that i will not be attempting to do this work myself in any case, a fully qualified electrician will be doing it, hopefully one who will provide a nice and neat install

At least you have thought it through. Sounds like a fair plan to me. Daz