Understanding your Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) Overcurrent & RCD Protection plus Isolation Features
Students training aid on the different elements of a U.K. consumer unit (distribution boards or fuse board or fuse box). This videos talks about switching for mechanical maintenance and emergency switching. The different types of circuit breakers B, C and D as well as overcurrent and short circuit protection. The video breaks down the elements of the consumers unit and shows best practice with things such as identifying of conductors and the need for earth fault protection via a dual RCD (RCCB) rated at 30mA or less.
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== 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 ==
00:00 - Understanding your consumer unit
00:09 - Looking at a consumer unit, distribution board or fuse box
00:29 - Construction of a consumer unit
00:40 - Labels on a consumer unit
01:21 - MCB's, RCD's and the main switch in a consumer unit
01:44 - Switching off for mechanical maintenance or emergency isolation
03:08 - Overcurrent or overload and short circuit protection offered by the circuit breakers (fuses)
04:38 - Types of breakers type B, type C and type D
05:17 - Earth leakage protection by RCD's and additional protection
06:18 - Selectivity or discrimination
07:12 - Finding a tripped circuit breaker
09:49 - Turning of a consumer unit, fuse box or distribution board safely
10:16 - What's going on inside a consumer unit
11:31 - IP2X protection inside a consumer unit
12:24 - Identifying conductors in a consumer unit with numbers and letters
🔵 Understanding Your Consumer Unit Layout, Identifying Conductors, SPD's, MCB’s and RCD's (fuse box) • Understanding Your Con...
Videos are training aids for City and Guilds (C and G) and EAL courses Level 1, 2, 3 plus AM2, AM2S and AM2E.
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== 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 == 00:20 - Looking at a consumer unit, distribution board or fuse box 00:40 - Construction of a consumer unit 00:51 - Labels on a consumer unit 01:32 - MCB's, RCD's and the main switch in a consumer unit 01:55 - Switching off for mechanical maintenance or emergency isolation 03:19 - Overcurrent or overload and short circuit protection offered by the circuit breakers (fuses) 04:49 - Types of breakers type B, type C and type D 05:28 - Earth leakage protection by RCD's and additional protection 06:29 - Selectivity or discrimination 07:23 - Finding a tripped circuit breaker 10:00 - Turning of a consumer unit, fuse box or distribution board safely 10:27 - What's going on inside a consumer unit 11:42 - IP2X protection inside a consumer unit 12:35 - Identifying conductors in a consumer unit with numbers and letters
Instablaster.
Not just for students. Even for the experienced, it's always good to go back to basics and keep up with CPD.
Could you imagine being taught by this guy! Awesome video, i know its older but im watching as much as i can right now, old and new. Im 40 years old and im going into training this coming september to become an electrician. I hope i get a teacher half as good as this guy
Wow amazing comment and support it’s much appreciated Gaz 👍 Checkout Sparkyninja and Joe Robinson Training 😁. Thanks Gaz
Me too
You’d be better training as a rigger or scaffolder, plumber or joiner. They are on higher rates than electricians these days, moneys crap as a spark these days. & that’s from a spark who served an apprenticeship over 40 years ago. But good luck
How did you find the training at 40. Because I was considering a career switch but feel like I'm too old for it.
How did you get on with your training?
Excellent video, straightforward and well presented, very engaging.
As an electrical enthusiast, this has been extremely interesting to me. As a result, you've earned yourself a subscriber :) A huge thanks!!
Hi. Thanks for the support GSH Electrical
I've really grown to love this channel.
Fantastic video!!! concise, explanatory and straight to the point. i think i need to get to the classroom......
Brilliant tutorial, many thanks indeed
You are really a good tutor and I will be happy to be your student.
Thanks 🦾
Brilliant video, helped massively 👍🏼
Great teacher. Thank you 🙏
Hi. Thanks for the positive feedback all the best Gaz 👍
linked main switch it makes so much sense now lol!
Very well explained in every step.
far to complicated for layperson to understand. Material is aimed at professionals. I have to remember it from how electrician explained to me. I'm no expert but this all sounds reasonable. WIRING ############################################ 3 levels of isolation ….not including on-device fuse (eg fuse internal to kettle) - Plug level (wall level) : - Ring level (room level) : - Main switch level (property level) : BREAKERS ########################################## 3 levels of breakers to isolate things ….when device fuse fails you then have to rely upon... Circuit breakers trips - when wall plug needs isolation (separate room ring from property) RCB breaker trips - when the ring needs to be isolated (separate one or more rooms/rings from rest of property) Mains switch trips - when property needs isolation (when property needs separation from mains supply in road). FAULT FINDING######################################### When working with electricity on a wall plug or in a room - choose to isolate ring if not property (trip off RCB or Mains switch as basic safety protocol. When working with an earth fault In the ring (any device tripping RCB constantly) - disconnect all devices and reset RCB - and then add back individual devices (replug into wall) to see exactly which device is causing RCB to trip (which device in room) - once identified device swap it out (or keep it disconnected till fixed)
Really interesting and helpful. Thanks.
Great stuff very clear and understandable
Thanks Gaz
Cheers Gaz 👍
Amazing video keep up the great work
Thanks 👍🏻
Your good. Thank you.
Great video, like the cable markers - not seen them used before, suits my OCD side :)
+Jake Chattey Many thanks for the feedback GSH Electrical
BRILLIANT VIDEO
Thanks for that 👍
Lots of information 👍
Sure is Vlad 🙌
Nice one, thanks alot
Hi, great video as usual, very well explained! I was just wondering if you had any plans to do a video covering an electrical installation certificate or condition report i.e filling out schedule of inspections etc. I know a lot of electricians run into problems when filling out these forms or have varying ideas about what each section is asking them for! Cheers.
+DEAN GRIFFITHS Hi thanks for the question. I have wrote my own guide to the schedule of inspection it maybe worth me going through that during one of my videos. I am currently producing uploads to match where my learners are on the course. I will do all I can to fulfil your request in the coming months. Thanks for watching GSH Electrical
Excellent video as always! Two questions. One are you technicallly allowed to do away with the linked switch in favour of a RCCB and use it for maintenance? (I then have a separate linked switch in the meter board or separate for isolation purposes.) I do this and this allows me more room in the board for another two MCBs. Also in another presentation you mentioned that closest to the main switch is your 6A then 16A and so on which is the way I have seen nearly all boards done.What I did see on a Contactum board installation instructions was to put the larger current MCBs first (closest to the linked switch) and then go smaller (same as done with this board you have) which when I think about it makes perfect sense so larger currents are closest to the switch and get the priority. Any thoughts or comments welcomed! Thanks.
Great video. Should neutral bar not be linked to earth bar? I couldn't see in the video. Thanks
Yes yes yes after 20 years working for other ppl thank to this video i decide to become electrician deposit paid waiting to start and cannot wait You made this clear and simple. One question though what is electricity and how it is generated on atomic level ? sorry if this question looks stupid
Did you start training to become an electrician?
Excellent Infomation
Thanks
Another great video 👍
Many thanks GSH Electrical
Brilliant
I needed to use a C-Type Fuse for my homeoffice, as there are a lot of switching power supplies! So when I turned on my multiple socket outlet sometimes it would trip the formerly installed B-Type Fuse. FYI: I live in Austria, so we have no ring circuits and fused plugs. Circuits here are fused much lower(10A-16A typ. 13A)
Hi. Thanks for the message GSH Electrical 👍
Great video, can you elaborate on no RCD for sub main,
Great video for a DIY person, I have a question regarding a consumer unit, I currently have one installed in my celler which is made from plastic, is there any legislation saying it should be a metal one as apposed to plastic. Thanks in advance.
Superb and informative vids, I'm putting you up there with me main boy John ward ☺👍
Thanks 👍
Very good
Very nice
Your video very good
really interesting! I'm looking to do my first course in electrics, can anyone recommend a provider in NW london
Hi, hope you are well, great explanation. Please I have consumer unit in a tenanted one bedroom flat. The RCD is connected to 4 mcbs for cooker (not used as gas), immersion heater (removed only a spur remains), sockets and gas boiler. There are 2 mcbs not connected to the RCD being shower (no electric shower installed) and lights. The electrician says it is a fail on an EICR inspection as the lights need to be connected to the RCD, is this true? Also, can I remove the mcb for the unused immersion heater to swop into the slot, the mcb for the lights circuit? Kind regards.
Hello Sir , initially really I'm very thankful of you for your very helpful video series , could you please answer these questions , about RCD and RCBO , it seems that RCBO is better than RCD because RCBO does somehow operation and in this way "save life of people" and also protect the devices such as TV and washing machines and so on , yes ?? So what is the difference between RCD and RCBO?? which one of them for home is better and most suitable ? each ones RCBO for TV and washing machine is needed separately ? each one should has which specifications/ amperage ? each RCBO can cover how many devices ? sorry a lot of questions !! I am contacting from Kiev in Ukraine and by answering my questions you will solve a lot of problems for me and at the same time it is a very big favor, Your fan , your supporter , Afshin Heydari
I am looking to instal a BWT WT555 water softener, Can this be 500mm away from my Consumer unit, I could not find location restriction for consumer units online, thanks
Hi i enjoy watching your videos find them very informative and intresting,can you tell me why in the twin & earth cable the earth does not come sleeved?
Hi thanks. As the CPC doesn’t carry current under normal conditions only faults to earth it isn’t sheath in this type of cable. The max time it will carry current for under a fault to earth is only 5 seconds. All the best GSH Electrical
Tanx for the reply ive subscribed to your channel plz keep uploading videos I've always had an intrest in electronics.
Hello there. Do you mind if I ask a question about consumer units? I'm thinking of having a man cave at the bottom of my garden. I'd like around four double sockets plus wall lights and outdoor lights. Would the electrician be able to take the power from a garden socket and put a small consumer unit in my man cave or would he have to come off the consumer unit in my house. Many thanks for taking the time out to read tbis! Best wishes.
If using RCD's (Better to use RCBO's) then its a good idea to have the Oven isolator with the spare socket on the opposite RCD to the Downstairs Sockets - you can then at least have a cup of tea why you scratch your head wondering what has tripped the other RCD.
Amazing thanks
My consumer unit is making a noise like buzzing or similar, rather noticeable when I'm under the stairs. Last week the only recent thing I've done was replace a 30 amp fuse when the kettle blew when my relative turned it on. New fuse sorted it. Do I need to fix something now for the noise?
Gaz, Really enjoying your videos, thanks for all the valuable time you've spent doing them. Can I just ask, as it's not something I've ever come across before... When the lad was doing the continuity test on the CPC for the cooker circuit, why did he test from the back of the cooker itself? I'm assuming that the cooker had a proper cooker connection unit on the wall, so why not test to there only? I appreciate that doing it to the back of the cooker proves that the cooker is safely earthed, but as it's not considered an actual part of the fixed wiring installation, it seems like you're going above and beyond any actual requirements. Is it a reg I'm not familiar with, or just something that you like to do/teach personally as 'good' practice? What if the cooker is one that just operates on a 13A BS 1363 Plug? Do you still test CPC continuity to the actual appliance or just to the socket? Keep up the good work. Cheers
Hi thanks for the message. I have always tested to the metal work of a cooker as it’s the exposed conductive part. The fixed wiring from the outlet is connected in to the cooker (6mm cable) the cpc job in this circuit is to be connected to the frame of the cooker so testing only at the outlet won’t prove the cpc has made it to the final point in circuit. Hope this helps Gaz
Cheers Gaz, I do understand. I guess it just comes down to interpretation of where exactly you consider the final point in the circuit. I consider the wall outlet to be the end, not what's attached to it... That's a problem for another day, and a higher quote ;-) Cheers
Hi. For me the final point of a lighting circuit with metallic accessories is the metal accessories same for the cooker circuit. Thanks for commenting Gaz
@GSH Electrical hello i have to questions for you I've been meaning to ask. I have a boat running a 12v system 1) would it be ok to use 250v 32mm glass cartridge fuses on a 12v circuit 2) I have a bilge pump and a float switch. On the float switch it says 12v 20amp max and on the bilge pump it says 3.5amp draw. I was wondering what amp fuse do i use in the bilge pump control panel. Thanks
Hi, great video. Might seem a silly question but how do you connect a live feed to a non RCD'd MCB that's next to the main switch. The RCD'd MCB's are connected by a busbar. Thanks
Hi, they're connected by a short 2 way bus-bar at the bottom, unlike the RCDs that are fed in from the top. The Line (Brown) wire at the top of the MCB is the switched out. You can just about see the little bus bar connected to the same Main Fuse bottom contact point as the 2 brown feeds for RCDs when the cover is off. Hope this helps.
@@niallmcmenamin7368 thanks very much.
Great video. Just a quick question... Where does the Circuit Breaker for the garage get it’s power from as it’s not on ether of the RCD live rails? Any help would great. Thanks, Michael
michael Cattermole hi it is connected to the bus bar but not the RCD as the sub main circuit is in SWA cable. Thanks for watching and commenting. Gaz
Thanks for the reply... So just to be clear there is a buz bar coming out from the each of RCDs and then another buz bar connecting the circuit breaker suppling the sub board to the garage? Sorry to be pain, just can not see how the live if fed to the bottom of the circuit breaker and where is comes from. Thanks again, Michael
@@GSHElectrical I would imagine most garage/shed supplies initially derive the supply from the consumer unit in flat T&E cable and then to the garage in SWA via a JB so would should the supply to the garage/shed be best supplied via the RCCD as the supply cable is not mechanically protected over it's full length.
Great videos, just a quick question for you. Do mains isolators such as the one between the meter and the DB have to be made of metal or are plastic ones such as the wylex REC2 still suitable ?. There does seem to be some debate about this. Cheers !
That switch is not the consumers it’s the switch supplied and fitted by The supply company it’s purpose is to accommodate the consumers electrician to connect into ,,,,,,,only qualified electricians should be doing this work and certified but the ECA
I`m a curious canadian who worked for an electric company. The main switch doesn`t have an overcurrent protection: is that O.K.? Also, if there is a line to earth fault downstream of an MCB, which one trips: the MCB or the RCD? Are they coordinated?
Would the supply authority service cut-out be the main fuse? I've seen that term in the book and it says it's a fuse. Thanks and great channel. You have a new subscriber
Thanks for commenting and follow. Gaz 👍
See my reply to previous question
I had a bang when switching on a front room light I changed the bulb and there was no light and it has coursed a few other lights down stairs not working so I checked the cir ofcurt board and it was still on do you know what the issue is please thanks
Just stumbled upon this video when I was looking in my consumer unit at home to ensure I had RCDs (I saw something that confused me so thought I would look it up). I do have an RCCB, as it turns out, but while I was there I also noticed that all my circuit breakers are Type D. Just how bad is this? Do I need to get this looked at urgently?
Hi, I would seek advice from an electrician and have an EICR (electrical installations condition report) carried out 👍. All the best Gaz
@@GSHElectrical Cheers :)
Can you put a 110 voltes plugin in a 220 volts panel box in Europe.
My wife wants a consumer unit in garage to run a freezer and sockets can you run a armoured cable to a consumer board from a socket from a plug socket from house thanks brilliant video
Geoff Daniel a distribution circuit should be on its own breaker
You could extend your sockets via a spur.
Geoff Daniel Before adding a spur I would personally check the circuit maximum demand (100A?), be careful when Just spurring off supplies, this is sometimes when new problems arise if not done correctly
Ive placed a distribution board in the shed coming off the main distribution board in my home.. swa under the garden and 2.5mm wires for the power and lighting.power (ring) b32 lighting b6 radial That was 2 maybe 3 years ago so it might be alittle different
Which is the more suitable protective device, RCD or RCBO for a consumer unit up grade?
Scott Ritchie RCBO’s 👍
Which mid range consumer Unit would I use for the RCBO's?
Hi, I've just had my old consumer unit replaced to the 18 Edition RCD unit. I was not issues with a Electrical Certificate nor was the two spare slots unlocked. Is this normal?
Is it ok if a 100A (or 63A) double pole MCB is used as the main isolator switch?
Would you Change this Fuse Board..? WHY..? Understanding your new Consumer Unit kzhead.info/sun/bNSrf62cn3-klok/bejne.html
Two things , I am getting a new electric hob due to damp damage to one of the switches and it blew the main fuse hence buying a new one [ I can't get a new switch for it ] , now would it be easier to fit the cable to the new hob [ warranty aside ] , than to wire it into the box , it would be a lot more accessible , 2/ it is wired into a sixty amp main fuse box which goes to the meter , surely it should of been wired to one of the more normal twenty to thirty amp fuses ? thanks .
Hi. Hard to help without looking. It’s like the 60 amp switch fuse has at 30 amp fuse in the carrier. 60 amps is its maximum rated value. A like for like replacement is allowed just make sure the fuse and cable are correct and your termination tight. Thanks GSH Electrical
what are the mains rated at in these units? Here in the US, they are up to 200 amps...
Hi. Standard rating is 100amp for single phase consumer units 👍. Thanks for watching GSH Electrical
Half the amps, twice the voltage!
I have a Wylex which is over 10 years old. I wonder if you can explain something with my configuration: It says "These circuits NOT protected by RCD" and that is basically every MCB. To the left, it says "These circuits protected by RCD" and they are all blanked off. However, the main 100A switch (which I suspect was a later install) says RCD and has a test button on it. Does this mean that everything coming off that is RCD protected? Thanks
Hi. Without looking at your system I guess the main switch is probably an RCD... press the test button and see if all your circuits go off. Thanks for commenting and watching Gaz
@@GSHElectrical Thanks. I did a test yesterday and the main switch tripped. I guess the RCD plugs I bought for the garden were a waste of money then...
Is any way I can come and do a course with you?
What is the use of that MCB between main and right side RCB? If it is a normal MCB why is it situated between main and RCB? How is the wiring done for that?
I was pay 7800£ for too study in London for a next 18 month is really good too learn something before too start too have some knowledge from advance
All the best. Gaz 🦾
Hiya can anyone tell me what I need to do to get my sockets/lighting back working when it’s gone off in one room only? Well two of the downstairs rooms actually ? When I went down to the fuse box just now one of the little levers is intact down but unfortunately whenever I try to push it down it just springs right the way back up 😅
RCD will not only trip when a eartfault appears.It will also trip when there is a loose connection on a big user.Like a whashing machine etc.
Is it common to have all sockets in a house using two 30amp circuit breakers? E.G if I turn off either circuit breakers it turns off all the sockets in the house. I just noticed this when I testing the RCD. My understanding is that you might have all sockets on one circuit breakers or they could be separated across a few depending on the number of sockets.
myfaceback100 usually in the UK upstairs and downstairs sockets are split with a 32A breaker each. Bungalows (one storey) may only have one. On top of this, the cooker and electric shower will both have their own breakers. If you have a radial circuit, ie a spar in the garage or outside, they’re usually fitted with a 20A breaker. If both your breakers share the same neutral bar, you can expect both to trip the same RCD if something goes wrong Also, if both circuits are connected in any way, they will both trip. A lot of cowboy jobs end up causing this.
If you have a small house like a 2 bedroom council you will probably only have one ring. Most have upstairs and downstairs separate but not essential.
Hi, on the incoming tails (double insulated ) 25mm or whatever, From the cutout (bs88) to the consumer unit, no isolated main fuse, there is a run going up into the ceiling a metre or so rise, across 1.5- 2 meter, then down again about 1 metre, connected to a Henley block, then going into the consumer unit, 18th ed metal box etc, Could anyone tell me about the regs in regards to that, Thanks,
hello where do you get the circuit breaker number tags from?
Hi great question.. our technician deals will ordering and I am not at work today to ask him. I am under the impression our wholesaler stocks them but also companies like RS components do them as well. Thanks for watching GSH Electrical
No need to lock off the main switch?? Is it only when you leave the board unattended that locking off is required? Thanks
+matthew Thompson Hi. I work on safety is the most important feature with my learners. You can be a physical barrier when standing in front of the consumers unit. Either the circuit breaker or main switch must be locked off for isolation and the cover replaced before walking way with the key. All the best and thanks for watching GSH Electrical
It appears to run on some form of electricity.
Well you're not wrong
How do I connect a double plug socket to my fuse box plz I’ve a socket above the coubard door me fuse box is in but the socket is dead and I need power to it to run s security light out side plz help ASAP 👍
Plug it in DUUUUUD
Hello Why do people coil the main earth/bonds and tails ?
Hi. The only reason they are coiled is my learner take them out and put them back in daily so often we cut them back to make a better termination also the coil helps prevent work harding of the copper. Normal installation the coil is not required thanks for the question GSH Electrical
Thank god thats England is an Island 🙏
green for off, red for on... got it
My question why do uk usb 6 port chargers need 13 Amp Fuse
thank you
Why would you only use a B20 amp Mcb for the sub main to the garage. I would of thought it would of been a bigger fuse i.e 40amp at least..... can you explain why its at 20amp and not greater ampage
#FollowJesus Christ because the garage will most likely be on a radial circuit and not a ring circuit. These are standards, but can be raised if required, you would however be required to upgrade to a thicker cable if you’ve got a lot of large tools and so on, because 32A on the standard 2.5mm cable in a radial circuit is both electrically unsafe and a fire risk; if something is wrong with the circuit, the cable will heat up and the breaker will not trip in time, and could start a fire. If the houses was built with a garage decades ago, it’s sockets will most likely share the downstairs ring circuit, thus getting 32A. A radial with a 32A breaker requires 4mm cable. The reason a ring circuit 2.5mm can take 32A and the radial can’t is because the ring circuit effectively splits the current between two paths.
Switch in the tails not as common as they should be...how many switches do we need?
Hi the switch in the tails is not as common as it will be in the future. You always need means of isolation to the installation 👍. Thanks for commenting and watching GSH
What if rcd trips every 24hours?? Is it earth fault?
Sounds like it 👍
the red light for on and green for off is dangerous... green means go, red means stop... can be interpreted as green flowing traffic/current... red stopped traffic/current
Why there is one mcb without rcd protection???
Hi. It’s a sub main circuit to another consumer unit wired in SWA cable and an RCD is not required. Thanks for commenting and watching. Gaz 👍
Is it a requirement to strip off the outer pvc sheath off main tails?
+Dan Londt Hi. It makes it easier to identify the conductors. You can also label the supply tails L, N and E to identify them. Thanks for the question GSH Electrical
If you cut those bus bar off the edges of the cut will still be uncovered, so still not great.
C type breakers are now becoming more popular in domestic due to heat pump technology, common ASHP will trip a B type breaker.
Ehjaz Khan agreed... correct type breaker for the circuit it’s protecting 👍
Which country is this for?
England 👍
can u learn me that course
Main switch. Green for go! Or in this case red for stop? Back to front really. If you look at almost all electrical warning lighting it's red for off and green for on. I'm not an electrician hence why I'm watching this but seriously there seems to be some issues with these regs. Not intuitive and not clever, after all it's a consumer box.
Hi. Red for danger main switch LIVE (on). Thanks for commenting and watching GSH Electrical 👍
Consumers unit
Robert Stacey sadly when you have over 400 videos on the channel you are going to make small errors... hopefully the free learning within the video compensated for the extra ‘S’. Thanks for commenting and watching. Gaz 👍
You should have thanked the professional educational presentation of GHS Electrical and their very well mannered attitude towards your arrogance and ignorance instead of being a D***. I have been watching their videos for a while now and am very grateful. I have learned quite alot. Thank you very much GHS Electrical for your time and efforts.
Test the RCD? Oh then go round and reset times on tv’s ?Na
Can you send me a fuse box for free!!!😅
Can you send me a fuse box for free please!!! Address 26 braiside