A consumer unit is normally a single-phase board for homes and small premises, while a TP&N distribution board handles a three phase and neutral supply for commercial or industrial buildings. Both split the incoming feed into protected circuits, but TP&N boards accept triple pole devices and usually have larger main switches, such as 125A incomers, to suit heavier loads.

In many cases yes - current wiring regulations expect surge protection to be considered and fitted in most new installations unless a risk assessment shows otherwise. A Type 2 surge protection device sits in the board and diverts transient overvoltages to earth. Check the current edition of the wiring regulations and the board manufacturer's instructions for the right device and connection method.

You need a changeover switch whenever a building can be fed from a standby generator as well as the mains. The switch physically selects one supply at a time so the generator can never back-feed the network, which protects line workers and your equipment. Size it to the full load current and the number of poles your supply uses.

It depends on the board design, but many installers now fit an RCBO on every circuit because it combines overcurrent and earth leakage protection. A split load board instead uses MCBs grouped behind one or two shared RCDs, which costs less but means one fault can trip several circuits. The circuit designer should confirm the arrangement against current wiring regulations.

It is best not to. Consumer units are tested as a complete assembly with the manufacturer's own devices, and fitting another brand's MCBs or RCBOs may not seat correctly on the busbar and can invalidate that type-tested status. Choose protective devices that the board manufacturer lists as compatible, or replace the board if matching parts are no longer available.

Yes, Click & Collect is available from our Cookstown trade counter. If you would rather have goods brought to site, in-stock items ordered by 5pm Monday to Friday are delivered next working day across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and delivery is free on orders over £30 / €35 ex VAT.

In the UK, consumer units in domestic premises have been required to have a non-combustible enclosure, typically steel, since an amendment to BS 7671 introduced in 2016. The requirement aims to contain fire if a fault occurs. Requirements in the Republic of Ireland follow national wiring rules. Check current regulations for the installation location before choosing an enclosure.

An RCD detects earth leakage and disconnects the supply, but on its own it does not protect against overload or short circuit. An RCBO combines an RCD and an MCB in one device, giving each circuit its own earth leakage and overcurrent protection. This means a fault on one circuit does not trip others, which is why RCBO boards are increasingly popular.

Count the circuits you need now, such as lighting, sockets, cooker, shower and immersion, then add spare ways for future additions like EV charging or extra circuits. Surge protection and main switches also take up space. Choosing a board with a few spare ways avoids replacing it later. Check that all devices are compatible with the board manufacturer.

EV charging circuits often need protection against DC fault currents, which a standard Type AC RCD cannot detect. Depending on the charger, this may mean a Type A RCD with built-in DC detection in the charger, or a Type B or Type EV RCD. Always follow the charger manufacturer's installation instructions and current wiring regulations for electric vehicle charging.