The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which came into effect in January 2019, require that all new electrical installations comply with the new standards. One of the key changes in the regulations is the requirement for the use of non-combustible consumer units.

Consumer units are an essential component of any electrical installation, providing protection and control for the electrical circuits in a building. The latest 18th edition consumer units are designed to improve safety and reduce the risk of fire. They have several key features that make them superior to older models:

Non-combustible materials: The latest consumer units are made from non-combustible materials, such as metal or plastic that meets the latest standards. This means that they are less likely to catch fire, which can help to prevent serious damage to your property and protect the lives of those within it.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs): All new consumer units are required to have RCDs installed. These devices provide additional protection against electric shock and can detect when there is an imbalance in the electrical current flowing through the circuit.

Surge protection: Many of the latest consumer units also include surge protection devices. These are designed to protect your electrical appliances from damage caused by power surges, which can occur during lightning strikes or power outages.

Increased capacity: The latest consumer units have increased capacity, which means that they can handle more electrical circuits. This is important if you are planning to add new electrical appliances or make changes to your electrical installation.

Overall, installing the latest 18th edition consumer unit is essential to ensure that your electrical installation complies with the latest regulations and is as safe as possible. It can help to protect your property, your possessions, and the lives of those within it.