Adding new circuit to a full consumer unit?

[Ian H]

Are there any options to add to a full consumer unit with an external ‘item’?

I say ‘item’ because I don’t know if I mean an RCD or something else.

Basically I want a 32amp circuit fitting and there are no spaces in my consumer unit.

Thanks

 

[bsr]

You could combine two circuits in one MCB eg combine upstairs and downstairs lighting circuits or upstairs ring and garage feed.

Otherwise you will need to split in incoming feed using Henley Blocks and fit a small (eg Garage) consumer unit.

 

[EFLImpudence]

You could connect the extra unit (with a 32A RCBO) to the CU main switch.

 

[AndyPRK]

a picture of what you have now would help alot
showing labels too

 

[Ian H]

This is what I have now:

Left to right, 16 6 6 32 32 RCD 6 32 32 32 32 RCD

 

[EFLImpudence]

The labelling is not too helpful.

Are all the MCBs used?

 

[AndyPRK]

Bet half them aren’t connected !

 

[333rocky333]

Take out the two 6a to create 2 ways, mount a new remote unit with the two 6a in it, diverting the circuit cables to it, feed that new unit with a new 32a from one of the old ways, use the other old way for your new 32a circuit

 

[endecotp]

Replace all those MCBs with RCBOs and you have space for 4 more circuits.

 

[Ian H]

No, the labelling isn’t great is it.

So it can be done? That’s great, I was imagining the electrician saying I need a new consumer unit.

Thanks very much to you all

 

[mattylad]

it can be done, the rcbo route seems an obvious way, but it may cost more than simply replacing it with a bigger unit.
Investigate both options. (a single unit would be best), also check that all those breakers are actually in use.

 

[Taylortwocities]

That looks like a very recently supplied consumer unit. Did you have it fitted?.
There is a regulation that says that the circuit breakers should be fitted with labels saying what they each do.
Also, the new CU should have come with an installation cert that details each circuit. Do you have this?

As above, some of those circuits may be spare. Turn off the main switch on the right, remove the cover and post a photo of the innerds.

 

[SUNRAY]

Are there any options to add to a full consumer unit with an external ‘item’?

I say ‘item’ because I don’t know if I mean an RCD or something else.

Basically I want a 32amp circuit fitting and there are no spaces in my consumer unit.

Thanks

If this is for a car charging point they will probably fit a separate small consumer automatically.

 

[Ian H]

That looks like a very recently supplied consumer unit. Did you have it fitted?.
There is a regulation that says that the circuit breakers should be fitted with labels saying what they each do.
Also, the new CU should have come with an installation cert that details each circuit. Do you have this?

As above, some of those circuits may be spare. Turn off the main switch on the right, remove the cover and post a photo of the innerds.

Yes, I had it fitted in our house that I renovated over a couple of years. I’ll get the electrician to label it when he comes to finish off. I’ll have a look inside before he comes to see if there’s any spare room.

 

[Ian H]

If this is for a car charging point they will probably fit a separate small consumer automatically.

It’s for a hot tub.