Consumer Unit

Hi,

My electrician will be fitting a new consumer unit soon (with all RCBOs). He is advising Contactum. I'm worried that this may be too cheap and lacking in quality. It would be 18 way with a 100 amp incomer/main switch.

Is it worth paying extra for something like Hager or Eaton Memera units and RCBOs?

Your advice and views would be much appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

They went bust and the have risen like the Phoenix from the fire. They are cheap end.

Here's an idea of prices

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/index.html

Hager are about 25% dearer, Wylex about 15%

Nothing wrong with Contactum, they conform to all BS requirements.

I'd be happy to use them & indeed have, but if you want a more expensive make I'd also be happy to supply & install what ever make you as the customer wants.

Speak to your sparks about your concerns.

If you do want cheap look at Pro-elec in the region of £9 - £10 per RCBO and agin they meet all the required standards for use here.

Thanks to you both for responding.

Have it done well, George, or it could be shock and awe

Having an all RCBO board is great from a circuit separation viewpoint and is much better arrangement than a dual RCD split load arrangement.

From an installers perspective, an all RCBO board is quite tricky as it can get crowded in there as many manufacturer's boards arent high enough to give much clearance above the RCBO for wiring.

Contactum does have more space and he's probably chosen then because of that. Its cheaper than most too.

Wylex is very crowded and Volex is a complete nightmare for all RCBO. Hager is easy to work with as the whole top of the board comes off to allow free access.

There's nothing wrong with Contactum and now they seem to be back on an even footing but, these are uncertain days for even the most solid and long standing companies.
WHat happened to Enron, Arthur Anderson, Netscape, GM, ICI, MFI, Woolworths, SAAB, and I haven't even mentioned the banks

Most sparks have their own favourite makes - and keep spares for those makes too.

I'd let him install what he is happy with.

EFLImpudence said:

Have it done well, George, or it could be shock and awe

Click to expand...

Gone with Contactum as per electricians advice as well as input here.

Thanks all for your posts.

Cheers.

Worst boards i have ever installed are Chint cheap nasty plastic sh*te ! Earth and neutral bars pop out soon as theres a few cables termed in them.

Only install them for a client who insists on supplying his own materials that includes knightsbridge sockets and atom kablo T+E

The other awful one i had to fit was a Clipsal few years back a 16th ed split unit had a cheap plastic feel to it and no space inside the unit to make a neat job of it.