C/U size.

[--tom]

Any suggestions for a useful large size CU?Split load.
How many ways req. in a typical 4br house?
What make?
Who will supply fully assembled CU's?
I've researched this topic but haven't come across an answer.

 

[SparkyTris]

How about this:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Split_Load_H/index.html

with some of these:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Hager_Mcb_s_and_Carriers/index.html

I used this line and I thought that it was the mutt's nuts. The knockouts are a bit hard to cut out though.

 

[Qedelec]

Unless you are qualified and competent you shouldn't be attempting a CCU change.
Hire a professional and take his/her advice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The items on the list below may not all apply to you, but they are worth looking at to get you thinking:

1. Upstairs sockets
2. Downstairs sockets
3. Kitchen sockets
4. Radial for appliances
5. Cooker circuit
6. Non-RCD circuit for F/F
7. Non-RCD circuit for CH boiler
8. Dedicated circuit for hifi
9. Dedicated circuit for IT equipment
10. Upstairs lights
11. Downstairs lights
12. Immersion heater
13. Shower
14. Alarm
15. Supply for outside lights
16. Supply for garden electrics
17. Supply for shed/garage

Plus any peculiarities brought about by your house layout & construction - e.g. in mine because of solid floors and where the rings run, I have a radial just for a socket in the hall, the doorbell and the porch lights.

Plus a few spares on RCD & non-RCD sides for expansion beyond that for future unforeseen needs.

 

[--tom]

Sparky and Ban, thank you very much for your useful replies.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Qedelec's reply was also useful..

 

[Qedelec]

Thank you ban I was beginning to feel left out as the big bad wolf of caution.

 

[megawatt]

Assuming you choose not to follow Qedelecs advice there are additional considerations if your house uses TT earthing i.e. You will need to swap the main incomer with a 100mA Time Delayed RCD which isn't difficult to do but will add around £60 to the cost.

I personally prefer MK Sentry units like ...

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=102504&ts=11177&id=64020

I think they look nicer (not a consideration if they're hidden away) and they are great to work with.

In terms of the RCD for this unit you can get it (amongst many other places MOD) here ...

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK6980.html

PartP aside, from a safety perspective alone Qedelecs advice is sound and unless you really know what you are doing I'd get someone in to do this as you'll be pulling service fuses and there are many exposed dangerous bits within CU's etc.

Good luck