The consumer control unit contains the Main Switch, RCBOs (Residential Current circuit Breaker with Overload protection), RCD (Residual Current Device) and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers). The main switch is normally ‘ON’. In order to isolate all supplies, switch to ‘OFF’. There are two RCDs in your consumer unit. Each RCD protects a section of the consumer unit. They are designed to ‘trip’ when there is an electrical leakage to earth thereby giving protection to personnel. An RCD would normally trip before an MCB. These circuit breakers and RCDs are all designed to trip if there is a fault in a circuit, or if a faulty appliance is switched on. This helps to prevent serious accidents that may result in damage and injury. Under fault conditions these will be in the ‘tripped position’. We recommend that the electricity installation in your home is inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at intervals not exceeding every 10 years. IF AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FAILS A circuit may trip OFF. If this happens, you should follow the procedure set out below. 1. Check with the aid of a torch whether the RCD (mid position) or MCB (fully down) is in the OFF position. 2. Switch RCD (press down then push to the fully up position) or MCB to ON position. 3. If the RCD does not re-set, switch off all the MCBs, re-set the RCD then switch on each MCB individually until the faulty circuit is identified. 4. To identify the cause of the fault switch off all appliances in that circuit, re-set the RCD and MCB, then switch back on each appliance until the defective appliance is found. Over-filling kettles, irons etc. can cause this type of fault. N.B. It is important to ensure that the bulbs used in light fittings do not exceed the rating for that fitting. NOTE: Electricity is dangerous and can kill. If you are unsure of any aspect of your electrical installation, please consult a qualified electrical contractor.
The consumer control unit contains the Main Switch, RCBOs (Residential Current circuit Breaker with Overload protection), RCD (Residual Current Device) and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers). The main switch is normally ‘ON’. In order to isolate all supplies, switch to ‘OFF’. There are two RCDs in your consumer unit. Each RCD protects a section of the consumer unit. They are designed to ‘trip’ when there is an electrical leakage to earth thereby giving protection to personnel. An RCD would normally trip before an MCB. These circuit breakers and RCDs are all designed to trip if there is a fault in a circuit, or if a faulty appliance is switched on. This helps to prevent serious accidents that may result in damage and injury. Under fault conditions these will be in the ‘tripped position’. We recommend that the electricity installation in your home is inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at intervals not exceeding every 10 years. IF AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FAILS A circuit may trip OFF. If this happens, you should follow the procedure set out below. 1. Check with the aid of a torch whether the RCD (mid position) or MCB (fully down) is in the OFF position. 2. Switch RCD (press down then push to the fully up position) or MCB to ON position. 3. If the RCD does not re-set, switch off all the MCBs, re-set the RCD then switch on each MCB individually until the faulty circuit is identified. 4. To identify the cause of the fault switch off all appliances in that circuit, re-set the RCD and MCB, then switch back on each appliance until the defective appliance is found. Over-filling kettles, irons etc. can cause this type of fault. N.B. It is important to ensure that the bulbs used in light fittings do not exceed the rating for that fitting. NOTE: Electricity is dangerous and can kill. If you are unsure of any aspect of your electrical installation, please consult a qualified electrical contractor.