Consumer unit capacity

Also known as Fuse board capacity, Distribution board capacity

Consumer unit capacity is whether the domestic electrical board has space, suitable protection and board context for another circuit, not proof of spare supply capacity.

Consumer unit capacity is shorthand for whether a domestic consumer unit or distribution board has the physical space, suitable protective-device arrangement and board context for another circuit or item of home energy equipment. It may be mentioned when a solar inverter, battery inverter, EV chargepoint, heat pump or load-management device needs a new protected circuit or changes to the board. Spare ways or a free slot do not prove that the board, busbar, MCB (miniature circuit breaker), RCD (residual current device), RCBO (residual current breaker with overcurrent protection), cable route, earthing arrangement, product instructions or incoming supply are suitable. The term is separate from import capacity, maximum demand, main fuse rating, DNO approval, MCS certification, Building Regulations completion and permission to alter fixed wiring.

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