Consumer Units & Switchgear
A reliable electrical system starts with a robust consumer unit and switchgear. These components control and protect your circuits, prevent overloads, and ensure safety for years.
At EWS – Electrical Wholesale Supplies, we provide everything from domestic fuse boards and small consumer units to high-voltage switchgear and RCBO systems. Whether for new installations, upgrades, or industrial projects, this category ensures compliance, safety, and efficiency.
Complete Solutions for Consumer Units & Switchgear
Managing electrical distribution shouldn’t require juggling multiple suppliers. Our range covers domestic and commercial consumer units, RCDs, RCBOs, fuse boards, and switchgear for low, medium, and high-voltage applications.
All products are designed to work together, making installation faster and reducing errors. With clear specifications, UK compliance, and expert selection, contractors and homeowners alike can trust each component.
What We Offer at a Glance
We supply a comprehensive variety of consumer units and switchgear solutions:
- Domestic consumer units, small consumer units, and metal or plastic fuse boards
- RCD and RCBO consumer units for safety and compliance
- Split load, dual RCD, and multi-way units (2-way, 4-way, 6-way, 10-way, 16-way)
- Industrial and high-voltage switchgear (LV, MV, HV, GIS, SF6)
- Garage, shed, and outdoor consumer units
- Accessories, including busbars, labels, covers, glands, and wiring accessories
Every product solves a practical need on site—protecting circuits, distributing power, and ensuring long-term reliability.
Consumer Units
Domestic & Small Consumer Units
Our domestic consumer units and small consumer units support residential and light commercial projects. With options like metal or plastic housings, RCBO protection, and split load functionality, these units simplify installation and maintain compliance.
From fuse boards to consumer boxes, we offer solutions for standard circuits, EV charging, and retrofit applications.
Industrial & Commercial Units
Industrial and commercial consumer units are designed for higher loads and multi-circuit distribution. Features include high-capacity RCBOs, surge protection devices, and fully populated or unpopulated options for flexibility and scalability.
Switchgear Systems
Low, Medium & High Voltage Options
Switchgear controls, protects, and isolates electrical equipment. Our range includes LV, MV, HV, and gas-insulated switchgear, plus air-insulated and vacuum variants.
Products like switchgear panels, distribution boards, and switchgear enclosures meet industry standards and are suitable for industrial plants, commercial complexes, and high-demand applications.
Components & Maintenance
From LV panels and busbars to connectors and control gear, our switchgear components are designed for long-term reliability. Proper maintenance, including periodic inspections and torque checks, ensures safe and efficient operation.
Accessories & Safety Components
Fixings, Labels & Covers
Consumer unit accessories like covers, busbars, labels, and gland kits improve organisation, accessibility, and compliance. Clearly labelled and secured units simplify future upgrades and inspections.
Surge Protection & RCD/RCBO Modules
Protect circuits with surge protection devices (SPD) and RCD or RCBO modules. These devices prevent damage from electrical faults, improve safety, and are mandatory under UK regulations for many installations.
Who Does This Category Help Most
Electrical Contractors & Installers
A one-stop source for consumer units, switchgear, and accessories improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and ensures safe installations.
Facilities & Maintenance Teams
Reliable units and switchgear simplify inspections, system upgrades, and long-term maintenance for commercial and industrial sites.
Builders & Developers
Support safe, scalable electrical infrastructure across residential, commercial, and industrial projects with compliant consumer units and switchgear.
Procurement & Wholesale Buyers
Bulk availability, consistent specifications, and easy reordering streamline procurement for ongoing projects.
DIY Enthusiasts & Homeowners
Safe, compliant consumer units and fuse boards for home upgrades, shed installations, or EV chargers with clear installation guidance.
Buying Guide: Making the Right Choice
Selecting the Correct Unit
Plan circuit loads and route distribution. Choose domestic, industrial, or multi-way units depending on capacity. Metal consumer units are required in certain applications for compliance.
Safety & Compliance Considerations
Always use RCD or RCBO protection where required, select surge protection devices, and follow BS 7671 wiring regulations. Proper earthing, gland installation, and clear labelling are essential.
Common Use Cases
Consumer units and switchgear are essential in:
- Residential homes and housing developments
- Commercial and industrial installations
- Garages, workshops, and sheds
- EV charging stations
- High-voltage and industrial control rooms
They ensure circuit safety, improve fault management, and support long-term scalability.
Technical Specifications & Compatibility
Units and switchgear include detailed specs: voltage ratings, amperage, number of ways, RCBO/RCD options, enclosure type (metal, IP-rated), and accessories. Correct matching reduces installation errors and ensures longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a consumer unit, and why is it important?
A consumer unit distributes power safely across circuits, provides overcurrent protection, and isolates faults to prevent damage.
How do I choose between RCD and RCBO units?
RCDs protect groups of circuits against earth faults, while RCBOs protect individual circuits and provide combined overcurrent and earth fault protection.
What is switchgear, and where is it used?
Switchgear controls, protects, and isolates electrical circuits. LV, MV, and HV switchgear are used in industrial, commercial, and high-demand applications.
Can I install a consumer unit myself?
Only qualified electricians should install consumer units or switchgear. Compliance with BS 7671 wiring regulations and safety standards is mandatory.
How do I upgrade an old consumer unit?
Replace outdated metal or plastic units with modern RCD/RCBO systems, considering load, circuit requirements, and safety compliance.
What are the differences between metal and plastic consumer units?
Metal units offer greater fire resistance, mechanical strength, and compliance with modern UK regulations, while plastic units are lightweight and suitable for low-risk environments.
How many ways (circuits) do consumer units come in?
Consumer units are available in 2-way, 4-way, 6-way, 10-way, 12-way, 16-way, and larger multi-way configurations, depending on load requirements.
What is a split load consumer unit?
A split load consumer unit separates circuits between RCDs and RCBOs, offering enhanced protection and minimizing the risk of total circuit shutdown in case of a fault.
Can switchgear be used for both low and high voltage applications?
Yes, low-voltage (LV), medium-voltage (MV), and high-voltage (HV) switchgear exist for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications, each rated for specific voltage levels and loads.
How often should consumer units and switchgear be inspected?
Inspection intervals depend on regulations and usage: typically every 3–5 years for domestic units, annually for commercial units, and as per manufacturer guidance for industrial switchgear.
Browse Consumer Units & Switchgear
Explore domestic and industrial consumer units, RCBOs, RCDs, switchgear, surge protection, and accessories. Choose by type, plan installations confidently, and maintain compliant, safe electrical systems.
- Explore Domestic Consumer Units
- Discover Industrial Switchgear Solutions
- Shop Accessories for Safe Electrical Installations
