Best Consumer Units for Garage & EV Installations: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner & 18th Edition Electrician, OR Electrics
Let's be clear: the consumer unit (or fuse box, as many still call it) is the most critical safety device in your property. With the latest 18th Edition regulations, specifically Amendment 3, the requirements for Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and RCD types have become stricter. It is not just about keeping the lights on; it is about fire prevention and protecting complex modern electronics.
In Leeds, we see a lot of older properties—especially the back-to-backs in Armley or student HMOs in Headingley—where electrical systems are frighteningly outdated. When adding a circuit for an electric vehicle (EV), a hot tub, or a garden office, you often cannot just add a breaker to the main board. You need a dedicated, compliant secondary unit.
In this review, I'm looking at three specific enclosures suitable for these 'satellite' applications: a budget empty enclosure for custom builds, a pre-populated unit with surge protection, and a branded solution perfect for EV chargers. I'll explain what functionality you actually get for your money.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP65 / Waterproof Rating"
"The box is completely waterproof and can be blasted with a hose."
The rating is only valid if you use the correct IP-rated cable glands. If you just drill a hole and poke a twin-and-earth cable through without a gland, it is no longer waterproof and dangerous in damp Leeds cellars or gardens.
The Spec: "Pre-wired / Pre-populated"
"You can take it out of the box, screw it to the wall, and it's ready to go."
Factory connections often loosen during transit. A competent electrician will always torque-check every single screw terminal inside the unit before energising it to prevent hot spots and fire risks.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
DIN Rail Enclosure, Consumer Unit Box IP65 Waterproof, 5 Module
Qiyiche
This is a basic, empty shell. It is ideal if you are an electrician who needs to build a custom specification for a shed or garage supply and you already have the breakers. It offers good weather protection but requires professional knowledge to populate safely.
The Good
- Excellent price point for a sturdy enclosure
- Transparent door allows visual check of trips without opening
- Good impact resistance (ABS resin)
The Bad
- Supplied empty - you must buy RCDs/MCBs separately
- Plastic construction (check regulations for main dwelling suitability)
- Knockouts can be tricky to remove cleanly without a hole saw
Installer Tip:
This is plastic, so under 18th Edition rules, it generally shouldn't be used as a primary consumer unit inside a main dwelling (like under the stairs) due to fire regulations. It is perfectly fine for detached garages or garden sheds.
Priced at £11.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEV Consumer Unit with A Type DP C40 RCBO and SPD
Generic
This unit is designed specifically for high-load applications like Electric Vehicle charging. The 'Quality' here refers to the high specification of the included protection: it features both an RCBO (Combined RCD and Breaker) and an SPD (Surge Protection Device), which provides comprehensive safety against earth leakage and voltage spikes.
The Good
- Includes Surge Protection (SPD) - vital for protecting car electronics
- Double Pole isolation adds an extra layer of safety
- Type A RCBO handles the DC leakage potential of modern appliances
The Bad
- Generic brand - spares might be harder to source in future
- Higher price point, though reasonable for the included components
Installer Tip:
The C40 (40 Amp) rating is high. Before installing this, I would always verify the cable size feeding the unit is substantial enough (usually 6mm² or 10mm² SWA) to handle that load safely over the distance.
Priced at £42.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSync Energy EV Consumer Unit with 100A Main Switch, RCBO and SPD
Sync Energy
From a professional perspective, this is the standout choice. Sync Energy (formerly BG Sync EV) is a recognised brand that electricians trust. It comes fully loaded with a 100A main switch, bi-directional RCBO (vital for solar), and surge protection. It solves the headache of sourcing compatible parts by providing an Amendment 3 compliant package ready to go.
The Good
- Bi-directional RCBO makes it safe for Solar PV and Battery storage too
- High-quality UV-stable plastic prevents yellowing outdoors
- Includes a blank module for future expansion (e.g., adding a lighting circuit)
The Bad
- Slightly larger footprint than compact 2-way units
- Lockable cover is useful but key requires keeping safe
Installer Tip:
The 'Bi-directional' aspect is a massive plus. Standard RCBOs can often trip erroneously when used with solar or battery systems that feed power back to the grid. This unit is designed to handle that flow correctly, preventing nuisance tripping.
Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I install a consumer unit myself?
What is the difference between a metal and plastic consumer unit?
Why is an SPD (Surge Protection Device) important?
What does '18th Edition Amendment 3' mean for me?
My generic consumer unit keeps tripping, what should I do?
How often should a consumer unit be tested?
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