Best Dual RCD Consumer Unit Options: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Owner & 18th Edition Qualified Electrician
If you are searching for the 'best dual RCD consumer unit', you are likely planning a rewire or finally replacing an old fuse wire box. In the electrical trade, the consumer unit (often called a fuse box) is the heart of your home's safety. Get this wrong, and you are not just risking nuisance tripping; you are risking fire and electric shock.
Modern demands on our electrical systems are massive compared to thirty years ago. Between EV chargers, induction hobs, and home offices, older boards simply cope. The 18th Edition wiring regulations now require strict fire-resistant casings (metal clad) and protections against power surges (SPD), alongside the life-saving RCD trip switches.
In this review, I'm looking at three distinct units. I have chosen the standard industry 'workhorse' Dual RCD board for the main house, a smaller unit for garages (often overlooked), and a specialist unit for the growing number of electric vehicle owners.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Dual RCD Protection"
"The board is split into two banks. If a fault happens, an RCD trips to save your life."
Whilst much safer than old fuses, Dual RCD means if a bulb blows in the kitchen, it might take out the power to half the house (including the freezer). It is compliant and cost-effective, but be aware of the 'nuisance tripping' trade-off.
The Spec: "Metal Clad Enclosure"
"Metal boxes contain fires better than plastic ones."
This is absolutely true and mandatory for installations inside dwellings (homes) since Amendment 3. If a manufacturer tries to sell you a plastic board for your hallway, walk away.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
SPORWAY 2 Way Consumer Unit Circuit Breaker: Garage Consumer Unit Circuit Breaker Panel
SPORWAY
This isn't a board for your main house, but it is the perfect budget solution for an outbuilding, shed, or garage supply. It provides essential RCD protection for outdoor power without complicating your main fuse board.
The Good
- Incredible value for extending power to a garage
- IP65 rating makes it suitable for damp environments like sheds
- Transparent cover allows weird tripping to be spotted easily
The Bad
- Plastic construction (suitable for detached buildings, not main dwellings)
- Limited space for cabling
- Not a Dual RCD unit (Single RCD only)
Installer Tip:
If you are feeding this from your main house board, ensure the supply cable is protected correctly at the source. Do not rely solely on this unit's RCD; you need to consider discrimination between RCDs to avoid the garage tripping the house.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonLive Electrical 18 Way Metal Clad Split Load Consumer Unit c/w 100A Main Switch / 2 x 80A 30mA RCD + 11 MCBs + SPD
TEW
This is the unit that answers the search for 'best dual RCD consumer unit'. It is a proper, compliant metal-clad amendment 3 board. Crucially, it comes with a Surge Protection Device (SPD) pre-fitted, which is effectively mandatory for most new installs to protect your electronics.
The Good
- Fully fully compliant with 18th Edition Amendment 3
- Includes Surge Protection Device (saving you £50-£80)
- Comes populated with 11 MCBs, saving sourcing trips
The Bad
- Installation is strictly for qualified electricians (Part P)
- Metal clad boxes can be tight for cable management if not organised well
Installer Tip:
When dressing this board, I always balance the load carefully between the two RCDs. Put your upstairs lights on RCD 1 and downstairs lights on RCD 2. That way, if a bulb blows and trips one RCD, you aren't left in total darkness.
Priced at £161.02 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSync Energy EV Consumer Unit with 100A Main Switch, 40A 30mA Double Pole Bi-Directional RCBO Type A and Type 2 SPD
Sync Energy
Sometimes you don't need to replace the whole board, you just need to add a high-load circuit safely. This unit is specifically built for Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers or Solar PV, featuring the advanced Bi-Directional RCBOs required for power generation/storage systems.
The Good
- Bi-directional RCBO is essential for solar and modern EV setups
- IP66 rated means it can be mounted externally
- Includes Type 2 Surge Protection Device
The Bad
- Only 5 modules wide (limited to specific use case)
- Plastic enclosure (acceptable for external use, check regs for internal)
Installer Tip:
If you are retrofitting an EV charger in a Leeds terrace with limited space near the main meter, this is a lifesaver. You can Henley block off the meter tails and install this independently, avoiding a full house rewire just to get your car charged.
Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Dual RCD unit and an RCBO board?
Why do I need a metal consumer unit?
Do I need a Surge Protection Device (SPD)?
Can I install a consumer unit myself?
How much does a full consumer unit replacement cost in Leeds?
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