Best EV Consumer Units for Home Charging: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Qualified Electrician
Buying an electric vehicle is exciting, but the practicalities of charging it at home can be confusing. You can't simply plug a high-draw vehicle into an old socket; you need a dedicated circuit. Often, the safest and least disruptive way to do this is with a dedicated EV consumer unit (often called a 'mini board').
In Leeds, where we see a mix of older stone properties in Armley and modern refits in Headingley, isolating the EV charger from the main house electrics creates a safer system solely for the car. It limits nuisance tripping affecting your fridge or lights and provides essential Surge Protection (SPD) for your expensive vehicle.
In this review, I've selected three units from Sync Energy that I encounter frequently. I'll break down which one is right for a budget installation, which offers the best heavy-duty protection, and which is essential if you have solar panels.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP65/IP66 Weatherproof Rating"
"The unit is completely watertight and can withstand heavy rain and washer jets."
The rating is only true if the cable glands (where wires enter) are tightened perfectly. In the real world, poor installation compromises this immediately. Always mount these on a flat surface to avoid warping the seal.
The Spec: "Pre-populated / Ready to Switch"
"You can take it out of the box, screw it to the wall, and wire it up instantly."
Factory connections loosen during transport. As a professional, I check the torque on every single screw inside these units before energising. Never assume 'factory fitted' means 'tight'.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Sync Energy EV Consumer Unit with 100A Main Switch, 40A MCB and Type 2 SPD (Plastic)
Sync Energy
This is a solid, no-nonsense option for uncomplicated installations. It features a plastic UV-stable enclosure which is resistant to corrosion—ideal for outdoor mounting where aesthetics aren't the primary concern but weatherproofing is key.
The Good
- Excellent price point for a populated unit
- Includes Surge Protection Device (SPD) as standard
- Plastic case won't rust in damp Leeds weather
The Bad
- Plastic enclosures are less robust against impact than metal
- Contains an MCB, not an RCBO, so your charger MUST have built-in residual current and DC leakage protection
Installer Tip:
Use this unit ONLY if your EV charger handles its own RCD protection (Type A + 6mA DC). If your charger is a basic 'dumb' unit without internal leakage protection, this unit alone contributes to non-compliance.
Priced at £27.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSync Energy EV Consumer Unit with 40A 30mA Type A RCBO, Type 2 SPD (Metal)
Sync Energy
For a 'belt and braces' approach, this metal enclosure is the superior choice. It complies with stricter regulations regarding non-combustible materials (often required for garages attached to the main dwelling) and includes a proper RCBO for comprehensive circuit protection.
The Good
- Metal construction is robust and fire-resistant
- Type A RCBO provides protection against AC and pulsating DC faults
- Looks much smarter on the side of a house than grey plastic
The Bad
- Significantly heavier to mount than plastic versions
- Higher cost, though justified by the metal build and RCBO
Installer Tip:
When drilling the entry gland into the metal box, be sure to clean away the metal swarf thoroughly. A tiny shard of metal left inside can cause a short circuit later. Also, ensure the paint is scraped at the earthing point to ensure continuity.
Priced at £70.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSync Energy EV Consumer Unit with Bi-Directional RCBO (Solar Compatible)
Sync Energy
This is likely the most important unit for modern eco-homes in Leeds. It features a Bi-Directional RCBO. If you have Solar PV panels, standard RCBOs can lock up or fail due to back-feeding energy. This unit solves that safety blind-spot.
The Good
- Bi-directional RCBO handles current flow from both grid and solar
- Prevents RCD blinding issues common in solar homes
- Includes Surge Protection to protect the car from voltage spikes
The Bad
- Slightly more expensive than the standard plastic unit
- Plastic enclosure (refer to local fire regs for placement)
Installer Tip:
If you have solar panels or a home battery system, you MUST use a bi-directional protection device like this. Using a standard uni-directional RCBO with a generation source (solar) is potentially unsafe and often against manufacturer warranty terms.
Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a separate consumer unit for my EV charger?
What is an SPD and is it mandatory?
Metal vs Plastic consumer unit: Which is better?
Can I install an EV charging point myself?
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