Best Garage Consumer Units for Outbuildings: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner & Lead Electrician, OR Electrics
Expanding your electrical setup to a garage, shed, or workshop is a popular project, especially here in Leeds where we try to maximise every bit of space. However, simply spurring off a kitchen socket often isn't safe or sufficient for the damp, unheated conditions of an outbuilding.
To do the job properly and comply with regulations, you need a dedicated 'garage unit'—essentially a mini consumer unit that provides local isolation and crucial circuit protection. This ensures that if you trip a fuse with a power tool in the garage, you don't plunge the whole main house into darkness.
In this review, I'm looking at three IP65-rated options suitable for these environments: a budget-friendly choice, a robust quality option, and a 3-way unit for those needing a bit more capacity for workshop tools.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP65 Waterproof Rating"
"Manufactures claim the box is totally dust and jet-water proof, ideal for outdoor use."
The box is only IP65 *if* you use the correct cable glands and seal the entry points properly. If you just drill a hole and shove a twin and earth cable through without a gland, that rating is worthless, and damp will get in.
The Spec: "Plug and Play Installation"
"Marketing often suggests these are easy for anyone to fit."
Installing a new circuit to an outbuilding is 'notifiable work' under Part P of the Building Regulations. You must test the earth loop impedance and RCD trip times to ensure it will actually save your life in a fault. This isn't a simple DIY job.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
2 Way Garage Consumer Unit IP65 Protection with 40A 30mA RCD
PATNFR
This is a straightforward, no-frills option perfect for a standard single-garage setup (usually one lighting circuit and one ring main). It meets the basic need for local RCD protection without breaking the bank.
The Good
- Extremely affordable entry point
- Transparent cover allows easy check of breaker status
- Standard 6A (lights) and 16A (sockets) setup covers most basic sheds
The Bad
- Plastic casing feels thinner than premium brands
- Internal wiring space is tight
- Generic components may be harder to replace individually later
Installer Tip:
Because the plastic is quite rigid, be very careful when knocking out the cable entry points. Use a sharp 20mm holesaw rather than trying to punch them out, or you risk cracking the casing.
Priced at £11.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonHoypeyfiy 2 Way Consumer Unit 40A 30mA RCD with 6A+16A MCB
Hoypeyfiy
Stepping up in price, this unit offers a sturdier build quality which is vital in a working garage environment where things might get knocked. The flame-retardant plastic gives a bit more peace of mind regarding fire safety.
The Good
- Thicker, more impact-resistant casing than budget models
- Flame retardant material improves safety
- Good weather sealing for damp Leeds garages
The Bad
- More expensive than the budget option for similar electrical specs
- Still limited to 2 outgoing ways
Installer Tip:
When mounting this on an uneven brick wall (common in older Leeds properties), mount it on a small ply backboard first. This prevents the plastic enclosure from twisting when you tighten the screws, ensuring the waterproof lid still seals correctly.
Priced at £22.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAYNEFY 3 Way Consumer Unit with 63A RCD & 6A 16A 32A MCBs
AYNEFY
This unit solves the problem of 'not enough power'. Unlike the standard 2-way units, this comes with 3 MCBs, including a 32A breaker. This is ideal if you're running heavier workshop machinery or a dedicated high-power socket alongside your standard lights and plugs.
The Good
- Three usable circuits instead of the standard two
- Includes a 32A MCB for heavier loads (e.g., small welding rig or compressor)
- Higher rated 63A RCD handles increased load
The Bad
- Requires a sufficiently large supply cable (SWA) to justify the 32A breaker
- Larger footprint than the 2-way mini units
Installer Tip:
Important: Just because it has a 32A breaker doesn't mean your supply cable can handle it. If you're feeding this from the house, you likely need a 6mm or 10mm Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable to handle the total load without voltage drop. Don't try running this off a standard 2.5mm spur!
Priced at £24.09 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a separate consumer unit for my garage?
Can I install a garage consumer unit myself?
What cable should I use to feed the garage unit?
Why does my garage RCD keep tripping?
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