Best Metal Consumer Units for Safety & Compliance: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician
If you are looking at upgrading your 'fuse box', you have probably noticed they are all metal now. This isn't just a style choice; under the 18th Edition wiring regulations (specifically Amendment 3), consumer units in domestic dwellings generally need to be made of non-combustible material. This is to contain any potential fire within the enclosure, preventing it from spreading to your home.
In Leeds, where we have a lot of timber-framed modifications and older housing stock, fire safety is paramount. I often replace old plastic or wooden-backed boards that are essentially fire hazards waiting to happen. However, not all metal units are created equal. Some are a nightmare to wire due to tight spaces, whilst others offer fantastic modularity for modern RCBO protection.
In this review, I'm looking at three distinct options: a budget mini-unit perfect for garages, a quality pre-populated board for small dwellings, and a flexible Schneider unit that solves the issue of tight installation spaces.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Pre-Loaded vs. Shell"
"buying a 'fully loaded' board is always cheaper and easier than buying a shell and separate breakers."
Whilst cheaper upfront, pre-loaded boards often come with standard MCBs. For maximum safety and to prevent 'nuisance tripping' (where the whole house goes dark because of one fault), I invariably recommend individual RCBOs, which often requires buying a shell and customising it.
The Spec: "DIY Installation"
"It is just a box with wires; a competent DIYer can swap it."
Absolutely not. Changing a consumer unit is notitable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. It requires testing, certification, and notification to building control. Attempting this yourself is illegal and dangerous.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Metal Garage Mini Consumer Unit c/w 63a RCD and 2 MCBs (6a 32a)
WCED
This is a straightforward, no-nonsense unit designed specifically for garages, sheds, or small workshops. It comes pre-fitted with the essential protection you need for a simple power and lighting circuit setup.
The Good
- Exception value for money
- Includes breakers (ideal for 1 light circuit, 1 socket circuit)
- Compact size fits easily in small garages
The Bad
- Very tight wiring space inside (can be fiddly)
- Not suitable for main house supplies (too small)
Installer Tip:
Use this for a detached garage supply. Since it has its own RCD, ensure your supply cable from the house is properly protected to avoid 'discrimination' issues where both the house and garage trip simultaneously.
Priced at £21.50 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonLIVE 6 Way Metal Consumer Unit,8 Module,63Amp 30mA RCD, 2x6A, 2x16A, 2x32A MCBs
TEW
A robust 6-way board that comes fully populated with a good range of MCBs. Ideally suited for small flats, annexes, or large workshops where you need more circuits than a simple garage unit provides. The gloss white finish is cleaner than standard industrial grey.
The Good
- comprehensive kit including glands and labels
- Good selection of amp ratings (6A for lights, 32A for sockets)
- Solid construction with a nice paint finish
The Bad
- Single RCD means if one circuit faults, everything goes off
- Might attract dust if installed in a dirty workshop enviornment due to gloss finish
Installer Tip:
This unit uses a single RCD for all circuits. Whilst compliant, be aware that an earth fault on your toaster could trip the lights too. For a main residence, I usually prefer a board that supports individual RCBOs for better circuit separation.
Priced at £61.71 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSchneider Electric Metal compact consumer unit, Easy9, 10 way
Schneider Electric
Schneider is a premium name in the industry for a reason. This 'Easy9' unit is designed with a compact footprint and an offset DIN rail, which provides crucial extra space for cabling above the breakers. This is a life-saver in the tight cupboards common in Leeds terraces.
The Good
- Premium build quality from a market leader
- Offset rail makes dressing cables significantly easier
- Reversible door (left or right opening)
The Bad
- Supplied as a shell only (breakers sold separately)
- Requires knowledge to select correct compatible devices
Installer Tip:
Because this is an empty shell, I use this when a client wants full RCBO protection. It allows me to buy the exact protection devices needed for their specific home (e.g., specific AFDDs or RCBOs) without wasting money on a pre-loaded kit where half the breakers get thrown in the bin.
Priced at £34.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why must consumer units be metal now?
Can I replace my own consumer unit?
What is the difference between an RCD, MCB, and RCBO?
How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost in Leeds?
My old fuse box is plastic, do I have to change it?
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