Consumer Units

EV consumer units give a charge point its own protected supply, separate from the household board. We stock 3 dedicated EV consumer units from £72: the FuseBox EV32ABDZ with a 32A bi-directional Type A RCBO and integrated Type 2 SPD (£72), the Lewden PRO65-REV40AS with a 40A Type A RCCB and SPD in a weatherproof die-cast enclosure (£92), and the Lewden PRO-REV40BS with a 40A Type B RCCB and SPD (£250). All are supplied ready-assembled for single-phase charger circuits. Free UK delivery.

FuseBox Range / Lewden Range / EV Installation Kits / Installer Equipment

Why does an EV charger need its own consumer unit?

An EV charger draws close to its rated current continuously for hours, which is unlike any other domestic load. A dedicated unit gives the charging circuit correctly rated protection of its own, keeps the charger off shared RCDs where an unrelated fault would interrupt charging overnight, and avoids replacing an existing consumer unit that is otherwise perfectly serviceable — usually a far cheaper route than a full board upgrade. It also makes the installation simpler to inspect and certify.

What is the difference between Type A, Type B and bi-directional RCDs?

A Type A RCD detects AC and pulsating DC residual currents. A Type B additionally detects smooth DC residual current, which EV charging can produce — required where the charger does not have 6mA DC protection built in. Most modern smart chargers do include it, which is why Type A units cover the majority of installations at a fraction of the cost. A bi-directional RCBO works correctly when current flows either way, which matters on properties with solar PV, battery storage or vehicle-to-home charging. Always check the charger specification first.

Which consumer unit should I choose?

Start with the charger. If it has 6mA DC protection built in, a Type A device is sufficient — the FuseBox EV32ABDZ (£72) for a 32A circuit or the Lewden PRO65-REV40AS (£92) for 40A. The Lewden is die-cast and weatherproof, so it is the one to specify if the board has to sit outside next to the charger. Choose the Lewden PRO-REV40BS (£250) only where Type B protection is genuinely required. If the property has solar or battery storage, the bi-directional FuseBox unit is the safer long-term choice.

What does the integrated SPD do?

The Type 2 surge protection device guards the charger against transient overvoltages — short, high-voltage spikes from nearby lightning strikes or network switching events. An EV charger sits on an external wall at the end of a long cable run and contains sensitive electronics, making it more exposed than most household equipment. Having the SPD in the same enclosure saves fitting a separate device and the board space it would need, and satisfies current wiring regulation requirements for surge protection.

Can I fit an EV consumer unit myself?

No. Installing or altering a dedicated circuit for an EV charge point is notifiable electrical work in the UK and must be carried out by a competent, qualified electrician, who will also certify the installation. It is also a condition of the OZEV grant that the work is done by an authorised installer. See our EV charger installation service or read the installation guide for what a typical job involves.