11-way consumer units exceed standards in Liverpool homes
Eaton’s EMA wiring accessories and MEM Memera consumer units are being used exclusively in the upgrading of 15 000 homes in Liverpool. The 5-year programme by Liverpool Mutual Homes involves properties dating back to the 1920s. They are being fitted out to exceed the Decent Homes Standard for social housing. The electrical content includes individual RCBO protection of every circuit.
The 5-year programme began in April 2008 and has now progressed to the electrical contracts.
The consultant for the project, Tweeds Construction Consultancy of Liverpool (a member of the WYG group), opted for individual RCBO protection of all power and lighting circuits, which offers the maximum levels of user safety required by the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. If one RCBO trips, all other circuits continue to function.
MEM Memera consumer units with the protective devices already fitted were selected to satisfy this requirement. LMH standardises on a 11-way unit for all properties, regardless of size. Cookers, lighting circuits etc. are always connected in the same configuration to simplify maintenance. There is also a separate kitchen ring circuit. Spare circuits are available for additional equipment such as electric showers or stairlifts.
An LMH call-centre number is available and will normally be able to offer advice on how to identify and re-set a tripped RCBO.
EMA moulded accessories are used throughout. Switches controlling major appliances such as hobs fridge/freezers and central heating are engraved to identify their function. Eaton also supplied pendant sets from its Circa range of ceiling accessories.
