Hager Design 50 Consumer Unit: Features, Regulations & Installation

Introduction

Home is where the heart is, and its heartbeat is the consumer unit.

In every home, memories are created within those bricks and mortar. In today's modern world where everything is documented on electronic devices, the consumer unit provides the power to capture these memories.

With the demand for new homes higher than ever, Hager has created a consumer unit to provide a solution to the challenges faced in the modern home. The latest innovation to the Design range, Design 50, offers the complete solution to housebuilders and homeowners. It has been created with aesthetics at its heart, whilst still conforming to the latest regulations (BS 7671:2008 Amendment 3).

A flush fitting, easy to install consumer unit which sits cleanly to the wall, with smooth lines and curves, and options to be decorated in any RAL colour or bespoke artwork means it can be positioned at lower levels to meet the needs of Part M and still fit seamlessly into any home.

Design 50: The Consumer Unit for Tomorrow, Today

Amendment 3 to the Wiring Regulations and Part M of the Building Regulations have provided new challenges to overcome. Design 50 answers these challenges by being encased in a steel back box, whilst having an aesthetically pleasing, smoothly curved metal front cover. Designed to be installed at the usually busy lower levels in a home, without becoming an obtrusion to the homeowner.

Aesthetics were a key driver when creating Design 50. Its smooth edges and curves allow it to sit flush to the wall and not interfere with a home's interior.

Design 50's innovation lies in its adjustable chassis which ensures that the cover of the unit will always fit correctly to the nominated wall, whilst allowing the internal devices to sit perfectly within the unit's front cover.

The back box of the unit can be installed as part of the first fix phase of construction. Removing the chassis during the plastering stage guarantees that there is no possible contamination of the devices or terminals from building debris. Thereby ensuring excellent performance, and the absence of future potential issues following the completion of the construction.

Installation and Compliance: Part M and Regulations

Part M at a Glance: Part M has prescribed that the installation height of a consumer unit should be between 1350 to 1450mm from the finished floor height. This has provided obvious challenges when installing a surface-mounted metal consumer unit which protrudes from the wall approximately 100mm, at shoulder height. This can have an effect on the aesthetic of the area and introduces a risk of collision with both the fabric of the building and its occupants. With the Design 50 being a recessed consumer unit and protruding only 38mm from the wall, this significantly reduces any risk of collision. Furthermore, the curved edges help the unit to not only enhance the aesthetic of the home but minimise any risk.

Safety Lock: To enhance the safety of contractors working in the premises, the Design 50 can be fitted with a patented lock that prevents access to the devices within the consumer unit. This ensures that if essential circuits are energised, then no additional circuits can be powered up by unauthorised personnel. Removal of the lock can be simply carried out by any authorised person. Additionally, once the lock is removed, there is no evidence that it had been utilised, hence no requirement to fill holes or to replace parts of the enclosure.

Diagrammatic representation of installation height: The consumer unit should be installed with its centre line of switches between 1350mm and 1450mm from the finished floor height. The unit has a cover depth of 38mm and a recessed base of 72mm - 92mm. Approximate protrusions from the wall are ~75mm for the main unit and ~110mm for a radiator shown in relation to the unit.

The ease of installation at both first and second fix stages has been proven to save up to twenty minutes in installation time. This means focus for the installer can be put on other areas of the home.

A locking device is also available to purchase as an accessory. The lock keeps the unit secure during a building's construction and allows for a non-electrical tradesperson to remove the lock prior to handover, leaving no trace that it was utilised.

As an addition to the Design range, Design 50 has the same hallmark features as Design 30, such as a cable clamp to allow incoming meter tails to be safely secured, a rear cable protection plate, a full metal DIN rail, ample cable space for fitting RCBOs, and grommet strip included, ensuring that Design 50 not only stands apart in aesthetics but also in ease and safety of installation.

Changing Habits: Regulatory Landscape

Over the last couple of years, the building industry has seen two significant changes to regulations specifically concerning consumer units and their location: BS 7671 regulation 421.1.201 and Part M of the Building Regulations.

The BS 7671 wiring regulations introduced regulation 421.1.201 as a result of concern over the performance of insulated consumer units in the event of an electrical fire occurring due to a poor connection or a faulty device. The London Fire Brigade cited occasions where consumer units became part of fires, spreading them to other parts of the dwelling.

Regulation 421.1.201 states: Within domestic premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall:

• (i) Have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material, or
• (ii) Be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with regulation 132.12.

Note 1: Ferrous metal, e.g. steel, is deemed to be an example of a non-combustible material. Note 2: The implementation date for this regulation was 1st January 2016, but compliance prior to this date is permitted.

This regulation mandates a shift away from thermoplastic materials towards those that perform better under high temperatures. Hager tests its consumer units using an industry-accepted method simulating faults, ensuring fire containment within the enclosure. All metal Hager consumer units in the Design range have passed this test.

Approved Document M of the Building Regulations 2010 (updated October 2015) added a requirement for services and controls: Section 1.18 states that to assist people with reduced reach, switches and sockets (including doorbells, entry phones, light switches, power sockets, TV aerials, and telephone jacks) serving habitable rooms should have their centre line between 450mm and 1200mm above floor level. Consumer units are also required to be mounted so that switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level. These changes pose challenges regarding the aesthetics and practical placement of consumer units.

Diagrammatic representation of switch and socket heights: A horizontal line indicates the 450mm to 1200mm range for switches and sockets. Another line indicates the 1350mm to 1450mm range for consumer unit switches.

Aesthetics and Customization

A consumer unit which blends into any home was a key target for Design 50.

Design 50 comes as standard in white, but can also be supplied with any RAL colour or a custom design vinyl wrap for a truly individual unit.

Furthermore, Design 50 is available with anodised finishes to complement modern home environments. Available finishes include: Natural Silver, Analok B1, Analok B3, Analok Black, and Analok Dark Gold.

Product Range: Switch Disconnector, Split Load, High Integrity

The Design 50 range offers various configurations to meet different needs:

Switch Disconnector

Metal switch disconnector incomer enclosures, single row from 10 to 20 outgoing ways. Enclosures include a full metal DIN rail, 100A switch disconnector incomer, and full complement of earth and neutral terminals, along with marking labels, busbar, instructions, rear cable protector plate, and meter tail clamp. Recommended for use with TT systems when utilising RCBO on outgoing circuits. Conforms to BS EN 61439-3 including Annex ZB (16kA rating). Adjustable depth in wall 72mm-92mm. All boards contain rear, top & bottom cable entry knockouts.

Split Load

Metal split load and configurable enclosures, single row from 10 to 16 outgoing ways. Enclosures include a full metal DIN rail and 2 RCCBs, and full complement of earth and neutral terminals, along with marking labels, busbar, instructions, rear cable protector plate, and meter tail clamp. Conforms to BS EN 61439-3 including Annex ZB (16kA rating). Adjustable depth in wall 72mm-92mm. All boards contain rear, top & bottom cable entry knockouts.

High Integrity

Metal split load and configurable enclosures with the ability to protect selected circuits with RCBOs and the remainder of circuits split across two RCCBs. Single row from 10 to 16 outgoing ways. Enclosures include a full metal DIN rail and 2 RCCBs, and full complement of earth and neutral terminals, along with marking labels, busbar, instructions, rear cable protector plate, and meter tail clamp. Conforms to BS EN 61439-3 Including Annex ZB (16kA rating). Adjustable depth in wall 72mm-92mm. All boards contain rear, top & bottom cable entry knockouts.

Accessories

• Design 50 Safety Lock (Pack of 6*) - Cat ref. VSRHBL (*Padlock accessory sold individually - JK25A)
• Design 50 Door Key Lock - Cat ref. VSRLOCK

Technical Characteristics

Dimensions:

Torque Settings:

Colours and Finishes: For further information or a quote on the full range of colours, anodised finishes and vinyl wrap options, please contact the estimation team on 01952 675600, or estimation@hager.co.uk.

Anodised finishes available:

• Natural
• Analok B1
• Analok B3
• Analok Black
• Analok Dark Gold

Adjustable Depth Base: The base assembly is adjustable from 72mm to 92mm. At 72mm, this allows for a 60mm studwork and 12mm of plasterboard.

Case Study: Design Matters for William Davis Homes

William Davis Homes have chosen the Design 50 to be installed into their new development of over 700 homes at Copcut Rise in Droitwich.

William Davis Homes is a private house builder, owned by the Davis family for over 80 years. Sharing strong family values with Hager, both companies have worked together for years, building a long-standing relationship. When planning their latest development, William Davis Homes sought a consumer unit that was the perfect solution to meet their requirements.

Recent changes to regulations governing the assembly and installation of consumer units presented new challenges for house builders. William Davis Homes sought a solution that offered safe and effective performance, along with a smart and accessible finish for the new homeowner.

Amendment 3 of the wiring regulations dictated that all consumer units must be manufactured from non-combustible material. In addition, changes to Part M of Building Regulations decreed that future consumer unit installations should be 'accessible', often mounted around shoulder height in high-traffic areas like hallways.

The combined result of these changes led to consumer units being housed within metal boxes and installed at lower levels in new build properties. This raised issues of safety (collision risk) and aesthetics (the unit being a prominent feature). These challenges required workable and effective solutions from manufacturers and builders.

When William Davis Homes began their research, they approached Hager. Hager collaborated closely with them, understanding their requirements from concept to design, and provided a solution that met their preferences. Aesthetics were a key driver, and Design 50 offered the perfect solution: a flush-fitting unit that sits cleanly to the wall with smooth lines and curves, fitting seamlessly into modern homes while remaining compliant with regulations. Design 50 can also be supplied in any RAL colour or with anodised finishes to blend into any home.

A revolutionary locking system accessory is available for Design 50, keeping the unit secure during development and allowing non-electrical tradespeople to remove it prior to handover, reducing inconvenience for new occupants.

Stephen Phillips, the on-site electrician for William Davis Homes, was impressed: "The boards are incredibly easy to fit compared to others on the market, especially at the first fix stage. We're saving a good 20 minutes when fitting the board. When you get to the second fix stage, you're ready to go and you can start working on it straight away. They're easy to fit and look great. I would use them everywhere if I had the chance."

Ian Beech, Electrical Supervisor at William Davis Homes, stated: "Design 50 ticks all the boxes for us. It looks aesthetically pleasing, meets the regulations, it's easy to fit and there's plenty of room in it. Compared to other competitors, Hager had the best board at the right price."

Steve Matner, National Residential Specification Manager at Hager, commented: "We are delighted that William Davis Homes have chosen the Design 50 to be installed in over 700 of its homes at this exciting new development. This project has shown the strength in the working relationships we have, not just with William Davis Homes, but with all of our customers. We work closely with our customers to provide products and services that meet their needs."

Additional Solutions

Sollysta Wiring Accessories

Sollysta is the wiring accessory choice for any home, offering unique products for various applications with hallmark installation features. Includes neutral loop terminal, cable lead-ins, captive terminal screws, and a three-pin shutter mechanism on sockets for safety.

• Decorative: Stylish range in high-quality finishes (brushed/polished steel, black nickel, polished brass) with colour insert options.
• IP66: Ideal for indoor and outdoor applications, manufactured from tough and durable thermoplastic for protection against dust and water ingress.
• White Moulded: Offers a complete range of wiring accessories including grid & euro modules, telephone, TV, and lounge plates.

Ceiling Accessories

Our range of lampholders and pendant sets are the perfect addition to any ceiling. Safety lampholders are available in bayonet and straight batten variants, with easy-to-access screws and terminals for faster wiring. All lampholders incorporate integral cord grips and twist-off sleeve caps. A key feature is that when the lamp is removed, power is automatically disconnected at the contacts, ensuring no access to live parts.

Safety pendants are available in traditional, low energy, and safety cover versions which shield any live parts, making them safe to work around. The outer cover screws neatly over the cover plate.

Junction Boxes

Hager's junction box range offers various solutions. The award-winning downlighter junction box simplifies installation with incoming and outgoing cable clamps, and three plate terminals. Maintenance-free junction boxes also feature incoming and outgoing cable clamps and multiple terminals with screwless connection points. A wide range of traditional junction boxes comply with BS EN 60670-22, supplied with solid machined brass terminals.

LED Floodlight and Decorative Lamp

LED floodlights and exterior LED lamps are equipped with an IR motion detector for automatic light control when movement is detected. They remain on for a set period between 5 seconds and 15 minutes if no further motion is detected. These are perfect for providing night security for residential buildings.

Contact Information

Hager Ltd. (UK)
Hortonwood 50
Telford
Shropshire TF1 7FT

Sales Service Centre Hotline: 01952 675612
Sales Service Centre Faxline: 01952 675645
Email: sales@hager.co.uk

Technical Helpline: 01952 675689
Technical Faxline: 01952 675557
Email: technical@hager.co.uk
Website: www.hager.co.uk

Hager Ltd. Ireland
Unit M2
Furry Park Industrial Estate
Swords Road
Santry
Dublin 9, D90 NY19
Ireland

Republic of Ireland Tel: 1890 551 502
Republic of Ireland Fax: 1890 551 503
Northern Ireland Tel: 00 44 7968 147444
Northern Ireland Fax: 00 353 1 8869520
Email: customer.service@hager.ie
Website: www.hager.ie

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the reliability of the information is correct at the time of publication, Hager cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information contained herein. Corrections and amendments, once verified, will be included in future editions.