Converting a Contactum three phase distribution board to a single phase consumer unit.

As the electricity demand within the home grows we are going to need larger consumer units. In this video Gary Hayers explores the option of using a Contactum three phase distribution board as a single phase consumer unit.

Using this approach the electrician gets more wiring space in an area not much larger than a regular dual consumer unit.

Conversion is easy using a simple single-phase conversion kit. Gary also dispenses a top tip for remembering MCB & RCBO torque settings.

Time stamps
00:00 Three phase distribution board
00:30 Converting to single phase
01:30 Connecting incoming main switch
03:20 Torque settings
04:51 Fitting RCBOs
05:21 Why use a 3ph distribution board in a residential application.

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Presented by.
Gary Hayers - editor eFIXX

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[gatwaul]

I've done this a few times, Contactum TPN boards are very good value. There are a few easy pitfalls to be aware of, only use 10Ka RCBOs as the fly lead's are too short on the 6Ka to reach around the larger DB. Make sure to purchase the TPN blanks as they have a little gromet to hold them in place on the bus bar. Lastly the conversion system is OK but not great, I prefer to use a service connection block to bridge the 3 phase bus as a 25mm2 conductor seems to easily slip out when using the linking kit.

Otherwise a great way to have a large number of separate RCBO circuit's.

Good video 👍

[timearp]

Very interesting and something as a consumer I'm surprised hasn't happened more. Love the short and sweet format, max information delivery without losing attention..

[crumps]

I know they do this before in commercial installations. Been in many 3 phase boards where there has only been 1 phase and majority of circuits are live. It was only a matter of time before they did it for domestic premises. Love the fact there is a sticker for the torque settings. Although the domestic scene is going to need these larger units soon with all the stickers you need to place on them! 🤣

[stuartandrews]

Such a much better idea, than a double stacker, seen it done with other three phase boards converted to single phase, , but I'm surprised it isn't more popular option.

[michaelsimpson]

Really a great alternative to double stack units, much better I think.

[Mike_]

Really good idea and having room to split out individual circuits is very sensible

[aniljagatia]

I’ve been installing three-phase board as a single phase converted board for the past 10 years in most four bed plus house sizes specially in London extremely easy to do. Only downside is the cost of the RCBO

[tresslerj]

Did a commercial job like this once. All came populated from manufacturer with the link in. Except the comms room was tpn supply and when the spark (not me) energized it, he proved the pfc at the isolator by a large auditable and visual indication of that copper link going KABLEWEEE.

[LocoSajoca]

Well it's about time! Torque setting labels already in a consumer unit / distribution board. I don't think I am the only person who gets fed up looking on manufacturers websites for the torque settings. It only takes one to lead the way... I wonder though if those who are yet to do it will use permanent labels or markings. Also would be great for the torque settings to be marked on the circuit breakers - Then you could populate a CU/DB with different branded breakers to the brand of the CU if able to.

[Elodea]

Very similar in physical size to an average, home distribution panel in a US house. Like the idea of DIN rail mounting. Surprised that the main breaker also switches the neutral.

[davepusey]

Leamington Spa? David Savery will be installing these then! lol

[seancresswell]

Great idea, would prefer to install this than a stacker board, just i wonder how much the cost difference is?
Also a great idea from contactum about the torque settings,

[Riven]

This is a good idea for properties which have a lot of circuits. I live in a property with two consumer units and 38 circuits. It’s quite a large place, there is a lot of circuits because of keeping things easy in case of a fault in the future as there it’s a large place.

[albertsteptoe]

Defo the way forward from the double stack. 👍👌 great video.

[duncanlane]

That sticker is brilliant, hopefully not long till others follow suit.

[RWATraineeElectrician]

4:11 I suppose you could print out your own label with the torque settings on?

[alexacb]

I hope Contactum manage to bring out mini RCBOs soon, ideally without needing the functional earth connection, as that's my only gripe about their boards at the moment...

[edcooper]

Would do this on my future home with solar, batteries, and maybe a pool - can dream. Should lock your white balance BTW.

[thattoolguy]

Must admit, i prefer the wylex NHSPAK conversion kit, comes with a single phase main switch so it looks like it was made for purpose rather than being converted .. ocd in me strikes again.. however, the torque setting sticker is a fantastic addition... well done lads

[wizardz]

just think in n.america this is a normal size panel for us lot of room lot of spaces for glands tht you UK sparks seem to hate lol. all of our cables coming into panelboard need to be glanded and secured with in like 8 inches of it too. things i love about your wiring -Armored underground cabling, switches on outlets, your connecting blocks over our twist caps and the newest one your use of din-rail connectors for panelboard j-box extensions.