6-way consumer units are one of the most common board sizes used in domestic and light commercial installs. They offer more capacity than a compact 4-way board, but still keep footprint, wiring time, and cost tight - making them ideal for homeowners, landlords, and small upgrades where you need multiple protected circuits but not a full-size CU.
Quick Answer: A 6-way consumer unit is the right size when you need between four and six outgoing circuits - typically for small domestic rewires, rental properties, garage/outbuilding supplies, small extensions, or partial upgrades where the main board is full. It’s a strong balance between flexibility, compliance, and cost.
You can view the full range of compliant units here: 6-Way Consumer Units.
This guide explains when a 6-way board is appropriate, what circuits typically fit, and how to choose the right configuration for your installation.
All 6-way boards sit within our wider Consumer Units range, which covers everything from compact 4-way units to larger multi-circuit boards for full rewires and commercial installs.
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What Does a 6-Way Consumer Unit Offer?
A 6-way consumer unit provides up to six outgoing circuits, which is enough for most small to medium-sized domestic setups. It gives installers more flexibility than a compact 4-way board without jumping up to a bulky 10–14 way unit.
Key advantages:
- Room for future expansion - spare ways are common
- Works well for partial rewires
- Compact enough for tight spaces
- Ideal for rentals and HMOs
- Supports multiple lighting and socket circuits
When Is a 6-Way Consumer Unit the Right Choice?
Installers typically choose a 6-way board when a home or small commercial premises needs more than three or four circuits, but doesn’t require a full-sized 12–16 way board.
Common scenarios include:
- Small domestic rewires with multiple lighting + ring circuits
- Extensions where a separate CU is cleaner than modifying the main board
- Rental properties/HMOs where you want spare capacity
- Garden offices or small outbuildings with multiple loads
- Garage conversions needing their own circuits
- Upgrade jobs where the main board is full
Regulation note: All modern 6-way boards should support Type A RCBOs under 18th Edition rules, and SPD is recommended on circuits supplying sensitive electronics or outbuildings.
Typical Circuit Layouts in a 6-Way CU
Here are common circuit combinations that fit naturally into a 6-way layout:
- Upstairs lighting
- Downstairs lighting
- Ring main / socket circuit
- Kitchen ring or radial
- Oven or hob circuit
- Spares for outdoor, garage, or future circuits
A 6-way board can comfortably handle a full small property or act as a supplementary board for extensions or outbuildings.
How to Choose the Right 6-Way Board
Choosing the right 6-way board comes down to the job spec, the circuits required, and how you want to protect them. Here’s the quick way to pick the correct model.
1. Decide on protection type
RCBO boards offer the best fault isolation and are preferred for modern installs.
Twin RCD boards are cost-effective and common in rentals.
2. Check whether SPD is needed
Recommended for circuits feeding electronics, outbuildings, garden rooms, EV chargers or heat pumps.
3. Consider future expansion
If spare ways will be used within a year or two, consider whether an 8-way board might offer better long-term value.
4. Match enclosure quality to location
Look for strong knockouts, solid lids, and pre-populated options if you want to save wiring time.
Explore all units here: 6-Way Consumer Units
6-Way Consumer Units Available from Power & Data UK
These are the two 6-way boards currently available, both offering strong layouts and installer-friendly features.
Browse the full category: 6-Way Consumer Units
FAQs
Here are the most common questions installers ask when deciding whether a 6-way board is the right choice.
Is a 6-way board enough for a typical 2–3 bedroom home?
Yes - most homes with standard circuits fit comfortably within six outgoing ways.
Is a 6-way CU too small for an extension?
No - it’s often the perfect size, especially when powering lighting, sockets and a kitchen or utility load.
Should I choose RCBO or RCD for a 6-way board?
RCBO boards offer cleaner fault isolation, but RCD boards are cost-effective for rental properties.
Do I need SPD in a 6-way consumer unit?
It’s recommended anywhere electronic equipment, garden buildings, or sensitive devices are supplied.
👉 Ready to pick the right board? Browse all 6-Way Consumer Units