Choosing between a 6-way and 8-way consumer unit should be simple - but it often isn’t.
With EV chargers, heat pumps, home offices, outdoor circuits and Amendment 2 surge protection requirements, installs today use more ways than they did even five years ago.
Underspec the board and you’re boxing yourself into callbacks, awkward retrofits, and annoyed customers later.
Quick Answer: Most modern domestic installs benefit from an 8-way consumer unit. A 6-way board still works for smaller properties or limited circuits, but 8-way units give installers the headroom needed for EV chargers, heat pumps, outdoor supplies and future expansion - without needing a secondary board later.
Start with the full range here: Consumer Units.
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6-Way vs 8-Way Consumer Units – What’s the Real Difference?
Both board sizes are compliant and suitable for standard domestic installs - but the number of usable ways dictates how much a property can expand without major rewiring.
| Feature | 6-Way Board | 8-Way Board |
|---|---|---|
| Usable circuits | Up to 6 outgoing ways | Up to 8 outgoing ways |
| Best for | Small properties, minimal circuits | Modern homes, expansion-ready installs |
| Room for EV / heat pump circuits | Limited | Yes — ideal |
| Future upgrade flexibility | Tight | Strong |
Which Size Should You Choose for Modern Installs?
Installers rarely regret choosing the larger board - especially with Amendment 2 requirements and the rise of EV/renewables. Below is the practical breakdown we see on real-world jobs.
Choose a 6-Way Consumer Unit if:
- The property is small with minimal circuits
- You’re replacing like-for-like on older installs
- No EV charger or heat pump is planned
- The client won’t likely expand later
Choose an 8-Way Consumer Unit if:
- You want future-proofing without extra boards
- The home has (or will have) an EV charger
- A heat pump, outdoor supply or home office circuit is included
- You want to avoid callbacks and split boards later
Regulation Reminder: BS 7671 (18th Edition Amendment 2) requires surge protection by default unless a documented risk assessment says otherwise. Ensure your chosen board has room for the SPD, RCBOs and any additional circuits.
Installer-Favourite 6-Way Consumer Units
Compact, compliant and ideal for smaller domestic installs. All units below are UK-stocked and ready for next-day delivery.
See full range: Browse all 6-Way Boards.
Installer-Favourite 8-Way Consumer Units
More headroom, better expansion and ideal for EV and renewables-ready installs.
- 8-Way IP65 EV Connection Unit – Surge Protection – 32A
- Heat Pump Consumer Unit – 40A
- 8 Useable Way Consumer Unit
- 8-Way IP65 EV Connection Unit – Surge Protection – 40A
Explore full range: Browse all 8-Way Boards.
FAQs
Installers ask these all the time when choosing between 6-way and 8-way consumer units.
Does an 8-way board cost much more than a 6-way?
Usually only slightly - and the extra ways often prevent needing a second board later, saving significant labour and materials.
Is a 6-way consumer unit still compliant?
Yes. Compliance depends on the circuit design and protective devices, not the number of ways. The risk is outgrowing the board too quickly.
How many circuits does a typical modern home need?
Most modern homes use 7–10 circuits including cooker, sockets, lights, shower, outdoor supply and renewables — making 8-way units a safer choice.
Do I need extra ways for EV chargers and heat pumps?
Yes. Both typically require their own dedicated RCBO, so 6-way boards can run out of space fast.
👉 Ready to spec a board for your install? Browse all consumer units