Fitting a heat pump isn’t like adding another ring main or lighting circuit - it’s a high-load, inverter-driven appliance that comes with its own electrical requirements. The wrong board won’t just risk nuisance tripping, it could leave your install non-compliant under the 18th Edition. So, what consumer unit do you actually need for a heat pump?
🧭 Jump To:
| ⚡ Does a heat pump need an RCD? | 🔌 Do I need a dedicated breaker? |
| 📏 Is 100A service enough? | 📦 When should I upgrade to a heat pump consumer unit? |
| 🛠 Which products suit heat pump installs? |
Does a heat pump need an RCD?
Yes - all new heat pump installs must be protected by an RCD in line with BS 7671 18th Edition Amendment 2. Because heat pumps use inverter technology, a Type A RCD is the minimum, and in many cases a Type B RCD is recommended or required (to handle smooth DC leakage from the inverter).
👉 View our Type A RCDs and Type B RCDs.
Do I need a dedicated breaker for a heat pump?
Yes. A heat pump must sit on its own final circuit with a correctly rated MCB or RCBO. Shared circuits won’t comply and increase the risk of tripping.
Is my existing 100A service enough?
For most domestic installs, a standard 100A single-phase supply is fine - but it depends on property load and whether you’re combining the heat pump with EV chargers, induction hobs, or battery storage. If load demand is close to the limit, a Load Balance Monitoring Relay or a DNO upgrade may be required.
When should I upgrade to a dedicated heat pump consumer unit?
If the existing consumer unit doesn’t have spare ways, correct RCD type, or integrated surge protection, the fastest route is a dedicated heat pump consumer unit. These are pre-assembled boards built to meet heat pump requirements:
- Type A or B RCD/RCBO protection
- Surge Protection Device (SPD) included
- Enough space for future renewables (PV, battery, EV)
👉 See our Heat Pump Consumer Unit WME-HP40C.
Which products are best suited for heat pump installs?
- Heat Pump Consumer Unit WME-HP40C – pre-built with Type A RCBO and SPD
- Heat Pump Type B RCD WHP240-030 – for inverters needing B-type protection
- 3-Phase Distribution Boards – for larger commercial or hybrid installs
For full compliance, pair with Surge Protection Devices and a 100A Meter Isolator.
Related Reading
- Do Heat Pump Installs Need Surge Protection?
- Do You Still Need an Earth Rod with PME Fault Protection?
- What Is a Time Delay RCD (S-Type) - And When Do You Need One?
Conclusion
A heat pump isn’t a plug-and-play load. Get the RCD type right, keep it on a dedicated breaker, and make sure surge protection is built in. For many installers, the simplest option is a dedicated heat pump consumer unit - stocked, tested, and ready to pass inspection the first time.