A 4-way consumer unit is one of the most common compact boards used across EV, heat pump, garage, and outbuilding installs. Electricians typically choose them when they need a dedicated enclosure with space for an RCBO, surge protection, and a clean, compliant layout for a single circuit.
Quick Answer: A 4-way consumer unit is used when you only need a small number of protected outgoing ways - typically for EV chargers, heat pumps, garage circuits, or small upgrades where a full-size board is unnecessary. Most installers pair them with Type A RCBOs and Type 2 Surge Protection to stay compliant under the 18th Edition.
This guide explains where 4-way boards are used, how they’re configured on-site, and which models work best for EV and renewable installs.
These compact boards form part of our wider Consumer Units range, which includes everything from small EV-ready enclosures to larger multi-way boards for full domestic rewires.
What Is a 4-Way Consumer Unit?
A 4-way consumer unit provides space for up to four outgoing circuits. In most installations, only one or two ways are used - but the extra capacity allows room for surge protection, communications modules, or a future second circuit.
Your full range of EV-ready 4-way units can be found here: 4-Way Consumer Units.
They’re commonly fitted with:
- Type A RCBOs for compliant earth leakage protection
- Type 2 Surge Protection (strongly recommended for EV and renewables)
- B or C curve depending on load and inrush current
Where Is a 4-Way Consumer Unit Used?
Installers use 4-way boards when they need a compact, dedicated enclosure for a single protected circuit or small group of circuits.
Typical scenarios include:
- EV charger supplies (32A or 40A, B or C curve)
- Heat pumps and inverter-driven systems
- Garage and outbuilding distribution
- Garden offices and annexes
- External lighting or power circuits
- Retrofits where the main CU is full
Regulation Reminder: For EV chargers, heat pumps and most inverter-driven equipment, Type A RCD/RCBO protection is required under 18th Edition Amendment 2. This is why most installers opt for A-Type 4-way boards with built-in surge protection.
4-Way Consumer Units for EV Chargers
4-way boards are the standard choice for EV charger installations because they offer enough space for:
- A-Type 32A or 40A RCBO (B or C curve)
- Type 2 SPD (recommended or required for EV installs)
- Future accessories or comms modules
Popular EV-ready 4-way units:
Using a 4-Way Consumer Unit for Heat Pumps & Renewables
Heat pumps and inverter-driven systems benefit from having a dedicated board with their own Type A RCBO and Type 2 SPD. A 4-way enclosure keeps the circuit clean, compliant and separate from the main domestic CU.
- Room for an inverter-friendly RCBO
- Space for Type 2 surge protection
- Metal enclosure suitable for garages and utility rooms
- Future room for monitoring modules
How to Choose the Right 4-Way Board
Choosing the right 4-way board comes down to matching the circuit’s load, inrush behaviour and compliance needs. Here’s the quick way to spec it correctly without overthinking it.
1. Choose your curve type
B Curve: Standard domestic loads.
C Curve: Higher inrush - common on EV chargers and inverter-driven heat pumps.
2. Choose your rating (32A vs 40A)
32A suits most 7kW EV chargers; 40A gives more headroom for heat pumps or larger circuits.
3. Surge protection is strongly recommended
Most EV and renewable installations require Type 2 SPD under the 18th Edition. All four units in the range include it as standard.
4. Use a metal enclosure
Metal is standard in modern compliant installs and offers better durability and fire containment.
Explore all 4-way units: 4-Way Consumer Units
FAQs
Installers often ask the same practical questions when deciding if a 4-way consumer unit is suitable for their job. Here are the most common ones.
Can a 4-way board run more than one circuit?
Yes - you have up to four outgoing ways. Many EV or heat pump installs only use one or two, leaving room for future additions.
Do I need Type A RCBOs?
Yes. EV chargers, heat pumps and inverter-driven systems require Type A protection under the 18th Edition.
Is a 4-way unit big enough for a garage supply?
Yes, provided the load is appropriate and the circuit is designed correctly. Many garage and outbuilding installs use 4-way units.
Do all 4-way boards need surge protection?
For EV chargers and renewable systems, Type 2 SPD is strongly recommended and often required by the regulations.
👉 Ready to spec an EV-ready or heat-pump-ready board? Browse all 4-Way Consumer Units