The short answer
Wylex, Hager and British General (BG, now part of Schneider Electric) are among the most commonly fitted consumer unit brands in the UK domestic market. All three produce metal-enclosure boards meeting the 18th Edition requirements. Wylex is among the longest-established UK names, known for accessible pricing and wide availability; its boards are commonly specified for straightforward domestic replacements. Hager is a German-origin brand with a strong commercial and domestic presence; it is often regarded as a premium option with a wide accessory range and solid build quality. British General (BG), part of Schneider Electric, is one of the most widely stocked brands in UK electrical wholesale, known for competitive pricing and broad compatibility. All three brands are accepted by registered electricians on NICEIC, NAPIT and similar schemes, and the brand is rarely the decisive factor in a domestic installation — the specification (board type, number of ways, SPD) matters more.
Brand choice is often made by the electrician rather than the homeowner, and for good practical reasons. Here is an honest comparison of what distinguishes each of the three most common UK brands.
Brand summary
- WylexLong-established UK brand; accessible pricing
- HagerGerman origin; premium positioning; wide range
- British General (BG)Schneider Electric brand; widely stocked; competitive
- All threeMeet 18th Edition (metal enclosure, RCD/RCBO)
- Brand vs specSpecification matters more than brand for most domestic jobs
Wylex — the long-established UK name
Wylex has been manufacturing electrical accessories for the UK market for many decades and was one of the first brands to widely adopt the consumer unit format in the UK domestic market. Key characteristics:
- Range: Wylex produces RCD and RCBO consumer units across a range of sizes (6-way to 18-way), in the metal enclosures required by the 18th Edition. Their range covers both split-load (dual-RCD) and fully populated RCBO boards.
- Pricing: Wylex is typically positioned in the accessible-to-mid segment at trade. A Wylex 10-way consumer unit is a common choice for a straightforward domestic replacement.
- Electrician familiarity: because of Wylex's long history in the UK market, most electricians are familiar with the product range and know how to source devices and accessories for it.
- Accessories: Wylex's accessory range is less extensive than Hager's in the commercial sector, but for typical domestic work the range covers all standard needs.
Hager — the premium commercial and domestic option
Hager is a family-owned German manufacturer that operates across the full spectrum of electrical distribution — from domestic consumer units to commercial distribution boards and energy management systems. Its UK market presence is significant in both domestic and commercial sectors. Key characteristics:
- Build quality: Hager units are generally regarded by electricians as well-made; the enclosures are solid and the busbars and connections are typically well-engineered. This is reflected in the price — Hager tends to sit at the higher end of the trade price range.
- Range: Hager's range is extensive, including split-load, RCBO, three-phase and metering boards. They also produce a wide range of accessories, time switches and surge protection devices that are designed to work together.
- Warranty: Hager typically offers longer product warranties than some competitors — check current terms, as these change.
- Commercial sector overlap: electricians who work across both domestic and commercial sectors often have a preference for Hager because it covers both; this can mean slightly better parts availability in some areas.
| Brand | Typical positioning | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wylex | Accessible to mid-range | UK heritage, familiarity, wide trade availability | Solid domestic range |
| Hager | Mid to premium | Build quality, wide range, commercial crossover | Typically higher trade price |
| British General (BG) | Accessible to mid | Schneider Electric backing, wide stock, competitive price | Broad UK wholesale presence |
| MK (Honeywell / Legrand) | Mid-range | Long UK history, reliable accessories | Consumer unit range less wide |
| Crabtree (Electrium) | Mid-range | UK brand, professional electrician following | Now part of Electrium group |
Indicative brand positioning for guidance. Pricing and ranges change; check current trade catalogues. Sources: trade and professional electrician community guidance.
British General (BG) — widely stocked, competitive
British General, now part of the Schneider Electric group, is one of the most heavily stocked electrical brands in UK wholesale. BG consumer units are found across a wide range of domestic installations and are a common default at many electrical wholesalers. Key characteristics:
- Availability: BG boards and accessories are among the most widely available in the UK trade supply chain, which is practically useful for an electrician who needs to source a board or replacement device quickly.
- Pricing: BG is typically competitive on price, often at a similar level to Wylex or slightly below Hager for comparable boards.
- Range: BG produces split-load and RCBO consumer units in a range of sizes, all with metal enclosures to 18th Edition standards. Their Evolve and Consumer Unit ranges cover most domestic applications.
- Schneider Electric backing: the Schneider Electric parent provides access to a broader product ecosystem including surge protection and energy management devices.
For most domestic replacements, the electrician's preference and what is available at their trade counter on the day of the job often determines the brand used. The more important decision for the homeowner is the board specification — RCD or RCBO, number of ways, SPD — rather than the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Which brand of consumer unit do electricians prefer?
Preferences vary by electrician and region. Hager, Wylex, BG (British General), Crabtree and MK are all widely used and accepted on competent-person schemes. Most registered electricians have a preferred brand based on familiarity and trade availability rather than any decisive quality difference between them at the domestic level.
Does the brand of consumer unit affect the warranty or safety?
All mainstream brands sold in the UK meet the relevant British and European standards. Warranty periods vary by brand and product range — Hager typically offers longer warranties; BG and Wylex are competitive. For safety, what matters is correct installation and testing by a registered electrician, not the brand.
Can the consumer unit brand affect the Part P certificate?
No. Part P notification and the EIC are about the installation meeting BS 7671, not about which brand of board was used. Any consumer unit from a mainstream brand, correctly installed and tested, is compatible with Part P self-certification by a registered electrician.
Sources & further reading
- NICEIC — finding a registered electrician
- Electrical Safety First — consumer unit replacement best practice guide
- IET — BS 7671 18th Edition wiring regulations
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property and installation. They are guidance, not a quotation.