How many circuits are in my house?

Read your consumer unit

Open the fuse box cover. Each switch (MCB or RCBO) is a circuit. Look for labels like “sockets”, “ring main”, “upstairs sockets”, “kitchen” or “garage”. Ignore lighting, cooker, shower and immersion circuits.

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Typical UK homes

• Flat or small bungalow: 1 socket circuit
• 2–3 bed house: 2 (upstairs and downstairs)
• House with separate kitchen circuit: 3
• Large home, extension or garage: 4+

No labels?

Switch one socket circuit off at a time and see which sockets go dead. Only do this if you're comfortable – or ask an electrician.

What is a socket circuit?

Your home's electricity is split into separate circuits at the consumer unit (often called the fuse box). Lighting circuits feed your ceiling lights, dedicated circuits feed things like the cooker or electric shower, and socket circuits feed the 3-pin sockets in each room. In most UK homes, socket circuits are 'ring mains' protected by 32A breakers.

How to read your consumer unit step by step

• Find your consumer unit – usually under the stairs, in a hallway cupboard, garage or by the front door
• Open the cover (don't remove any screws)
• Read the labels under each switch: look for 'sockets', 'ring', 'kitchen', 'upstairs' or 'downstairs'
• Ignore lighting (usually 6A), cooker, shower and immersion circuits
• Count the socket circuits – that's how many WattLocks you need

Safety first

Only look and read labels – never remove covers or touch wiring. If your consumer unit has old rewireable fuses, scorch marks, or trips regularly, ask a registered electrician to inspect it.