Consumer mains
Consumer mains meaning in Australian switchboard, supply path and voltage-drop records.
Consumer mains in Australian records
Consumer mains names a supply cable section in Australian records. Use the term when a note needs to connect the supply path, switchboard context and cable-route wording without drifting into submain or final-circuit language.
The phrase should stay tied to the project documents, point of supply context and switchboard it relates to. It is not a generic name for every cable feeding a board.
Where supply-side details matter
Consumer mains wording appears in switchboard guides, cable-route notes and voltage-drop discussions that compare supply sections. When a calculator is involved, the entered length, current, phase arrangement and conductor data still need to be recorded separately.
| Record context | Keep visible | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Supply path note | point of supply and switchboard context | Shows which route the term names |
| Voltage-drop worksheet | route length, current and conductor data | Keeps the calculation tied to the right cable section |
| Switchboard guide | consumer mains and submain labels | Prevents supply sections from being mixed |
Consumer mains vs submains and final circuits
Consumer mains is not the same as submain or final circuit wording. Keep the terms separate so voltage-drop and load records do not drift between supply sections.
The glossary page does not size consumer mains or confirm the applicable supply authority requirements. Those checks belong to the project method, current requirements and entered-value tools.
Using the term in planning records
Use the submain voltage-drop calculator when entered values need review, and use the consumer mains and submain guide when the route wording needs context. Keep route name, board role and voltage basis visible together.
Source and review
Check the terminology source, review timing and Australian application before carrying this term into a project record.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | AUWiring Australian terminology registry, submain voltage-drop calculator wording and switchboard guide content. |
| Source type | Australian terminology |
| Derivation basis | AUWiring Australian glossary term; no controlled AS/NZS text is reproduced. |
| Last checked | 2026-07-13 |
| Review interval | Annual terminology review or sooner if switchboard or cable-route wording changes. |
| Review trigger | Update when consumer mains wording, submain calculator inputs or switchboard guide wording changes. |
| Version used | T10-2026-07-13 |
| Australian application | Australia; Australian English low-voltage supply terminology. |