Skeleton Units are similar to Consumer Units in that they divide the electrical power feed into a home. However, in situations where space is limited, skeleton units are the ideal solution due to their compact design.

Local Authorities tend to use Skeleton units more than most, social housing accommodation built before the 1970s contained a metal box (known as Clifton or Mantel) that housed the fuse board and gas meter.

Since the introduction of the 17th Edition wiring regulations, local authorities are required to update the circuit protection units already fitted within the mantel boxes to ensure compliance. Since the mantel unit is difficult to remove, the only options available are to install a consumer unit outside the mantel box (taking up more space and time to feed power supply to the new location), or replace the existing skeleton with a fully up to date unit inside the mantel.

The new range of Sentry Skeleton units are specifically designed for use in enclosures such as Mantel/Clifton units and in applications where space is limited e.g. metering cupboards in social housing accommodation.