Generates a signed intent message to consolidate validator balances by transferring funds from a source validator to a target validator. This operation enables balance consolidation and can also upgrade withdrawal credentials from Type 1 (0x01) to Type 2 (0x02).

Consolidation Types:

• Type 1 to Type 2: Upgrades a validator from regular withdrawals (0x01) to compounding (0x02)
• Type 1 to Type 2: Consolidates funds from a Type 1 validator to an existing Type 2 validator
• Type 2 to Type 2: Consolidates funds between two Type 2 (compounding) validators

Key Notes:

• Upgrading from Type 1 to Type 2 is permanent and irreversible.
• After Type 2 upgrade:
  • Max effective balance (MaxEB) increases to 2048 ETH.
  • Partial withdrawals become available for balances above 32 ETH.
• Processing may take several days to complete across consensus and execution layers.
• Consolidation transfers the entire balance from source to target validator.

Prerequisites:

• Source validator must be active or eligible.
• Target validator must be active and valid.
• Source validator must not already use Type 2 withdrawal credentials (for Type 1 to Type 2 upgrades).
• No conflicting pending operations (e.g., exits, withdrawals).

Costs & Timing:

• Consolidation requires on-chain transaction; gas fees apply and execution may take hours or days.