Electrician Advice

[Penwortham_Claret]

I’m having some work done at home which involves an electrician doing some rewiring as I knock 3 rooms into 1.

The electrician is now telling me that he is unable to provide certification unless I agree to having my consumer unit replacing as my current unit only has an RCD covering half of the circuits (apologies if I’m getting the terminology wrong).

He is quoting me £600 to supply and fit the unit.

Does this sound right?

[cheeseon]

I was told the same by 2 electricians, one of which then took the job but didn’t replace it. Still waiting to see the invoice…..

[basil6345789]

The new work does require RCD protection, under the present regs (18th ammended/ going-on 19th Edition). The old wiring likely won't need it, depending on what Edition of ŕegs was in place back then. A CU will cost less than £100, including the bits, trippers, etc. Don't get ripped-off, shop around.

[Penwortham_Claret]

The new work does require RCD protection, under the present regs (18th ammended/ going-on 19th Edition). The old wiring likely won't need it, depending on what Edition of ŕegs was in place back then. A CU will cost less than £100, including the bits, trippers, etc. Don't get ripped-off, shop around.

£600 felt expensive

[Funkydrummer]

Things may have changed again since my involvement in such matters but widely used metal consumer
cabinets were deemed as dangerous because of their propensity to conduct electric current in the event
of a short/electrical fault. They consequently outlawed new installations with metal cabinets, preferring
plastic as an alternative.

Then, years later, they discovered that plastic cabinets had little or no resistance, nor provided any protection,
in the event of fire. So, as far as I am aware, we are back to metal cabinets being in the regs.

£600 does seem pretty excessive to change a cabinet. Can you not get a few other quotes ?

[Cleveleys_claret]

£100 for kit plus could probably get yourself and supply it to him, but probs wont be a great difference and less hassle for you

Depends whether existing unit and cables are a rats nest. But looking at 3 hrs, lets go silly at £40 an hour so thats £120.

Then because he has installed a new unit it will need to be tested and certificated which will be roughly £160 give or take

So £380...with vat and such no more than £4/0 I eould say

[Woodleyclaret]

Interesting these are Burnley prices?
About right for bits but most Sparks in Sunny Berkshire want £250/ day min.

[Pearcey]

I paid £350 for a mate to do mine around 14 years ago. It’s not just a case of changing a cabinet obviously. Still worth shopping around though.

[Longsidebovril]

Hello.
If he’s only altering the socket circuit on the ground floor, it’s not notifiable and would be covered by a minor works certificate as it’s not a new circuit. It’s likely that your older 16th edition split board would have rcd protection for that circuit as it’s ground floor.

If he’s altering the lights that might be a different matter. Chances are that’s not protected under the previous edition of the regs.

£600. Depends what board he’s using. If it’s an off the shelf job it’s expensive. If he’s going to put in a main switch with Individual RCD protection for each circuit it’s about right.

[beddie]

We had a complete new kitchen fitted and supplied by a local firm in Feb 19. I’ve pulled out the electrical details from the bill. Not sure if this helps as yours may require a lot more work being involved, I just wondered if this helps.
INSTALL NEW RING MAIN AND GARAGE CONSUMER UNIT & 4 DOUBLE SOCKETS £209.49. Ours is a split level dwelling, the integral garage/ utility room is on the ground floor where the electricity and gas meters are kept. Prices will have course gone up since then.

[Penwortham_Claret]

Thank you for all the replies

[aclaretinstevenage]

I’m having some work done at home which involves an electrician doing some rewiring as I knock 3 rooms into 1.

The electrician is now telling me that he is unable to provide certification unless I agree to having my consumer unit replacing as my current unit only has an RCD covering half of the circuits (apologies if I’m getting the terminology wrong).

He is quoting me £600 to supply and fit the unit.

Does this sound right?

Once you make an alteration to an existing Electrical Installation the whole installation has to comply with the latest edition BS 7671 I.E.E Wiring Regulations now at 18th Edition .This means he is correct in stating the Distribution Board has to be replaced to provide RCD Protection to all circuits including the lighting circuits. A fully populated DB will be around £100 / £120 perhaps and it will probably take a days labour to install and re-test all the circuits before he can certify the installation. He should be part of an accredited scheme with Building Control to be able to issue certification.

[Bertbob99]

All depends if you want surge protection or not? If not I'd charge £330 + vat fully certificated to replace a consumer unit. He could just put RCBO'S on any circuit that isn't RCD protected to comply though.

[Longsidebovril]

That’s not correct.

The installer is only responsible for the circuit which he has altered or installed. If the installer puts in a new circuit for ground floor sockets for example he wouldn’t issue a certificate for the upstairs lights.

The certification (minor works or EIC) would reflect that.

Of course as part of that you would have to ensure the adequacy of the intake and distribution was appropriate.

If there was a missing RCD on another circuit you might mention it in the comments on existing installation.

[basil6345789]

Things may have changed again since my involvement in such matters but widely used metal consumer
cabinets were deemed as dangerous because of their propensity to conduct electric current in the event
of a short/electrical fault. They consequently outlawed new installations with metal cabinets, preferring
plastic as an alternative.

Then, years later, they discovered that plastic cabinets had little or no resistance, nor provided any protection,
in the event of fire. So, as far as I am aware, we are back to metal cabinets being in the regs.

£600 does seem pretty excessive to change a cabinet. Can you not get a few other quotes ?

That's right, Doogie. Plus the original metal boxes are not illegal. The old ceramic wired fuses are still legal (careful of the tiny asbestos gasket, though - don't chew and sniff it). The issues are regulatory - if you do significant new work, you need to add RCD in some form and personal/best practice desire to afford yourself as much protection as is available.

[IanMcL]

My only electrician advice is get one who is not colour blind.

[buzzclarets79]

Apologies to the OP for slightly hi-jacking the thread but....

Are there any Electricians on this board that are local to Rawtenstalll / Burnley area that could come do a few jobs for me? Issue is most Electricians lose interest because its small jobs rather than a big one. Prob no more than a days work. TIA