Consumer unit quotes

[Roy1974]

Hi DIYnot

I’m hoping you all can help. After spotting our consumer unit was outdated and had no RCD protection, (little worrying as we have an electric shower). I did some research and decided to have an EICR done to find out what state the entire system is in.
As expected, it was recommended we have a new consumer unit.

I have tried to get some quotes from other electricians, some are happy to quote for the change whilst a couple others are wanting to perform their own EICR first. One won’t even quote for a new CU without doing a their own report.

We’re finding it all a bit confusing. Am I going about this the right way?

 

[ericmark]

Yes, however an EICR is the inspectors' opinion, there were four codings, and code 4 was does not comply with current edition of BS 7671, however the IET felt this was confusing, as often there was no need to update to the current edition, so reduced to three codes, and C in front of code, to show new system is being used.

This however means the EICR inspector may feel something is not a potential danger, but it still does not comply with the latest edition of BS 7671, and any electrician changing a consumer unit, will be completing an EIC which will need to list any departures from BS 7671. Which could involve extra work, so they don't want to be saying to you, sorry I need to correct XYZ before I can reconnect.

Personally, I feel that is being a bit pedantic, however there have been reports of drive by EICR, so landlords can rent out homes, with some rather blatant faults, so suppose they are just watching their backs.

There has been one court case about an electrician missing faults, he had a heavy fine, but no report about him paying for the faults missed being rectified.

 

[Roy1974]

This is what concerns me that the new CU will be fitted and further faults/ issues will need to be rectified before it can be signed off.

Not only could this give us a bigger bill but could this also leave us without power if the electrician runs out of time?

 

[Murdochcat]

It all depends on what the EICR stated

What are the coded issues?

Only then can we comment

And where in the UK are you?

 

[Roy1974]

It all depends on what the EICR stated

What are the coded issues?

Only then can we comment

And where in the UK are you?

C2 No RCD on circuits, C3 Consumer Unit made from Combustable materials, C2 Main CPC too small

I’m just outside of Newcastle

 

[EFLImpudence]

Cannot the electrician who has given you the EICR do the CU change?

 

[Roy1974]

Cannot the electrician who has given you the EICR do the CU change?

Initially we were hoping to but he came back with a quote of £1200 for an 12 slot Hager full rcbo and surge protection. It seems expensive even when comparing to British Gas!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

This is what concerns me that the new CU will be fitted and further faults/ issues will need to be rectified before it can be signed off.

That is always possible, unless a really thorough inspection and test are carried out before the work begins.

Not only could this give us a bigger bill but could this also leave us without power if the electrician runs out of time?

Very unlikely you will be left completely without power, that would need to be a major, and completely unexpected, problem being found.

 

[Murdochcat]

Initially we were hoping to but he came back with a quote of £1200 for an 12 slot Hager full rcbo and surge protection. It seems expensive even when comparing to British Gas!

He obviously doesn’t want the job

Those codes , if that are all the problems would not leave you without power

 

[ericmark]

I took a chance, only problem was a four gang switch with wrong neutrals used. I looked at the Wylex fusebox hidden in the ceiling space, and thought this needs correcting, come what may.

 

[FrodoOne]

Initially we were hoping to but he came back with a quote of £1200 for an 12 slot Hager full rcbo and surge protection. It seems expensive even when comparing to British Gas!

Presumably you have the "quote", (after paying for the EICR)
which should list all of the required components concerned.
(CU, RCBOs, Switches etc. RCDs should not be considered.)
(It seems that no wiring changes/upgrades are required.)

Look up the prices of these components (Screwfix - and others)
and factor in (say) a days work.

Here, we might say AUD$120/Hour
so,
for an 8 Hour Day
£500 could be "reasonable".
(Others may or may not agree!)

If you consider that a total of £1200 is excessive for all of that.
obtain other quotes,
based on the EICR "details".

 

[Murdochcat]

£700 maximum

 

[Risteard]

£700 maximum

Maximum? Minimum might be more accurate.

 

[blup]

Hi DIYnot

I’m hoping you all can help. After spotting our consumer unit was outdated and had no RCD protection, (little worrying as we have an electric shower). I did some research and decided to have an EICR done to find out what state the entire system is in.
As expected, it was recommended we have a new consumer unit.

I have tried to get some quotes from other electricians, some are happy to quote for the change whilst a couple others are wanting to perform their own EICR first. One won’t even quote for a new CU without doing a their own report.

We’re finding it all a bit confusing. Am I going about this the right way?

The other advantage of an EICR (apart from identifying issues that a CU change wouldn't) is proof of maintenance that insurance companies typically require.

 

[martygturner]

The other advantage of an EICR (apart from identifying issues that a CU change wouldn't) is proof of maintenance that insurance companies typically require.

No they don't as insurance is on an all risks basis..some may ask for one to lower a premium but they are never required as proof of maintenance, that's just trade misinformation.