Hi,
I am just about to complete a purchase of a late 80's build detached house and we are doing standard upgrades etc (replacement bathroom, kitchen & new flooring). Historically I have always done any electrical work in previous properties including new rings, replacement CU and replacing some truly horrific wiring (e.g. running cooker of a spur which was wired using 1.5m T&E!) I have a good knowledge of current Regs. (just had a re-read) but this is the first job I am looking at since part P was implemented. I am aware that I should not be doing any work other than the most basic work in non special areas, but I do have a scenario I would like to put forward to the experts in this forum:
A little more history:
The property seems unchanged from build, and all wiring, CU etc seems to be in good condition for age (this has been confirmed by RICS Homebuyers survey – I know these are not as comprehensive as a full Electrical survey, but this place seems to have been in a time warp since 1988 (not even a paint brush has crossed the threshold!))
Whilst we are doing all the alterations I would like to add a few extra bits and pieces and upgrade a couple of others:
1) There is currently a dedicated radial for the Cooker (happy about as last two properties did not have)
2) The rest of the kitchen runs off one ring. We will be adding a dishwasher and tumble drier to the existing configuration of Fridge, Freezer, washing machine etc. So I would like to add another ring to supply Dishwasher, Tumble & Washing machine to alleviate the ever-increasing load on the standard kitchen sockets (3KW kettles, 1.2Kw Microwave/oven/quartz grill combos etc)
3) As many of the floors will be lifted at different times I am also wanting to run a mains & linked smoke& Fire detection system (own radial circuit), another to supply a burglar alarm and a final one to supply some security lights. So i would like to do as much of the leg work as possible as it fits in around the other jobs.
4) This will require the installation of a larger/additional Split load CU
I am fully capable of calculating cable sizes based on load, length, where & how they are run etc (I am an electronic engineer)
So based on the above scenario would qualified electricians (QE) be willing to confirm my designs, pop back to check first fix & then pop back to inspect, test & issue certificates? Would there be much cost advantage? Or is it a case that I can do first fix, then get a QE in to do final fix & testing? Or would you guys prefer that I did all opening up, chasing, sinking etc and then you come in and do all the wiring bits?
Any advice much appreciated & if anyone is/can recommend a QE in the Christchurch/Bournemouth area please let me know.
I am just about to complete a purchase of a late 80's build detached house and we are doing standard upgrades etc (replacement bathroom, kitchen & new flooring). Historically I have always done any electrical work in previous properties including new rings, replacement CU and replacing some truly horrific wiring (e.g. running cooker of a spur which was wired using 1.5m T&E!) I have a good knowledge of current Regs. (just had a re-read) but this is the first job I am looking at since part P was implemented. I am aware that I should not be doing any work other than the most basic work in non special areas, but I do have a scenario I would like to put forward to the experts in this forum:
A little more history:
The property seems unchanged from build, and all wiring, CU etc seems to be in good condition for age (this has been confirmed by RICS Homebuyers survey – I know these are not as comprehensive as a full Electrical survey, but this place seems to have been in a time warp since 1988 (not even a paint brush has crossed the threshold!))
Whilst we are doing all the alterations I would like to add a few extra bits and pieces and upgrade a couple of others:
1) There is currently a dedicated radial for the Cooker (happy about as last two properties did not have)
2) The rest of the kitchen runs off one ring. We will be adding a dishwasher and tumble drier to the existing configuration of Fridge, Freezer, washing machine etc. So I would like to add another ring to supply Dishwasher, Tumble & Washing machine to alleviate the ever-increasing load on the standard kitchen sockets (3KW kettles, 1.2Kw Microwave/oven/quartz grill combos etc)
3) As many of the floors will be lifted at different times I am also wanting to run a mains & linked smoke& Fire detection system (own radial circuit), another to supply a burglar alarm and a final one to supply some security lights. So i would like to do as much of the leg work as possible as it fits in around the other jobs.
4) This will require the installation of a larger/additional Split load CU
I am fully capable of calculating cable sizes based on load, length, where & how they are run etc (I am an electronic engineer)
So based on the above scenario would qualified electricians (QE) be willing to confirm my designs, pop back to check first fix & then pop back to inspect, test & issue certificates? Would there be much cost advantage? Or is it a case that I can do first fix, then get a QE in to do final fix & testing? Or would you guys prefer that I did all opening up, chasing, sinking etc and then you come in and do all the wiring bits?
Any advice much appreciated & if anyone is/can recommend a QE in the Christchurch/Bournemouth area please let me know.
