Replace Fuse box

pattie-supper

I've had quotes from a couple of electricians to replace the fuse box in the house and they have quoted about £300 to fit, but one of them has said I need the local electricity company to fit an isolation switch at an additional cost of £150+VAT before they can do the work. Is that really necessary?

robv_3

no but it makes it a lot easier for the sparkie.

baldelectrician

yes. is the official answer.

Scottish Power are getting very picky about people breaking their meter seals, and touching their installation.

Your installation begins with the wires coming out of the meter to your consumer unit.

Make sure the prices quoted include any main bonding if required, and certification.
You will need this when you sell, as the sellers pack looks likely to hit the streets later this year. (still going ahead in Scotland, but not England)

use a registered electrician,
in Scotland check,
http://www.select.org.uk

or

http://www.niceic.org.uk/common/contractor_search.html

pattie-supper

thanks baldelectrician. I guess I'll better break the bad news to my partner!!!

weekendwarrior

I was under the impression that the electricity company had to fit the isolator switch by Law?

I telephoned my REC about 18 months back and got them to fit a double pole isolator switch for free!

baldelectrician

have been to energy watch about this issue, and it has been confirmed that the local REC are entitled to charge for fitting an isolator.

It's their ball as it were.

pattie-supper

I phoned the company that bill me for my electricity as I've switched supplier and they have advised the job will be free - I even asked twice just to make sure, so that's a result!!

greyteam1959

Hi Pattie
I would be inclined to ask for confirmation that the job is free of charge in writing just so you dont get lumbered with a big unexpected bill !!!!