Storage heater removal questions

Phil3822

Hi all, looking at removing my storage heaters and having GCH installed however I am wondering what happens to the E7 circuit. What do I do with the sockets? 45Amp ring I think?

I am assuming the electric company change the meter over?
Is it safe leaving wires in the wall? I assume I just remove the sockets and plaster over but interested in knowing.

All and any advice surrounding the removal of storage heaters would be helpful.

macman

It's not an automatic process, you have to get the work on your side of the meter done at your expense by your electrician. The meter may not require a change, many suppliers will simply combine the dual rate readings. If a meter change is required it may be chargeable.
Once the circuit is disconnected at the CU, you can do whatever you want with it-remove it or leave it in place, it's not live, so perfectly safe.

Phil3822

Thanks for your reply. When you say get my electrician to do it, what are you referring to? Sorry if that sounds a bit dumb. Get the electrician to change the meter or just disconnect the storage heater circuit from the consumer unit?

macman

The electrician cannot change the meter, that is the property and task of the supplier or DNO. He/she will disconnect the circuit from the CU.

HappyMJ

Phil3822 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. When you say get my electrician to do it, what are you referring to? Sorry if that sounds a bit dumb. Get the electrician to change the meter or just disconnect the storage heater circuit from the consumer unit?

Just disconnect from the CU. The electricity company can combine the day and night readings instead of you paying for a meter change. Then you can work out if it's cheaper to be on standard electricity or go back onto E7. You only need to have 30% or more night usage to save money and it's quite easy programming the washing machine and/or dishwasher to run at night.

Phil3822

Thanks, yeah I currently use as much electricity through the night as possible. Once the sparky disconnects the storage heaters from the consumer unit can that slot then be used for something else. I dont have anything in mind just wondered.

devotee

I've had E7 meter removed, called the supplier and had to pay something like £50 for him to take out the old meter. The old circuit was live and connected to the supply and you just have normal switches/sockets. You can never have too many sockets IMHO.

Many suppliers won't take the combined reading btw!

Phil3822

Do you mean have normal domestic sockets run from the old sockets where the storage heaters where? I thought they were a different amp and could not be used as normal sockets???

Does it have to be a certified electrician that disconnects from the consumer unit?

Also, my consumer box looks dated. It has those cartridge style fuses. Look like large fuses like in a 13amp plug. Is this an ok consumer box or does this need replacing?

HappyMJ

Phil3822 wrote: »

Do you mean have normal domestic sockets run from the old sockets where the storage heaters where? I thought they were a different amp and could not be used as normal sockets??? You can convert them to sockets.

Does it have to be a certified electrician that disconnects from the consumer unit? It depends. How good are you with electrics. It's just a matter of turning the power off and unscrewing the cable. Adding new circuits requires an electrician but removing circuits does not.

Also, my consumer box looks dated. It has those cartridge style fuses. Look like large fuses like in a 13amp plug. Is this an ok consumer box or does this need replacing? Need? Not really. It's up to you. A new consumer unit would have to be installed by an electrician and you will get trip switches and RCD protected circuits. Can be useful....

Hope that helps...

devotee

Yes the electrician came from the supplier so it was whoever they sent, removed the meter and put a sticker there. I asked him to make sure that my E7 is connected as I wanted to use the sockets, and so he did.
I just bought sockets and changed them.

Your consumer box should be fine unless you want to install something new and need a new fuse - you won't be able to find those fuses anywhere as no one does them anymore. When I had to install the new shower circuit we had to buy a new consumer box as it became a hassle to find old style fuses.

Phil3822

Thanks both. I dont understand much about electrics so wont do it myself. I thought the storage heater stuff ran on a different amp? Not even sure if that makes any difference? What would I have to do if I wanted only some of them as sockets and others plastered over? I take it they come as one package?

I can get the fuses for my consumer unit from B&Q. I have also seen trip switch things that fit into my slots where the fused unit goes. I take it if I had those in it would make it like a new consumer unit?

Thanks for all your patience.