New Consumer Unit

Norroy

I have had an electrical installation report done on a one bedroom flat, and basically it failed. I am told that I need a new 18th Edition Consumer Unit installed AND as "there is no continuity  to the ring circuit, circuit breakers need to be de-rated". The electrician has quoted me £800 to do this work (including new unit and materials), for this job in North Kent. The price seems high to me. What do others think ? 

Risteard

Without a fair bit more information it's difficult to say. But it certainly doesn't seem an outrageous price.

Can they not rectify the fault in the ring final circuit instead of downrating it (and hopefully disconnecting faulty leg(s))?

tacpot12

It looks high to me. I paid £400 for a new consumer unit a couple of years ago. I doubt prices have gone up that much. De-rating the ring doesn't mean a lot more than installing an extra circuit breaker, providing the break in the ring has been found. If it's not been found yet, it might take the bill to £550 from £400 (but remember you are paying them for their expertise, e.g. being able to find the break in half a day as opposed to the day and a bit it would take you. Add on a bit for being in the South East and you still should be able to get it done for £650-£700. 
If the electrician has priced to install all RCBOs, you might consider asking him to drop down to dual RCDs if money is tight. [All RCBOs is a better arrangement, but they are not cheap, so the more circuits you have (and you now have two circuits where previously you had a ring), the more expensive they are].

Reinstating the ring should also be an option, although I'm no fan of them myself for exactly the reason you have discovered, they are not as safe as radial circuits.  [And before anyone takes exception to me saying that Ring Circuits are not as safe, I know they are safely protected by the 32A breaker IF the ring remains intact, but will you personally guarantee that the ring will remain intact over the life of the installation? I know that I couldn't do so even in my own home.]

fenwick458

£800 for a new consumer unit is twice what i'd charge, however i'm up north in the countryside...
the derating of MCB's can't really be charged for on a board change i don't think, it won't cost the installer any more.

Norroy

On the report is says the problem is no continuity to the ring circuit. Two options were given 1) Circuit breakers to be de-rated 2)Circuit leg to be re-wired. I am told that the first option will be easier/cheaper, together with the new unit. These units seem to be around £200, so a £600 charge for what will presumably be one day's work at most, seems a lot even in the south east.  

Risteard

fenwick458 said:

£800 for a new consumer unit is twice what i'd charge, however i'm up north in the countryside...
the derating of MCB's can't really be charged for on a board change i don't think, it won't cost the installer any more.

It will cost more for potentially an additional circuit breaker or RCBO and verification of two radial circuits. Also the work and materials in splitting them and disconnecting faulty leg in the first place. We also don't know the number of circuits involved or whether all RCBOs are being used, or whether it's a Hager DB or some crap make. It could be a fourth storey flat. We just don't know. 

That's why I suggested that more information is required and that the price is not outrageous.