Replacing/updating a fuse box

GenieBoy

My fuse box is the old Wylex rewireable fuses type and it's still in excellent condition complete with it's cover door for the fuses. My property was last rewired in the early 80s so I'm told but the box was probably already there before then. Is it up to current regs? No. Is it safe? Depends - no RCD but it only runs lights and sockets. Have I had any problems with it? No.

I do have a new 2-way metal mini CU next to it which has RCBO protection which powers the oven/hob and outside sockets which was only installed this year. Oven/hob used to be in a separate single Wylex box.

Section62

Bigphil1474 said:

OP, I had my consumer unit changed last year by a mate of a mate. I too was worried about potential rewires etc. as the consumer unit and wiring predated us moving into the house in 1995. He had a good look and said the wiring was fine, just replaced the CU and a double socket in the kitchen, and charged £300 (cash mates rate, so probably would be nearer £500 formally).

Did you get any paperwork for the job?  Test certificates, BR notification etc etc?

Risteard

Bigphil1474 said:

OP, I had my consumer unit changed last year by a mate of a mate. I too was worried about potential rewires etc. as the consumer unit and wiring predated us moving into the house in 1995. He had a good look and said the wiring was fine, just replaced the CU and a double socket in the kitchen, and charged £300 (cash mates rate, so probably would be nearer £500 formally).

£500 wouldn't cover it.

Susieee

Sorry to resurrect this post but I have just had my fuse board replaced.

All relevant comments above but the prices on here are a little outdated. I had three quotes and the one I was happy with was quoted at £800. 

Quote 1 - £400

This is a small company by the looks of it. He was just on his own.

• Supply & fit fuse board.

• Test installation.

• Warranty included but he didn't say how long.

• Elecsa registered.

No reviews at all. I asked and he said he doesn't ask anyone and in his words 'I don't have any bad reviews do I?'

Quote 2 - £800

• Supply/Fit 8-way Consumer Unit, RCBO’s or Split Load RCD’s & Meter Tails If Required..

• Upgrade water bonding to meet current regulations.

• Upgrade gas bonding to meet current regulations.

• Notification to Building Control.

• Electrical Installation Certificate.• NICEIC registered.

• Qualified to Part P / 18th Edition.

• 5 year warranty on all work.

 They have very good reviews and were recommended to me.

Quote 3 - £1350 British Gas
I wasn't going to pay these extortionate prices and I also don't trust British Gas from a previous bad experience.

In the end I went with Quote 2.

If anyone interested send me a PM or just Google: Inspectify Fuse Board Replacements

Inspectify are also recommended on here from when I used this forum in the past.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5855292/gas-electrical-safety-certificate-buying-selling-home-buyer-report/p1

Risteard

Susieee said:

Sorry to resurrect this post but I have just had my fuse board replaced.

All relevant comments above but the prices on here are a little outdated. I had three quotes and the one I was happy with was quoted at £800. 

Quote 1 - £400

This is a small company by the looks of it. He was just on his own.

• Supply & fit fuse board.

• Test installation.

• Warranty included but he didn't say how long.

• Elecsa registered.

No reviews at all. I asked and he said he doesn't ask anyone and in his words 'I don't have any bad reviews do I?'

Quote 2 - £800

• Supply/Fit 8-way Consumer Unit, RCBO’s or Split Load RCD’s & Meter Tails If Required..

• Upgrade water bonding to meet current regulations.

• Upgrade gas bonding to meet current regulations.

• Notification to Building Control.

• Electrical Installation Certificate.• NICEIC registered.

• Qualified to Part P / 18th Edition.

• 5 year warranty on all work.

 They have very good reviews and were recommended to me.

Quote 3 - £1350 British Gas
I wasn't going to pay these extortionate prices and I also don't trust British Gas from a previous bad experience.

In the end I went with Quote 2.

If anyone interested send me a PM or just Google: Inspectify Fuse Board Replacements

Inspectify are also recommended on here from when I used this forum in the past.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5855292/gas-electrical-safety-certificate-buying-selling-home-buyer-report/p1

Like I said, £500 wouldn't cover it. £800 seems pretty cheap for what you're getting. (You don't want split load btw, you want the RCBOs option.) Also Elecsa no longer exists.

grumpy_codger

Susieee said:

...

Quote 2 - £800

• ....

• Upgrade water bonding to meet current regulations.

How old is the house? Is the mains water supply pipe really metal?
I've seen many gas and water plastic supply pipes bonded, but AFAIK (do check this!) no bonding is needed in this case.