Why re-wire?

Jet

I've been in my house 5 years and have been told by an unqualified person that some of my electrics are quite old.

I asked an electrician to come round and have a look and he suggested that he replace the consumer unit before he can ascertain if the house needs a re-wire. So he wants to charge me a few hundred quid just to tell me if the house needs re-wiring or not. Whilst I appreciate the consumer unit probably does need replacing, I would like to know what to expect from the outset. Is this the only way an electrician can work out what needs doing? He didn't undo any sockets or light switches.

Now, I'm perfectly happy with the amount of sockets and the light fittings as they are, so there is a part of me thinking why bother re-wiring? I had an RCD put in a few years ago and everything is working fine.

silvercar

We had similar advice and replaced our consumer unit. The electrician explained that it was like a heart replacement, worth doing in itself and, due to its sensitivity, if there was a problem with any "limb" the unit would alert you and you could tackle the problem.

adaze

silver car is right. An up to date consumer unit is the place to start, and often if that isn't up to scratch you can't start work anywhere else (regs). The cables could do anything especially where they are hidden from view. If there are any short circuits etc, then a new CU would trip out, whereas you current one would burn out a fuse at best. There are tests that can be done though, even visual checks of the wiring in the sockets would be enough to tell you if there is an earth. And on a safety note a few hundred pounds is well worth it... thread

robnye

we had a new consumer unit fitted, when the loft was converted..... other than new wiring for the loft all existing cables where assessed as fine (where possible), not sure of the cost, but £200-£300 approx (minor fee in comparison with the overall cost of the loft......)

Jonesya

No - you don't need to have the consumer unit replaced in order to assess the condition of the wiring/installation in fact it's a bad idea because if it turns out you do need a full rewire then you may want to take the opportunity to change the installation with additional circuits etc and you'd be stuck with a consumer unit specified for your existing installation.

You want a periodic inspection of the installation - you should get a report (Periodic Inspection Report) which details any issues/deficiencies with the installation which should be rectified. Get the inspection done and then take it from there.

asp746

yes, get an inspection first - they loosen all light fittings; wall sockets; light switches and check appropriate appliances are earthed ie, gas & lecy meter; water pipes under sinks.

mine cost £80 and was from a very reputable electrician in merseyside.

took 2 men just under an hour to do and is very thorough.

yorksguy11

What rubbish, an electrician should have a good look round checking what type of cables, check ring main and lighting circuits etc with a meter or megger. Check the earth bonding to water and gas. check the consumer unit.
To tell you he needs to fit a new consumer unit first is wrong. Tell him to take the cover off, that will tell him as much as changing it.
What he will do is change the consumer unit then say you need it all rewiring to get the job and probally charge you more. Also ask for a report of why and then get one or two more to compare.

ukwoody

Yorks, you are quite right upto a point, but rules have changed a bit now, and to do the kind of test you are suggesting takes time and is now indeed covered by a Periodic report. These cost between about £70 and £150 depending on size and location of property. You then have a fully detailed report on the state of your wiring which can be used as part of the new Hips package and or getting quotes in for rewiring.

In this instance I would fully reccomend one before parting with any money.
woody

amcluesent

Apply some common sense here.

Check your consumer unit, if the fuses are using wire you can buy plug-in circuit breakers of the same amperage that replace the old fuse carriers. These a super-sensitive and will trip faster if there's a problem.

Otherwise look for any electrical sockets, switches, fightings etc. that are cracked or have exposed wires.

You can get ring-mains tester for £10 which you just plug-in and the lights will show if there is a fault/no earth.

Obviously if you have loads of items plugged into 4-way or 6-way socket sets, you could consider having the mains ring extended and more wall-sockets fitted.

With new builds virtually stopped, it's no wonder that trademen are going to look for 'make work' chances.