Electrical quotes

Stickious

Hi there

I have had two quotes for electrical work on my flat for the following work and would appreciate an expert opinion on them.

Living Room

6 x double socked installed
1 x new light fitting installed

Kitchen

1 x Double socket
2 x Single sockets
2 x Fuse spurs (for the single sockets)

One electrician has quoted £950 for this work, but also mentioned and included in the quote RCD protection and earth bonding for gas and water main. He said that our current earthing was not up to scratch. Another electrician has quoted £600 for the same work, but made no mention of the RCD protection or earth bonding.

I have to say that I thought the first quote was a little steep, but I am new to this so any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Stickious

penguine

For about £100-£125 you can get a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) which will tell you exactly what electrical work in your property needs urgent attention.

I don't know if this helps, but we have just had an electrician quote for work that needs doing in a house we're buying and he said to add extra sockets would be £50 per socket.

baldelectrician

The first electrician is right, the second may be incorrect.

The regs say (I'm paraphrasing here) that you should check the bonding and earthing prior to doing any work. You also need to check the existing installation is adequate and will take the additional load.

Sockets liable to supply equipment outdoors require RCD protection (all sockets will require this after 1st July- this applies to new work, not retrospectively)

Stickious

Thanks very much for your responses. They were both useful.

I've decided to get one more electrician in to quote on the work, so that I can make a good comparison with the higher quote.

Stickious

baldelectrician

The 17th Edition of the wiring regs (BS7671) hits the street on 1st July.

Make sure the people you have out are quoting to the new standard, and are (more importantly) aware of it. Don't mention the new regs, but ask a 'fishing' question. You are looking for someone who is aware of them, if they are not walk away.

You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals regitered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/SearchCo.asp?T=Construction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk