I'm close to completing a large double extension to my property that has almost tripled it's size. The main service has been moved from the centre of the property to a box on the external wall of the integral garage. A local electrician fitted a new 17-way Wylex CU, which is currently (but temporarily) supplying the old circuits. 1 ring, 2 light, 1 Oven etc etc - very basic!
The next stage is to re-wire the entire property and ultimately switch over to the new circuits leaving the existing redundant.
The problem; the property is 22 mtrs wide by 10 mtrs deep and the CU is no longer central. I had a quick walk around with the electrician (mentioned above) and he pointed out that taking a straight run from the CU to the opposite side of the house (and back) will use 44 mtrs of cable -a length he believes would easily double with the loops & drops. His quick opinion was that only 2 rings to support the ground and first floor is not feasible. I asked him how he would approach the problem to which he responded with a lot of uncertainty. He said possibly 4 rings, perhaps an additional CU, heavier cable etc etc...and finished this by saying that he would need to bring along his colleague to do a full survey. His parting shot was; it's not going to be a cheap job!
In summary; I acknowledge his points (since his visit I've read lots about cable lengths and Zs) but I have the uneasy feeling from his comments that it's going to be difficult sorting the good quotes from the "bad" - this is a little more complicated than comparing quotes from bricklayers & roofers! What I'm hoping for is some practical information that will help me to talk informatively to the next guy that quotes.
Before I spoke to the first electrician I put together a wish list of circuits that I wanted based on advise from this forum and other sources; 3x ring for sockets (ground & 1st floor, plus dedicated kitchen ring). 3x lights (Ground & 1st Floor, plus Hall & Landing), Fridge/Freezer, Shower, Hob/Oven, Garage, Outside Lights, Outside Power. All internal circuits (excluding fridge) would be served by RCBO's, Garage & External Lights/Power - MCB's protected by a single RCD. I didn't specify fuse size & cabling as this I believe is beyond my remit so-to-speak!
I showed this to the electrician and he frowned and said; "well it'll have to be a lot more complicated than that!".
So, OK....point taken. It's a big house, but I drive past bigger ones every day! Can anybody advise as to how large re-wires such as this are approached. What boxes should I be looking to tick when I speak to the next guy, what should I listen for, what questions should I ask? No disrespect to the trade, but every stage of the build I've had to deal with people who have attempted to up sell or over state the complexity of the job and this is normally followed by a huge quote. It may well be a very complex task (as the first guy said) but it would be good to get some assurance that my requirements certainly are outside the norm and thus I should be expecting to pay a premium.
My apologies for being cynical, but managing a build from start to finish has taken its toll!
Any advice will be much appreciated.
The next stage is to re-wire the entire property and ultimately switch over to the new circuits leaving the existing redundant.
The problem; the property is 22 mtrs wide by 10 mtrs deep and the CU is no longer central. I had a quick walk around with the electrician (mentioned above) and he pointed out that taking a straight run from the CU to the opposite side of the house (and back) will use 44 mtrs of cable -a length he believes would easily double with the loops & drops. His quick opinion was that only 2 rings to support the ground and first floor is not feasible. I asked him how he would approach the problem to which he responded with a lot of uncertainty. He said possibly 4 rings, perhaps an additional CU, heavier cable etc etc...and finished this by saying that he would need to bring along his colleague to do a full survey. His parting shot was; it's not going to be a cheap job!
In summary; I acknowledge his points (since his visit I've read lots about cable lengths and Zs) but I have the uneasy feeling from his comments that it's going to be difficult sorting the good quotes from the "bad" - this is a little more complicated than comparing quotes from bricklayers & roofers! What I'm hoping for is some practical information that will help me to talk informatively to the next guy that quotes.
Before I spoke to the first electrician I put together a wish list of circuits that I wanted based on advise from this forum and other sources; 3x ring for sockets (ground & 1st floor, plus dedicated kitchen ring). 3x lights (Ground & 1st Floor, plus Hall & Landing), Fridge/Freezer, Shower, Hob/Oven, Garage, Outside Lights, Outside Power. All internal circuits (excluding fridge) would be served by RCBO's, Garage & External Lights/Power - MCB's protected by a single RCD. I didn't specify fuse size & cabling as this I believe is beyond my remit so-to-speak!
I showed this to the electrician and he frowned and said; "well it'll have to be a lot more complicated than that!".
So, OK....point taken. It's a big house, but I drive past bigger ones every day! Can anybody advise as to how large re-wires such as this are approached. What boxes should I be looking to tick when I speak to the next guy, what should I listen for, what questions should I ask? No disrespect to the trade, but every stage of the build I've had to deal with people who have attempted to up sell or over state the complexity of the job and this is normally followed by a huge quote. It may well be a very complex task (as the first guy said) but it would be good to get some assurance that my requirements certainly are outside the norm and thus I should be expecting to pay a premium.
My apologies for being cynical, but managing a build from start to finish has taken its toll!
Any advice will be much appreciated.