How much to replace old consumer unit

[JamesHughes]

Hello all,

Having just moved in, looking at the consumer units, they are getting on a bit, and require a lot of space. There are two main units with push button MCBS. In addition, there is another box with switch, plus an RCD box, so as you can imagine it all takes up space. I also need to put in a 32A or so line to my garage (and another one to a future garage to be built). Mess is due to I think three extensions to the house in the past!! In total there are about 16 or more MCBS present (I'lll need to check - will post a piccy if I can get one)

What sort of cost should I expect to have to pay to get a leccy in to do this replacement job and also run a cable to a unit in the garage (I'll wire the garage myself - just need armoured cable to a box)

James

 

[securespark]

See Rule 9...

 

[JamesHughes]

Apologies. Ignore the question on cost.

It really boils down to 'should I replace this mess' rather than how much will it cost (although, obviously, if its cheap enough to do, that does affect whther it get done) . I can see the point of 'it it aint broke', but my concern is more to do with would the whole lot be better as a single more modern unit, given the fact I need to add high amp spurs to one, maybe two garages.

I'll try and get a picture emailed from home to post.

James

 

[securespark]

You have to consider whether this installation will safely service your needs.

Have you enough sockets, lights, etc?

Is the cabling in PVC?

Have you got RCD/RCBO protection where required?

If the CU's are wooden-backed, then they date back to as early as the mid 50's.

If you need to add new radials to outhouses or garages, they must be RCD protected, so as a minimum I would consider changing the CU's for one unit capable of supplying all your current needs with space spare for future expansion. While you're at it, get the DNO to upgrade your supply fuse (and meter if necessary) to 100A. If you have a TT supply (no earth from supply cable) then ask the DNO if they can PME it at the same time.

 

[JohnD]

RCBOs are great!

 

[JamesHughes]

You have to consider whether this installation will safely service your needs.

Have you enough sockets, lights, etc?

Is the cabling in PVC?

Have you got RCD/RCBO protection where required?

If the CU's are wooden-backed, then they date back to as early as the mid 50's.

If you need to add new radials to outhouses or garages, they must be RCD protected, so as a minimum I would consider changing the CU's for one unit capable of supplying all your current needs with space spare for future expansion. While you're at it, get the DNO to upgrade your supply fuse (and meter if necessary) to 100A. If you have a TT supply (no earth from supply cable) then ask the DNO if they can PME it at the same time.

I think the only additons over the next few years will be the garage(s) and possibly a conservatory. Most of the rest of the house seems pretty well wired up. There is one RCD near the unit, I think for a shower, although there is also a RCD on the ensuite shower (its only a couple of years old that extension). CU's are mounted to wall, not wood backed (that I can see).

I'm afraid some of the abbreviations have passed me by - I know RCD(O), but DNO, TT and PME I don't!!!

James

 

[DESL]

DNO - District Network Operator
TT (Terra Terra) overhead supply to house
PME Protective Multiple Earth

If you post some pics of the installation we can give you better advice on whether an upgrade is required.

Get some close ups of the RCDs etc

 

[JamesHughes]

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w143/JamesHughes_photos/DSCF2232.jpg

This is a picture of the current system - normally behind a screwed in box (which needs to change in itself - it's a pain if a MCB pops)

James

 

[securespark]

The l/h unit runs storage heaters?

What about a picture of where the cable comes into the meter?

That'll hopefully tell us what supply type you have.

 

[Steve]

The CU on the right might be wooden framed. I had one just like it. the wood is very dark, you have to look closely. The 4 screws on the corners on ours were woodscrews

Lovin the huuuge RCD sticker on the white CU, which doesn't actually have an RCD at all.

 

[RF Lighting]

Yep. Wooden framed.

 

[JohnD]

...Lovin the huuuge RCD sticker on the white CU, which doesn't actually have an RCD at all.

it might be supplying an outdoor socket with integrated RCD.

 

[JamesHughes]

I'll try and answer what questions I can!

There are no storage heaters, and no outside sockets. I'll try and get a piccy of the outside box where supply comes in. Never thought to do it last night.

I was wondering about that sticker - I didnt see an RCD either!!!

As you can see, its a bit, er, how shall I put it, convoluted? Would it be worth replacing it all with something more modern, given that it all works at the moment, but that I need to put in a supply to the garage(s)?

Background - House is 1903, had probably three extensions put on - now is 4 double bedrooms. One onsuite with power shower, family bathroom with electric shower. Oil fired heating. Gas hob, electric oven. New kitchen with all mod cons. Lots of downlights (urgh) in the newer parts of house. I've changed a couple of sockets in the older part of the house, and the wiring looks like its in fairly good nick. Latest extension was 2005 so all that pretty new. I don't think I need to put in any more lights or sockets - fairly well catered for. May well build a conservatory when funds allow. Situated in a small village in Cambs, so not sure of quality of supply (but probably better than last place I lived - always getting power cuts)

James

 

[securespark]

Short answer - yes!

 

[JamesHughes]

Blimey, that answer came in while I was editing the message - too quick for me!!!

I'll try and get some quotes in - anyone electricians out there near March, Cambs who might be interested?

James