Installing a new consumer unit

[Willyg]

I am looking into replacing my consumer unit, as it is an old one with fuse wire, and replacing them with type B MCBs is not ideal.
Also there is a secondary consumer unit which is not used, installed for storage heaters, no longer required.
Who do I need to contact to disconnect the main power from both consumer units and reconnect once the new one is installed?

 

[plugwash]

you could contact your local rec to ask them to disconnect and connect

but most sparkys just pull the service fuse and get on with it

 

[ban-all-sheds]

you could contact your local rec to ask them to disconnect and connect

Do that and you risk them asking for proof that it was replaced by a qualified electrician, and/or test results.

Tell em that you plan to have some work done soon, and your electrician has asked you to ask them to fit an isolation switch first.

 

[securespark]

If the REC's do that sort of thing.

In the NW, Powergen will not fit an isolator, even if you offer them a wad. But Manweb will fit one for free (Don't live in Manweb area, but I have been told).

 

[dingbat]

EME fit isolators. Or else they get Siemens to replace the meter with a modern one with contractor's terminals and an internal isolator.

 

[securespark]

Trouble is, a lot of incorporated iso's are SP.

 

[plugwash]

so is pulling the service fuse.....

the recs neutral doesn't really present any significant danger as most areas are wired to pme standard anyway and when you have the isolator off you are not drawing any load

 

[dingbat]

Trouble is, a lot of incorporated iso's are SP.

The only ones I've seen are DP, but it's a good point. Why would they even bother to use single pole at the source of an installation?

As a matter of fact I have a rewire to start on Monday where the customer did as I asked. The old meter was ancient and there was no fusebox at all (previous owner ripped it out - don't ask; I don't know!) EME have not upgraded the meter at all but they have upgraded the main fuse and tails and installed a lovely DP isolator for me to attach to. Isn't it great when the system works?