quote for fuse box update

[the_flash]

Hi i've just had an electrical test done as part of british gas's homecare package, they've told me that my fuse box needs to be updated to a 17th generation RCD and that the gas supply needs earthing the're quoting me £750 for the work. Is this about right? I have a feeling because its BG they've bumped the price up.

thanks

 

[sm1thson]

Hi i've just had an electrical test done as part of british gas's homecare package, they've told me that my fuse box needs to be updated to a 17th generation RCD and that the gas supply needs earthing the're quoting me £750 for the work. Is this about right? I have a feeling because its BG they've bumped the price up.

thanks

your consumer unit/fuse box may well need upgrading, if it does it will be upgraded to the 17th edition as that is the current standard. however the new standard doesnt mean everyone has to automatically upgrade. can you post a picture (and or description with makes and model etc) so we can see what you have (not conclusive but will give an indication)

gas supply should be correctly 'bonded' (people understandably get this mixed up with earthing, but if your electrician said 'earthing' they need kicking) it is common for this to be missing or incorrect, but should be rectified its a safety feature to stop voltages coming in to your house from outside. (this part of the work can be DIY'd without building control complications)

BG are generally expensive, it seams you know that, thats why i dont have a home care package with them. as for what price is 'right' its impossible to tell over the web.

 

[the_flash]

cheers i'll have a look but i know the box hasn't been changed for at least 10 years cos it still has the old wire fuses but not sure of the acutual model number

 

[CortinaV8]

I had mine replaced by an "Part P Quiz" qualified electrician to the current standard for just short of £300.

My installation was good and passed all relevant tests so was pretty straight forward, if he encounters problems when testing circuits and has to remedy its going to cost more. However £750 sounds very expensive if it is just a straight swap.