On and off for the last 5 months I've been trying to get a sparky in to do some work for me and I'm finding it impossible to get one.
I must have called six different people who for one reason or another never seem to get around to coming out to see me - its driving me mad.
Here is the work I need:
1. New CU with RCD. I have an old EL system in the house and don't feel too happy - I have no faith that the earth is correctly installed. The old CU is actually half wooden would you believe.
2. House safety check, including tracing why a metal socket has an 18v potential to earth (think I know why but want an expert's opinion and solution.) I want the shower checked in particular as the electrics in the house are of a very dubious character - lots of DIY work gone on previous to my ownership! As an example I found a single T+E feeding TWO double gang sockets in the dining room AS WELL AS a light in the garage AND a third double socket which was also feed a 'board' of round pin sockets ALSO feeding a single 3 pin socket powering the freezer. I'm no expert but ... (I removed this little gem myself.)
3. Prepare for a supply move. Meter is going to move from one wall to another so I need a new sub-main (I think) to go from the new supply area to the CU.
There has to be at least 2 days work for a sparky there. Its not as if they are all scared off by the work as most of them never return the bloody call I make so they have not idea of the work required.
Is there such a Sparky shortage that its this difficult to get one in? Maybe I should retrain and get into it?
Any advice would be gratefully accepted. I live In guildford if that helps.
I must have called six different people who for one reason or another never seem to get around to coming out to see me - its driving me mad.
Here is the work I need:
1. New CU with RCD. I have an old EL system in the house and don't feel too happy - I have no faith that the earth is correctly installed. The old CU is actually half wooden would you believe.
2. House safety check, including tracing why a metal socket has an 18v potential to earth (think I know why but want an expert's opinion and solution.) I want the shower checked in particular as the electrics in the house are of a very dubious character - lots of DIY work gone on previous to my ownership! As an example I found a single T+E feeding TWO double gang sockets in the dining room AS WELL AS a light in the garage AND a third double socket which was also feed a 'board' of round pin sockets ALSO feeding a single 3 pin socket powering the freezer. I'm no expert but ... (I removed this little gem myself.)
3. Prepare for a supply move. Meter is going to move from one wall to another so I need a new sub-main (I think) to go from the new supply area to the CU.
There has to be at least 2 days work for a sparky there. Its not as if they are all scared off by the work as most of them never return the bloody call I make so they have not idea of the work required.
Is there such a Sparky shortage that its this difficult to get one in? Maybe I should retrain and get into it?
Any advice would be gratefully accepted. I live In guildford if that helps.
