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Trying to organise a CU replacement at home. It's a 1930s property. It's got a 10way CU but with no RCD protection.
Was after a larger unit with full RCBOs. Every Sparky I've spoken to has varied in their suggested plans.
1) Some say do an EICR first, others happy to just go straight with a new CU. EICR seems to add a big upfront cost.
2) Some mention DP RCBO, others don't.
3) One said for Building control notification, I've have to check the date on your smoke/heat & carbon monoxide alarm (?).
4) One said gas/water pipe bonding would be required and it's extra
5) One said, I'd have to get an isolator switch fitted by my supplier before the CU can be replaced. Currently there is only a mains fuse for isolation. The CU and mains fuse are both next to each other.
Prices vary for 1, 2, 3 significantly, I mean the most expensive quote is literally double the cheapest quote!
Any advice would be appreciated as this is driving me nuts!
1 yes on a property of that age i would 100% want to do an eicr first, it helps to manage cost expectations because there are most likely other areas which would benefit from upgrading, you may even have rubber cables, or at the least un earthed lighting circuits.
2 dp not required if its just a normal board and nothing to think about with selectivity on sub mains etc
3 yes a consumer unit change is notified to building control, usually by the electrician so make sure you get one thst can and is on the competant person register
4 gas and water does usually require bonding unless it enters the property as plastic, some qwerks here so electrician will advise during eicr
5 yes your supplier should come and fit you an isolator so the electrician can safely perform the consumer unit upgrade, but you can get the EICR done before this.