Changing consumer unit old for new, what to charge?

[linfieldfc]

Hi, I am changing 2 old consumer units to 1 new 17th edition one. I have all equipment just need to know labour costs. Im from northern ireland if that makes a difference?

 

[Marvo]

I'm confused...which isn't too difficult usually. Are you a customer looking for a quote or are you a sparky looking for advice on how to price the job?

 

[trev]

There is absolutely no way anyone can give you an exact price mate. There are way too many variables and only coming along and looking at the job will allow someone to guage what they are.
Plus this is in open forum. Not many people like giving that info out for obvious reasons.

 

[Marvo]

Looking again at the thread title I'm guessing this is a sparky looking for assistance on pricing a job in which case I'd ask if you've done any tests on the existing installations to identify any problems first. If so them the job should be predictable, I'm not sure why you'd need help with the pricing of the job though.

 

[Guest77]

Hi, I am changing 2 old consumer units to 1 new 17th edition one. I have all equipment just need to know labour costs. Im from northern ireland if that makes a difference?

Ah that makes sence now lol

 

[Barry White]

have a look here first before you quote for the work
http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk...ctrical-regulations/12971-cu-changes-you.html
will give you an idea if extra work needed

 

[Knobhead]

He sounds like a chancer to me. Probably no PL or PI insurance for when he burns the poor unsuspecting customers house down.

As for Skilled and Qualified electricians telling you their pricing structure………..

 

[ayjay]

how would changing a c/u burn a house down?

 

[Knobhead]

Which planet are you on?

 

[ayjay]

simple q tony

 

[Knobhead]

You can’t foresee any problems with a chancer changing a CU?

Since when did SpecSavers start doing rose tinted glasses.

 

[davesparks]

how would changing a c/u burn a house down?

Loose connections in CUs are rather good at starting fires, especially in cheap plastic CUs.

There is a recent thread about the new requirements for self extinguishing plastic boards which includes some pictures of the aftermath of fires started by loose connections in new CUs

 

[ayjay]

couldn,t see anywhere that he is a chancer

 

[Guest77]

couldn,t see anywhere that he is a chancer

Every Electrician knows how long a DB will take to change, all he needs is an idea of how much to charge for a day and he's away, sounds like a chancer to me

 

[Spoon]

The OP hasn't replied so its hard to even know if he is an electrician or just some DIY person wanting to change his CU.

 

[Knobhead]

If he’s a DIYer doing work for himself I don’t think he’d be wanting a price for the job.

 

[Spoon]

He hasn't stated hes doing the work for himself Tony. He hasn't stated much really.

 

[Guest77]

He hasn't stated hes doing the work for himself Tony. He hasn't stated much really.

Hi, I am changing 2 old consumer units to 1 new 17th edition one

 

[telectrix]

hope both the old CUs are in the same house.

 

[Spoon]

Hi, I am changing 2 old consumer units to 1 new 17th edition one

Precisely. He hasn't stated he's doing the work for "himself" He could be doing the job on a neighbours house...

 

[Knobhead]

In which case he’s charging for it. Why else would he ask for a price for the job?

 

[Pete999]

Which planet are you on?

Planet ayjay by the sounds of it

 

[Guest77]

Precisely. He hasn't stated he's doing the work for "himself" He could be doing the job on a neighbours house...

Okay I give in, lets see if he replies lol

 

[DPG]

I love Ayjay's posts. They bring light and amusement to my day. Daz

 

[linfieldfc]

Let me tell u something mate, I test every job I do and produce a certificate as I have went through all the avenues of getting my qualifications through C and G. Dont judge when you don't know anything about me.

 

[linfieldfc]

I am a qualified electrician, c and g level 3, 17th edition bs7671 course completed and currently studying for my 2394+5. I SIMPLY WANTED TO KNOW A ROUND A BOUT PRICE. but that's proven to be a big task for the smart arse's on here.

 

[growler]

I am a qualified electrician, c and g level 3, 17th edition bs7671 course completed and currently studying for my 2394+5. I SIMPLY WANTED TO KNOW A ROUND A BOUT PRICE. but that's proven to be a big task for the smart arse's on here.

I would do it for £1000 per circuit !

 

[Pete999]

I would do it for £1000 per circuit !

Cheapskate

 

[telectrix]

I am a qualified electrician, c and g level 3, 17th edition bs7671 course completed and currently studying for my 2394+5. I SIMPLY WANTED TO KNOW A ROUND A BOUT PRICE. but that's proven to be a big task for the smart arse's on here.

this round a bout cost billions. what sort of round about price did you want?

 

[linfieldfc]

Ok thanks, ilk get back to the lady with a price then; there's about 7 circuits.

 

[davesparks]

I am a qualified electrician, c and g level 3, 17th edition bs7671 course completed and currently studying for my 2394+5. I SIMPLY WANTED TO KNOW A ROUND A BOUT PRICE. but that's proven to be a big task for the smart arse's on here.

You might want to be a bit more specific about your qualifications, the above post could easily be misinterpreted as saying that you hold the level 3 17th edition qualification only!
I am sure what you meant was that you have completed a full apprenticeship with all associated qualifications, wasn't it? After all you cannot call yourself an electrician if you haven't!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

Charge what you're happy to make on the job. If the circuits are sound and no interconnections are going to cause tripping then it will obviously be less than if remedial work is necessary. You have to make the customer aware of this.

You may like to do a mini EICR before hand and charge for this. I've found that a thorough explanation of the process and consequences is enough to elicit the small extra fee for a trouble free board swap.

What board are you thinking of putting in by the way?

Voltz

 

[linfieldfc]

Yes level 3 c and g 2330, I was going to put in an MK 10 way split load board with a 100A main switch and 2 63A RCD's. 30mA.

 

[telectrix]

go for a schneider, hagar, or BG. MK are crap.

 

[Octopus]

Yes level 3 c and g 2330, I was going to put in an MK 10 way split load board with a 100A main switch and 2 63A RCD's. 30mA.

The key to your pricing is understanding what others charge, too little and people won't take you seriously, too much and they think you are taking the pxss.

I've got no idea about pricing in Northern Ireland, and I suspect, those on here who are, are highly unlikely to suggest pricing on a public forum.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Ah that makes sence now lol

Careful now or Desperate Dan will be banning you for a week.

( and it's senSe btw )

 

[Geordie Spark]

Hi, I am changing 2 old consumer units to 1 new 17th edition one. I have all equipment just need to know labour costs. Im from northern ireland if that makes a difference?

When I set off down the road of self-employment I asked my accountant how much I should charge as I hadn't a clue.

He told me "Charge the price that you would be happy with." and that was it and that's what I did for almost 27 years.

Things may be different in Northern Ireland though.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

go for a schneider, hagar, or BG. MK are crap.

Amen to that.

BG for me on quality and price. Had major problems with last MK board I installed - broken RCD, factory crimped links pulled out, mcbs won't sit straight.

 

[Guest77]

I am a qualified electrician, c and g level 3, 17th edition bs7671 course completed and currently studying for my 2394+5. I SIMPLY WANTED TO KNOW A ROUND A BOUT PRICE. but that's proven to be a big task for the smart arse's on here.

That doesn't sit with me Pal, your an electrician? well you obviously know how long it takes to change a Distribution Board, you must know what you require per hour to satisfy your income level yes? why didn't you say "I usually charge x amount guys" does that sound about right etc etc? you want help, at least try to help yourself by attempting to give as well as take.

 

[7029 dave]

What is an C&G level 3.?

 

[Guest77]

What is an C&G level 3.?

The 2330 Dave is usually a 20 week course, 14 weeks for the level 2 and 6 weeks for the level 3, not quite a electrical trainee

 

[7029 dave]

I am lost with it all. lol

 

[Guest77]

Yeah me too pal, the 2330 is considered the industry standard now, I have no idea of it's merit though, that is 6 months at college, how things have changed it was 7 years in Tels day lol

 

[7029 dave]

You busy Mike.? Much on.

 

[Guest77]

You busy Mike.? Much on.

No I only do maintenance now, part time really, I do a few days and then have the best part of a week off, then a few more days and a week off again etc etc, general maintenance to plant and genny's etc, life is good at the moment, I might stay this way for a few years then retire early completely, there is more to life than work mate.

 

[7029 dave]

No I only do maintenance now, part time really, I do a few days and then have the best part of a week off, then a few more days and a week off again etc etc, general maintenance to plant and genny's etc, life is good at the moment, I might stay this way for a few years then retire early completely, there is more to life than work mate.

Yeah good on yeah, It's bloody hard for use old sweats, that's why I am in metering now, don't think I could do it now Mike.!! It's a younger man's game, we done our bit. lol

 

[Geordie Spark]

Yeah me too pal, the 2330 is considered the industry standard now, I have no idea of it's merit though, that is 6 months at college, how things have changed it was 7 years in Tels day lol

Aye and it was D C an'all.

Micky Faraday spoke well of him mind - said he was a canny apprentice!

 

[growler]

Don't forget to test the board with you volt stick when your finished !

 

[rapparee]

Yeah me too pal, the 2330 is considered the industry standard now, I have no idea of it's merit though, that is 6 months at college, how things have changed it was 7 years in Tels day lol

I can tell you now this lad has done a four year apprenticeship through ett irish sparks don't do 5 week wonder courses (although with a name like linfield you'd probably be better leaving it to cliftonville sparks)

 

[Guest77]

I can tell you now this lad has done a four year apprenticeship through ett irish sparks don't do 5 week wonder courses (although with a name like linfield you'd probably be better leaving it to cliftonville sparks)

4 years maybe, I never said otherwise, but the course takes 20 weeks to complete 14 weeks for level 2 and 6 weeks for level 3, I suppose on day release it may take 2 years, I am fully aware he is not a Electrical Trainee, I said so a couple of posts back.