How important is it that I upgrade this consumer unit, and maybe, more?

[coalminers crufties]

Hello, I recently bought and moved into my first home, and I made an enquiry with an electrician about doing a like for like swap of electric shower, and discussion quickly moved to the consumer unit.. Long story short, he said it probably needs an upgrade. I did a bit of research on all of this today, so I'm far more knowledgeable about it all than I was yesterday, but I'd like some more help from you lot, if possible.

Having just moved in and put everything I have into the deposit, something like this is going to be a huge outlay. I can certainly forget my replacement shower idea for now, and I'd like to know how important it is that I get this replaced with a modern consumer unit with RCBO's. I have been quoted £600 for the install and testing (this is assuming there are no issues elsewhere!)

 

[coalminers crufties]

Main incoming fuse and metering positions. Where do the supplies to the units come from? Are they supplied from the other side of the wall? Is it an overhead supply or from underground? Many questions could be answered via photos.
What sort of property is it?

meter is up there in top corner by front door, box in on perpendicular wall just on other side of front door

 

[ipf]

So it's an upstairs flat, then?
Close up photo of meter cupboard contents, next.

 

[coalminers crufties]

So it's an upstairs flat, then?
Close up photo of meter cupboard contents, next.

octopus are coming in a few weeks to install a smart meter

 

[ipf]

octopus are coming in a few weeks to install a smart meter

Looks decent enough, supply wise. Two sets of tails going to the units, by the looks. Just one set needed if you have a replacement Consumer Unit.
You could do with that certificate (Domestic EICR).
If all is in order, certificate wise, I would think your quotes are pretty decent.
Before accepting, make sure that the installers will provide a completion certificate (Domestic EIC) for the new work, covering the existing installation as well.

 

[coalminers crufties]

Looks decent enough, supply wise. Two sets of tails going to the units, by the looks. Just one set needed if you have a replacement Consumer Unit.
You could do with that certificate (Domestic EICR).
If all is in order, certificate wise, I would think your quotes are pretty decent.
Before accepting, make sure that the installers will provide a completion certificate (Domestic EIC) for the new work, covering the existing installation as well.

thanks, the guy quoting £575 said the full cert eicr is included. it certainly is a cheap quote but there's loads of recommendations on fb and seems to have a very good reputation for doing good work. i'll ask him about the cert covering the existing installation.

appreciate your help!

 

[Aaron b]

I’ve just quoted £600 for a board change, nice straightforward swap out, nothing taxing, and I know I’ve got more work to do in the house for an existing good customer.

Anyone else it would be more than that.

For prices, you’re starting to reach silly cheap money there.
Don’t go with the cheapest. Do some research, look at Facebook pages, reviews, even past customers if you know any.

I quoted £565 for a 10way fusebox with SPD and 6 rcbos, inc. £130 for the EICR. I'm only just starting out so I'm happy to be a bit cheaper.

 

[ipf]

thanks, the guy quoting £575 said the full cert eicr is included. it certainly is a cheap quote but there's loads of recommendations on fb and seems to have a very good reputation for doing good work. i'll ask him about the cert covering the existing installation.

appreciate your help!

That EICR ( Electrical Installation Condition Report) mentioned, if it is one, would be for the existing installation.
EIC is Electrical Installation Cert.....required for new installation of Consumer Unit.
Just so you know.

 

[coalminers crufties]

That EICR ( Electrical Installation Condition Report) mentioned, if it is one, would be for the existing installation.
EIC is Electrical Installation Cert.....required for new installation of Consumer Unit.
Just so you know.

understood, thanks