Any tips when quoting for CU upgrades

[aliensbrains]

Quoting for a CU upgrade soon and it's the first time I've actually quoted one myself.

Any tips on how best to approach it? I get the principle of materials + time, but is there another stuff to watch out for that might not be obvious. Things that may have tripped (no pun intended) people up in the past that I might also miss.

Also I'll be testing before doing the upgrade so global IR L+N to E, Ze & Zs, confirming end to ends & R2 tests, borrowed neutral etc. Clearly can't realistically doing this on first visit for quote. I appreciate all jobs are different but do you do any bacic Zs etc. at the quoting stage? Or pre-empt the customer that the first part of the job is testing the installation's suitability for a new RCBO/SPD board, and that might affect the end price.

All help appreciated - thanks!

 

[richy3333]

Make sure you visit site first. Have the cover off the existing CU and consider how the existing circuit cables will get into the new CU - do you need trunking, glands etc. Is earthing and bonding OK. I'd not be testing at this stage. Potentially allow for a mains tails gland, new tails, Henleys, isolator switch etc? Make sure the quote is subject to prior testing and if that highlights issues there might be extra costs or at least discussions to have with the customer.

If you get the job go back and do the testing you mentioned before changing the CU - the amount of posts on here where people have issues after the event because they don't test beforehand.

Manage customers expectations. Make sure they understand they'll have no power. Over estimate the time the power will be out, then if you finish early you are a hero! I encourage my customers to go out for the day if I can. Then I have no disturbances and can just crack on with the job without being disturbed.

 

[aliensbrains]

Make sure you visit site first. Have the cover off the existing CU and consider how the existing circuit cables will get into the new CU - do you need trunking, glands etc. Is earthing and bonding OK. I'd not be testing at this stage. Potentially allow for a mains tails gland, new tails, Henleys, isolator switch etc? Make sure the quote is subject to prior testing and if that highlights issues there might be extra costs or at least discussions to have with the customer.

If you get the job go back and do the testing you mentioned before changing the CU - the amount of posts on here where people have issues after the event because they don't test beforehand.

Manage customers expectations. Make sure they understand they'll have no power. Over estimate the time the power will be out, then if you finish early you are a hero! I encourage my customers to go out for the day if I can. Then I have no disturbances and can just crack on with the job without being disturbed.

Great advice, much appreciated.