Ebay Consumer unit (new) thoughts

[Pat H]

Looking to upgrade my onw CCU
Looking at:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=162069397926#ht_687wt_1169

Gives me 12 usable ways after the 2 RCD spaces taken.
Its metal so current. What do people think? Not used that brand before.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Have a look at the new 'Newlec' boards from Newey & Eyre. Made by Havells using what are basically the old Wylex pattern devices, although the 1 I fitted today was a bit different...Really well thought out with industrial style bolt in gland plate (comes with conduit & trunking entry options in the box.) Prices are great...but then Neweys always looks after me..! Best bit is the bling 'pearlescent' sparkly finish front that customers seem to love

 

[westward10]

I fitted a Havells board last year at a commercial site, I chose it because it was the same as a Memshield 2 board and would be virtually like for like, never again.

 

[telectrix]

it's a re-badged chint. i've fitted a few chint boards and they.ve all been in several years without any problems.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I wouldn't touch it. Use a well know and reliable make like Hager.

What will you do in a couple of years time, you need to add another circuit. You turn to your supplier and ask for a 32amp HAROK MCB, can he get you one? Or even a compatible one?

Consumer units will be there for 20-30 years, you need something that you'll be able to get parts for.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

I fitted a Havells board last year at a commercial site, I chose it because it was the same as a Memshield 2 board and would be virtually like for like, never again.

Really? what was the issue? I fitted some Havells 3 phase boards in a workshop a couple of years ago, can't remember a problem....

 

[westward10]

Really? what was the issue? I fitted some Havells 3 phase boards in a workshop a couple of years ago, can't remember a problem....

Maybe I was unlucky but the main switch would not sit correctly.

 

[Pat H]

I liked the Chester Electrical ebay listing. Metal 12 way board. But its branded LIVE never heard of that make.
It does come with 12 RCBOs all for £155
I've looked at Hager and Mylex but its not easy to get a larger (12 or more ways) board not as a split RCD.
I can look at just the box and then buy 12 RCBO but individually that will cost a lot more.

 

[Octopus]

Hum.... This may be for your house but what happens when you start installing them in clients homes?

Ebay sellers?
Warranty issues?
Returns?
Stock levels?

You need local reliable wholesalers...... Who won't leave you high dry!

 

[Pat H]

Used ebay for years for IT work relatef stuff. Only use reputable sellers (bigh sales counts)
Never had issues with returns. Tgey value their feedback rating too much. Far more than a lical shop.
Delivery is normally very fast.
And it all depends on how much over tge top you pay for a local purchase. Purchasing at a good price can give a margin that more than covers the odd failed RCBO.
And with even the known brands shifting production overseas you aren't always paying for quality even if the price tag is high.

 

[Andy78]

I liked the Chester Electrical ebay listing. Metal 12 way board. But its branded LIVE never heard of that make.
It does come with 12 RCBOs all for £155
I've looked at Hager and Mylex but its not easy to get a larger (12 or more ways) board not as a split RCD.
I can look at just the box and then buy 12 RCBO but individually that will cost a lot more.

I had no problems getting a 14 way Hager unit for my house from my wholesaler, was on the shelf. I also get a good deal on RCBOs from them so not mega bucks to fill it up.

 

[Pat H]

Screw fix has a nice MK metal consumer unit for £50
But MK RCBOs are £35 each so 12 of those is around £500 for a populated board.

 

[Midwest]

Used ebay for years for IT work relatef stuff. Only use reputable sellers (bigh sales counts)
Never had issues with returns. Tgey value their feedback rating too much. Far more than a lical shop.
Delivery is normally very fast.
And it all depends on how much over tge top you pay for a local purchase. Purchasing at a good price can give a margin that more than covers the odd failed RCBO.
And with even the known brands shifting production overseas you aren't always paying for quality even if the price tag is high.

You could try purchasing a dictionary from ebay

 

[Midwest]

Screw fix has a nice MK metal consumer unit for £50
But MK RCBOs are £35 each so 12 of those is around £500 for a populated board.

MK 10 way RCBO CU MK Electric K7673SMET Sentry Amendment 3 All Metal 12 Way Pre-Populated Consumer Unit With 100A Isolator + 2x6A, 1x16A, 2x32A & 1X40A RCBOs, K7673SMET - http://www.discount-electrical.co.uk/product.php/400489399/mk-electric-k7673smet-sentry-amendment-3-all-metal-12-way-pre-populated-consumer-unit-with-100a-isolator---2x6a--1x16a--2x32a---1x40a-rcbos

 

[Octopus]

Used ebay for years for IT work relatef stuff. Only use reputable sellers (bigh sales counts)
Never had issues with returns. They value their feedback rating too much. Far more than a lical shop.
Delivery is normally very fast.
And it all depends on how much over the top you pay for a local purchase. Purchasing at a good price can give a margin that more than covers the odd failed RCBO.
And with even the known brands shifting production overseas you aren't always paying for quality even if the price tag is high.

There is a big difference between offering a good service, spending hours on the internet and having a variety of local sources for the kit you need - local suppliers will offer you better deals and flexibility when you spend with them..... I guess you'll have to find this out for yourself!

 

[Midwest]

Tend to agree with Murdoch. Buy majority of materials from local wholesalers & Screwfix. Saves a lot of hassle, when stuff goes wrong.