Help! Domestic rewire- one or two consumer unit?

A

Alottasparks

I have this 4 bedroom 5 storey house which is being completely re-wired atthe moment, originally the electrician said he'll put in a single large split 15 fuse consumer unit, now he is saying 2 separate 10fuse consumer units... I can't help but feel maybe it's because 2 smaller ones may be cheaper than one single large one perhaps? No idea why he is wanting to change and he just says it's better. Please can someone shed light on this, what is the better option?
 
I agree with engineer54 , i have done an installation of this size and had to split lighting into 4 lighting circuits, 4 socket circuits, 3 ensuite showers , ya 15 way will not allow 15 MCB's will generally allow 7 + 6 with RCB kit to create two RCB/RCCB buzz bars...which is a requirement as said above to allow user to find their way to CU if one RCD/RCCB goes.

two 10 way CIU's can sometimes be cheaper, i get 12 ways (6+6) inc choice of MCB's for £50 , but a 15 way from same supplier is £110 inc second RCD then extra for and individual MCB's.

but you are right to question first fix, current 17th has a large emphasis on installation method, and without installing self you cannot be shure they are not burried in insulation. (upto 50% reduction in current carrying cappacity) just waiting for a fire.

second , my experience of decorators is they over do everything pull on cables, and thus reduce the CSA (cross sectional area) of a conductor. again reduce current carrying capacity... and will not necessarily show up on continuity test (second fix testing the electrician will do ) ..as long as the ohms reading is small enough it passes. but you get a hot spot ...and this hot spot 9 times out of 10 is where its a tight fit in a joist in bundle... again fire waiting to happen. and sods law being applied, they will shove some insulation in there to make it worse. just and example of how important a suitably qualified person should supervise or being doing first fix.

probably too late to help but others may appreciate
 

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