How to convert customer to board upgrade

[SW1970]

Classic scenario. Domestic customer. Rewireable Wylex fuseboard. All original late 60's/early 70's. Lots of sockets inc detached garage, plenty of opportunity to use mobile equipment outside. Needs a PIR and at least bonding and really a main board upgrade. About to quote customer but am expecting them to say they don't want to pay for it. Any pearls of wisdom on how to get customer to convert? Many thanks, SW.

 

[telectrix]

Garage RCD board first THEN into the BS3036.........

that would mean henley blocks and 16mm/25mm tails to the RCD. putting the RCD after the 3036, it can be fed with 6mm. ( if a RFC)

 

[GLENNSPARK]

that would mean henley blocks and 16mm/25mm tails to the RCD. putting the RCD after the 3036, it can be fed with 6mm. ( if a RFC)

Thanks tel...this would also give discrimination wouldn`t it?..........

 

[spark 68]

What I was getting at here

Just to add, a CU change is not always neccessary, there are other options to add RCD protection

.

The Regs don't apply retrospectively, and it is not always necessary to try to bring the whole installation up to date in one go, even though this would be my preferred option, and it would be better, safer and likely the cheapest option in the long run.

For instance if you wanted to say add a shower, obviously the upstairs lights (or bathroom etc.) and the shower would need either a seperate (2 way) small cu, with an RCD and MCBs, or better two RCBO's etc., the bonding etc. may or may not require updating (which earthing system ?) each situation is different.

I was just pointing out we have to work within the regs and often within the customers budget, and it is not easy having to marry the two, there is always more than one way of achieving a solution to a given problem, not always the preferred or the the best way.

This is what makes this trade so interesting

 

[telectrix]

Thanks tel...this would also give discrimination wouldn`t it?..........

yes and no. you could just rely on the 3036, or add a 32A MCB in the RCD enclosure as well. the discrimination would be that , generally, the 32A MCB will trip before the 30A 3036 blows, even though it's a 2A higher rating.

 

[Bud1975]

Hi guys,

I had worked in sales for many years and there is something called "downhill" selling. I'm sure many of you do it automatically without even thinking about it but here goes.........

Basically give the customer rough figures for a complete board change to a 17th edition board incorporating all the RCD protection they could want. If the customer seems interested in that then happy days!

If they are not happy with that sort of scenario, then working out a different way of incorporating an RCD (I.e to piggyback the consumer unit to just include that particular circuit etc) suddenly seems a lot cheaper to the customer!! Downhill selling

Regards

 

[Knobhead]

There’s always the rack, thumb screws, etc. Sign on the dotted line NOW! “I can’t”. “Why not”? “My hands are still nailed to the table”!

If you coerce someone in to agreeing to a sale, don’t be surprised if the warm smelly stuff lands in your lap!