Is new cu required for new oven install?

[Jules123]

An electrician has recently quoted to replace our old oven. He says that the new oven has different power requirements and he needs to replace the consumer unit to make this lower and avoid burning out our new oven within weeks! The cu was new in 2015 so I am concerned that it now needs replacing - this will cost double the cost of the oven... Help please!

 

[Jules123]

Don't think your images worked. Copy and paste works well on this forum for images by the way.

Even if not RCD protected I'd still change a broken appliance.
New oven is 4.7Kw. A 'standard' 6 sq mm cable and B32 cooker circuit would be fine. Subject to seeing pictures, it sounds like you should find a different electrician.

 

[brianmoooore]

Could be manufacturer's instructions stating maximum fusing of 20A, but B20 Europa MCBs are readily available and cheap.

 

[davesparks]

View attachment 106475

He said it only had one rcd??

There are 2 RCDs in that unit, they are the two devices labelled as RCCB.

Whilst I tried to give some benefit of the doubt earlier I would say this confirms you have been outright lied to.

I see no reason why that 40A MCB couldn't simply be swapped for a 20A MCB if that is required, those MCB's are current and still available.

There may be some mention of that CU being plastic when these days we are required to fit metal ones, but that would not prevent the work as you have described it from being carried out.

 

[Jules123]

I count two RCD's and i have had 3 beers.
what was he drinking???

I am having the worse time with incompetent traders atm so glad you guys have all taken the time to tell me what's what. Thought it was bizarre that a replacement oven was such a problem!...

 

[Jules123]

There are 2 RCDs in that unit, they are the two devices labelled as RCCB.

Whilst I tried to give some benefit of the doubt earlier I would say this confirms you have been outright lied to.

I see no reason why that 40A MCB couldn't simply be swapped for a 20A MCB if that is required, those MCB's are current and still available.

There may be some mention of that CU being plastic when these days we are required to fit metal ones, but that would not prevent the work as you have described it from

I am having the worse time with incompetent traders atm so glad you guys have all taken the time to tell me what's what. Thought it was bizarre that a replacement oven was such a problem!...

 

[Julie.]

View attachment 106475

He said it only had one rcd??

Nothing wrong with that consumer unit. (ish)

It has two RCDs!

He can't even count.

You could get the 40A MCB changed to a 20A or 25A, they are available if you want.


Now, it is the case that that consumer unit does not meet current standards, but in itself that doesn't mean it has to be changed.

If there is any sign of heat damage and/or a couple of other things, then it should be changed.

But from your photos, there is no evidence that a change is mandatory.

 

[brianmoooore]

The rules have changed since your CU was installed. Yours is plastic, and only steel ones can be fitted in domestic properties now, but the rules aren't retrospective, so as long as individual parts are available for it (which they are) it doesn't need to be changed.

 

[Jules123]

Thanks so much everyone - this has been super helpful!

 

[Jules123]

Nothing wrong with that consumer unit. (ish)

It has two RCDs!

He can't even count.

You could get the 40A MCB changed to a 20A or 25A, they are available if you want.


Now, it is the case that that consumer unit does not meet current standards, but in itself that doesn't mean it has to be changed.

If there is any sign of heat damage and/or a couple of other things, then it should be changed.

But from your photos, there is no evidence that a change is mandatory.

Thanks so much for your time Julie! Super helpful

 

[Vortigern]

Frankly I beleive that he has breached trading standards in that he has suggested you must have something that actually you do not need. This is fraudulent and he could be prosecuted for such fraud.

 

[James]

Frankly I beleive that he has breached trading standards in that he has suggested you must have something that actually you do not need. This is fraudulent and he could be prosecuted for such fraud.

It would be an interesting case,

Although we can install things into what would be considered non compliant distribution boards by todays standards, and in many cases (including this one by the sounds of it) we should be doing so.
it could be argued that we are under no obligation to do any work that fails to comply with the letter of the latest standards.

the issue to me is how it is put to the customer. there is a difference between
I wont do that
and
i can't do that (with the inference that they would be breaking the law to do such)

 

[Vortigern]

Yes it would be. I think he mis-represented the truth with a view to gain a pecuniary advantage. If he would have said it is recommended or best practive etc, to supply SPD AFDD RCBO RCD ad nauseam that is different to presenting a scenario where he can't install the oven if you do not pay for the "necessary" work. It is fraud pure and simple.

 

[Markyd]

So the old cooker is connected to a 40A breaker and the new one only needs a 20A breaker.?? Is this correct?

I'd consider getting another electrician in to quote for the job...
Maybe there is an electrician on the forum that lives near you (High Wycombe) that could give you a quote.

whereabouts in High Wycombe are you

 

[Markyd]

An electrician has recently quoted to replace our old oven. He says that the new oven has different power requirements and he needs to replace the consumer unit to make this lower and avoid burning out our new oven within weeks! The cu was new in 2015 so I am concerned that it now needs replacing - this will cost double the cost of the oven... Help please!

Hi Jules im in wooburn green.. if you want to get in contact

 

[Markyd]

How do i get in contact with the OP or she get hold of me