Is this a bit of a stitch-up

[Russ9411]

I want same electrical work done, it's not new works just replacement as in I don't want single light pendants in my hallways I want downlighters,a couple surface mounted cables buried and surface mounted sockets moved down and sunk in the wall. The fella is telling me that I need a new whole new fuse box because that's the new regs. I didn't think downlighters had to be RCD protected. This is a picture of my box and I believe that it doesn't need replacing.

 

[MJPD29]

I was going to mention the expensive chasing machine.

Don't see the need for them myself. I did a kitchen last week, doing about 4 drops & 7 back boxes with nothing more than a disc cutter & SDS drill. Only took an hour for the dust to clear, and half hour hovering up

I agree I use a grinder and an sds as well because the chasing machines annoy me when the guard prevents you from cutting either top of bottom but some prefer them! Also I agree I wouldn' be providing any warranty whatsoever on parts provided by a customer and most of the ones i have been handed are poor in quality and half the price of what I would provide myself.

 

[Pete999]

I agree I use a grinder and an sds as well because the chasing machines annoy me when the guard prevents you from cutting either top of bottom but some prefer them! Also I agree I wouldn' be providing any warranty whatsoever on parts provided by a customer and most of the ones i have been handed are poor in quality and half the price of what I would provide myself.

Use a Kin hammer and Bolster, less dust less cost easier job the old ways are the best most of the time. Far to many so called Electricians rely on powered tools, wouldn't want a chasing machine in my gaff, neither would Mrs Pete999

 

[Midwest]

Use a Kin hammer and Bolster, less dust less cost easier job the old ways are the best most of the time.

If I did that Pete, my quotation would be double the OP's, and half his wall would be missing.

 

[Pete999]

If I did that Pete, my quotation would be double the OP's, and half his wall would be missing.

It worked my way before chasing machines were invented, must be your heavy handed approach to things

 

[Russ9411]

Okay, what's people recommendations for the downlighters and where from

 

[Octopus]

I forgot to mention that after I said I'm suppling the lights sockets and switches he said he'd knock £200 off. Now what I bought came to £57 and that's at retail.

£57 for all the downlights and switches etc seems awfully low

So did you include the GU10 LED downlights?

I only supply decent ones and 14 decent LED's could cost far more than £57 alone.

 

[Octopus]

Okay, what's people recommendations for the downlighters and where from

Ask the spark what he is happy to fit and go from there .....

So where in Hampshire are you?

 

[HandySparks]

The burying of the cables are for existing wall mounted sockets

What about the: "Chase light switch and cables (landing)"?

 

[HandySparks]

... the old ways are the best most of the time. Far to many so called Electricians rely on powered tools...

So should I be chucking my nice little SDS and buying a full set of Rawlplug jumpers?

 

[Midwest]

It worked my way before chasing machines were invented, must be your heavy handed approach to things

I've still got my rawplug jumper

 

[Midwest]

Okay, what's people recommendations for the downlighters and where from

You've just started a whole new debate there. I've spent the best part of my weekend arguing with some bloke who favours the Phillips Hue

 

[Octopus]

I've spent the best part of my weekend arguing with some bloke who favours the Phillips Hue

We've got a couple of the colour ones - useful when entertaining. Not connected them to Itunes as yet!

 

[NDG Elecs]

Another consideration with cheapo downlights is, as mentioned, that there will be two cables at most fittings. If the cheap fittings will only take one cable satisfactorily then the spark may have factored in numerous enclosures, terminals and lengths of flex to fit them correctly. This is time consuming and fiddly to do. Screwfix do Enlite E5 and E8's. Both are decent quality for the price and are really quick to fit, which would/should reduce labour costs. Need to buy the bezels separately though.
Get a few quotes I would say. But beware, the cheapest may be the cheapest for a good reason....
And coming on a sparks forum asking whether it is a stitch up is probably not going to elicit good responses to be honest Russ! I would call it a quote not a stitch up. There is no obligation to accept it on your part afterall..

 

[Pete999]

So should I be chucking my nice little SDS and buying a full set of Rawlplug jumpers?

Now you're taking what I said to far Mate

 

[streamer]

One of you old experienced gentlemen will have to explain what a rawlplug jumper is.