LABC Derby

[parm]

Hi Guys,

I'm doing my first ring mains (kitchen) and consumer unit change on Fri, I've got LABC coming on site in the morning annd was wandering if you could give me some insight on what to expect?
The background on the install is that the kitchen was deemed code 1 on a PIR as 1.5mm cable was used for the ring and the customer has asked for a split load RCD(2X) protected upgrade at the same time. I have a copy of the PIR that verifies correct main earthing bonding and incoming earth to DB CSA size and that supplementary bonding is correct and present as per 17th Edition. I also have the DNO coming in on Monday to upgrade the meter tails to 25mm and fit an isolator prior to DB change.
Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[pushrod]

Hi Parm, is this what they call a "pre-plaster" visit (or at least that is what my Labc called it) seems a really pointless exercise if the work has not yet been done. The only thing i can think of is that they use it to justify their fees when the work is being done by a competent person who is not a member of a self certification scheme. Can i ask what fees you are being charged by Derby LABC? Mine initially wanted £186 and then when questioned again they said would drop to £117, both figures are scandalously high IMO and i am still trying to get it reduced further.

edit: apologies didn't answer your question - i would guess they are just trying to check you know what you are doing by having a general chat and so save coming out to check the installation, but if you are qualified then you obviously do know what you are doing.

 

[parm]

Hi Pushrod, Thanks for the heads ups, I'm paying £124 in Vat for this. I'm suprised at the lack of communication from these people as not a single member of staff has given me any insight!!

cheers again

 

[zedess]

Hi Parm, The guy from Building Control will know a lot less than u beleive me! this is not an electrical engineer calling, more like an ex-council brickie! if he does turn up he wont be there 5mins. no need to worry..apart from the £140 cost..robbing xxxxs

 

[parm]

Cheers Zedess, I'm a bit nervous as I'm working part time as an aspiring sparky even though I've passed all my exams and have 2391 booked in. Major career change for me fedup of corporate nonsense and ready to get back to getting my hands dirty again.

 

[zedess]

Good luck to u parm..hope today went well.....nothing to worry about eh?

 

[malcolmsanford]

Hi Parm not to be pedantic here and good luck with the 2391. But your going to have to start to get use to calling things as in the GN 3. It's not a rings main but a ring final circuit, It takes ages to get use to calling a ring that but the sooner you get use to it the better as that is what the 2391-10 is all about using the correct terms and showing understanding.

Also are you fitting that isolator or did you say the DNO. I have to admit I don't know many, if any, DNO that fit DP isolators. They will connect into meter if you tail an isolator back to the meter, so check that. It may be something you need to fit yourself.

 

[ezzzekiel]

unless you get the jobsworth who has read the electricians guide to building regs, then your in trouble

 

[jpmiff]

Hi,

i had building control in when i replaced my CU earlier this year, following there price guide and the cost of fitting the CU i had to pay the minimum fee, which was around £26.
I notified them of the date i was going to do the CU change, they contacted me a few days after to arrange a visit.
I had all my EIC completed, had my test equipment on the table so this was the first thing he saw when he came in,the CU change went very well and was a very neat and tidy job.
made him a cup of tea, he had a look at the CU checked the earthing arrangement and had a look at my test results,we had a litte chat, he had worked as an electrician in domestics for years and definatley knew his stuff.
He took a copy of the EIC with him, about 4 weeks later i got my certificate from BC

well pleased

 

[parm]

Hi Guys chap for LABC came round on Friday (late!!) didn't have a clue about anything electrical but still proceeded to give me advice, which was not in line with 17th edition. All in all a waste of my time and the customers £126, told me to do the install and give him a call when I'm done and he'll pop back check the results(yeh righto) and collect the cert!!! The install has been nearly done waiting for DNO to fit 25mm tails and isolator today and then I'll fit the DB on Sst next weekend, still got to do my day job Mon-Fri!! Thanks for the advice from everyone, and I certainly will brush up on my terminology for the 2391. Cheers Chaps

 

[pushrod]

Glad it went well for you, if he is happy after the next visit might be worth asking if you'll need a visit next time and if they will reduce their fee accordingly

 

[parm]

Cheers Pushrod not a bad idea !! I see from your avatar your in leicester, i'm from Kirby muxloe I only work weekends and that I do in Derby, let me know if you ever need an extra pair of hands I'm only working for experience and learning. Cheers again for your support