New DB loaded with RCBOs

[john944]

Could someone tell me how much you would charge for a 12way Wylex DB loaded with RCBOs as new customer has been charged £1900 which I think is a bit steep

 

[Leesparkykent]

you could put them on the same MCB. Obviously not ideal due to division of circuits to minimise disruption but better than having a borrowed neutral IMO. It would be best to discuss both options with the customer. Having both on the same MCB makes them 1 circuit by definition so no borrowed neutral.

 

[Guitarist]

Me, as long as it takes, domestics don't take long. I find the problems, if there are any first. Each to their own.

So you test and inspect free of charge for as long as it takes, before you've even got the job. I admire that.

As for domestics not taking long...

 

[sparksburnout]

you could put them on the same MCB. Obviously not ideal due to division of circuits to minimise disruption but better than having a borrowed neutral IMO. It would be best to discuss both options with the customer. Having both on the same MCB makes them 1 circuit by definition so no borrowed neutral.

I don't think most customers would give a monkeys about having all their lights on one MCB, rather than shelling out for additional work and possible re-decoration.

 

[stevethesparks]

Me, as long as it takes, domestics don't take long. I find the problems, if there are any first. Each to their own.

Whilst I don't disagree with preliminary testing, its always likely that any such problems highlighted to the customer may give rise to suspicion and divert the work to another electrician who doesn't give a ----.
The one easy preliminary and sensible test to undertake is an earth leakage test of which takes no time and doesn't cause any disruption. Down-powering is not always convenient to the customer, particularly when they have just got in from work and have got the evening meal cooking.

Not only that but there are also a lot of time wasters out there that your testing time can be wasted on, or the information given, passed on for the next cheaper quotation

I like the idea of offering an EICR with discount if work proceeds, but as Murdoch does, I supply a similar clause in my quotations with the effect that minor remedial corrections will be attended as a matter of course within the same price, and major or more difficult to resolve defects will be highlighted on my report. Broken rings (if not easy to find) are normally easily overcome by reducing the ocd as a temporary solution.

 

[westward10]

So you test and inspect free of charge for as long as it takes, before you've even got the job. I admire that.

As for domestics not taking long...

No client wants CU changed and we always charge for test first. If some want to spend the night looking for faults cos rcds keep tripping, that is their decision. How many threads do we see on here that someone finds a fault AFTER alterations and then tries to find a way around it. As I say each to their own.

 

[Guitarist]

No client wants CU changed and we always charge for test first. If some want to spend the night looking for faults cos rcds keep tripping, that is their decision. How many threads do we see on here that someone finds a fault AFTER alterations and then tries to find a way around it. As I say each to their own.

Ah, that's fair enough. I didn't realise that you actually charge for the testing, which makes more sense.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Completely agree, rock and a hard place. I say the same thing as Murdoch, but even then I feel like I'm just the bearer of bad news all the time.

Yes, I feel the same!

I also write almost the same in my quote regarding any complications that may arise, but still feel embarrassed or even guilty when I say I am going to have to do extra work and it will cost more than the quote. I can't really see any way around this, you have to do the work to make it safe therefore I guess the answer is to change the way you/I feel about it.

 

[David M]

When I quote on a CU upgrade I find its pointless explaining to the customer about borrowed neutrals, earth leakage and such like. I just give them in layman terms something along the line of -

The new modern CU's have devices that are sensitive to minor faults that the old fuse board could not detect. These devices are there to help protect against electric shock in the event of a fault that may cause harm. If any faults are found in your existing installation they may require repairing or upgrading so the new CU can function as intended and/or the safety of the installation meets requirements of the current regs.

I don't like to scare monger, but folk don't see the point of having the necessary work done if they don't understand why it is required. Safety is by far the most important aspect of any electrical installation, as we all well know.
For me being honest and advising on what I feel is a safety issue is far more important than quoting current reg requirements to the customer who will not have a clue what you are talking about and most likely think you are spinning a yarn to justify the cost.

 

[sparksburnout]

You can quote all the reg's and theories you like, but at the end of the day, when it comes down to actually operating in the real world, you have to be practical. Around my way there is an estate of around 2000 houses, and about 5 local sparks all competing for the work. These is almost an "accepted price" for a CU change, all the houses are virtually the same, all had 3036 boards complete with a borrowed neutral for the landing light. You don't need to test it first, it just has. I can guarantee that if you turned up and started recommending an initial EICR or factoring in sorting out the neutral problem you would be treated with suspicion and not get the work. Most customers with an ounce of common sense will get 3 quotes and its almost always either the cheapest or the one that can start first that gets the job. If you have the luxury of sticking rigidly to the letter of the law then good for you I say, but you wouldn't get many CU changes round my neck of the woods. That's life, as Ester used to say.