I have liitle knowledge of elecrics and am seeking advice on a small problem I have. My electric power shower has recently died and I called in an electrician to look at the problem. He has informed me that in order to rectify the problem I need to change my consumer unit, upgrade the main earth and the earth to the water supply.
I have no doubts that under normal circumstances this would, of course be the best option; however, at a cost of over £600, I would be struggling. I am wondering if there is a cheaper solution that would involve work to make the shower unit 'conform' to regulations without forking out to replace my consumer unit?
Comments
4 comments postedI Michael,
As you called in an electrician for this problem I am guessing that what he or she has informed you is probably more of a recommendation than anything else. This is a really hard question to answer without seeing your properties electrical system as there may be many other issues that your electrician has picked up on and feels that it would not be advisable to replace your shower without these works being undertaken. You must remember that if the electrician undertakes that type of work he or she as informed you about in your home then, like anything, It is something you should think about. Remember you and your family live in your home and it is always better to lean on the side of caution.
With regards to your broken shower, there is no legal reason why you can not replace your shower " like for like " without using a part p electrician or needing a certificate but you must make sure that the person doing this is competent in doing so.
Saying this, if an electrician has viewed your property and has advised you about these issues then it would be prudent for you to maybe get another electrician in for a second opinion. My advice would be to contact a Part P certified electrician from one of the electrical governing bodies below, Or use My Local Electrician's Part P certified electricians list to see if there is one in your area.
http://www.niceic.com/en/findacontractor/index.asp
http://www.elecsa.co.uk/searchbypostcode.aspx
http://www.napit.org.uk/fastSearch.asp
I would like to add that if you have been given a price of around £600 for these works then I personally do not think you will get a much better price as this sounds resonable to me. Just remember that if you have these works done make sure that the Electrician is Part P certified with an electrical governing body and that you are issued with a certificate after the works have been completed.
If, as you say, that you would struggle to find the money for this, and I do understand as its not a great time in our economy, then I would perhaps try to live without the shower for now until you can get the monies together.
I am sorry if I have been the bearer of bad news, but I hope that I have been of help and please do let me know how you get on.
Not so much the bearer of bad news, but more the bearer of news that I perhaps expected. I shall seek another quote as advised and will see where we go from there. I just thought that as a consumer box retails for around £100 that the price for installation etc seemed a tad hefty. If you're telling me that this is around the right mark, then maybe I was doing the man an injustice.
One last thing, the electrician stated that he would need to earth the new consumer box to the water mains and that he would need to do this by laying cable - some 10 meters worth. Is there no alternative to this - maybe an earthing rod?
Hi, I really hate being that bearer yet again! But your electrician is also correct, when a new consumer unit is installed you must have an earth cable connected to your water main and your gas main and they both must go back to the consumer unit. An earth rod would not solve the problem as this would introduce another earth to your property and open up another can of worms!
Great your are seeking and taking on board advise! Remember the internet is a great resource tool, but when it comes to uk electrical regulations there is no substitute for someone who has spent years qualifing and experience under their belt!
Again I hope I have been of help and I am sure you will do the right thing. Please let me know how you move on from here and I would love to hear your comments after you have had the works carried out.
Take care,
Gazza.
Thanks for your advice Gazza - it is nice to hear that the advice I was given was correct - even if it is painful in the pocket! I'll keep you updated on progress
Regards
Mick