How much might a new consumer unit cost me?

[Tony S]

I tried to burn a Wylex wooden CU back on a coal fire. Two hours on and it was still sat there laughing at me.

They are indestructible!

 

[Tony S]

If I remember right the plastic parts were Phenol formaldehyde resin.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol_formaldehyde_resin

Formaldehyde is toxic if subject to heat.

 

[kerching]

I tried to burn a Wylex wooden CU back on a coal fire. Two hours on and it was still sat there laughing at me.

They are indestructible!

There are some pics on here where I put a MAPP torch to,a wooden wylex frame, I think it's still burning out in the back field somewhere

 

[Doc Hudson]

Don't agree.

We've disagreed on pricing before and people get ideas off the net which aren't realistic

Some people need to earn a decent living and some are cruising to retirement, mortgage paid off , kids left home etc

Then there are the massive regional variances ..... The op is I London ...

I can't see much point in disagreeing with actual costs for a product available anywhere in the UK (including London). You had better contact Screwfix customer services if you consider their prices unrealistic or misleading. As there was no mention to the OPs location on this forum, (prior to you divulging you had deduced they are London based from another forum), then it is also perfectly reasonable to suggest a starting price for typical domestic CU change labour cost, to do what looks like a relatively small number of circuits. As the OP asked for a "rough idea" and didn't give their location, I gave them the benefit of the doubt to be able to realise we are not talking about fixed price quotations and that there will be regional variations to labour and travel costs depending upon who actually undertook the proposed work.    

I do not think for one minute that you are the only person who realises that the cost of living, wages and labour costs etc, vary around the country. I am sure vast swathes of the population are well acquainted to that fact and they are bright enough to realise actual quotes following a physical site visit may vary in price. However this doesn't prevent anyone competent enough to estimate some rough costs for a job to offer their guidance based on the limited information given. I am assuming you don't feel able to do this as you have offered no costs? I also noticed you made no comment on Sidney's £250 - £800 post? Not much difference to my £450 starting price?  I have no idea why you need to comment about people needing to make a living, as the same principals apply to enquiring about the prospective costs of anything, from a Holiday, to a Christmas meal, to a new carpet etc.. etc.. To think that the electrical industry is the only sector of business where it is impossible to give some rough costs suggests that every electrician has zero business acumen.  I also noticed your comment on another post;

I find "internet" enquiries where people "demand" prices over the phone without seeing a job simply madness. The only thing I will price over the phone is PAT testing and my minimum charge..... 

Yet if you re-read the title of the thread and the opening post, Where exactly is the OP "demanding" prices? (they even added a photo to help)

How much might a new consumer unit cost me?

Would anyone be able to give me a rough idea how much this might cost. I have attached an image to give you an idea of the current situation. Any advice gratefully received.

As you have stated you cannot give costs for anything other than PAT without a site visit, I would suggest in future with these "rough costs" type threads, it may be more beneficial to those seeking advice for you to leave posting to those who do feel able to offer constructive advice.  Just saying prices differ around the country and claiming other post are very misleading without giving any details yourself is of little use to the person asking. Any competent electrician, who undertakes this type of work (domestic CU change), and has been trading for many years, yet cannot estimate a rough cost based on their past experience is in my opinion little better the 5WW short course, Part-P brigade. It is not rocket science to figure costs for the average domestic CU change, we would all be up the creek without a paddle if it was as hard as some people like to make out.

Doc H.

 

[binky]

Plastic CU s release toxic fumes as well - far more the Phynolic resin as the old resin is really hard to ignite.

As for old woody wylex back boards, I've neevr seen a burn't one either, but....

 

[Doc Hudson]

Plastic CU s release toxic fumes as well - far more the Phynolic resin as the old resin is really hard to ignite.

As for old woody wylex back boards, I've neevr seen a burn't one either, but....

I don't think the fumes off burning cable are that nice either.  

Doc H

 

[binky]

the most dangerous fumes are from fire resistant materials, I used to worh for Hellerman Tyton in the test lab - the fire resistant heat shrink releases mustard gas when exposed to a naked flame - used to avoid testing that much as it never failed anyway.