DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

we're wanting to replace a kitchen light fitting and relocate an over mirror one in a bathroom so asked an electrician to come and provide a quote. However he started saying a whole load of extra work would 'have' to be done because of the new regulations - do the regulations say he must for example replace the consumer unit if we have a new light fitting using existing switches and wiring or his he just trying to get more work?

Hi,
under latest regs to do a straight forward fitting replacement even in a kitchen does not need anything else,
however as soon as it involves altering wiring position as you seem to need doing in the bathroom then the circuit must have RCD protection as a minimum. This could just mean changing the circuit MCB to an RCBO, however if the consumer unit is more than a few years old this won't be possible & other options may be to reroute the circuit via a stand alone RCD in the area of the consumer unit or if not practical it would indeed require a replacement con. unit.
We are daily faced with such a position and the customers always think we are looking for extra work, unfortunately as enforced members of any government scheme, which we have to be, we have to play by the book,
I for one don't need to 'jack-up' work as we are booked up until end of October,
sorry but how it is,

regards SPARX

Sorry to say Sparx is spot on. Two things have happened the wiring regulations have changed and the government have introduced Part P. So if the spark does not follow the regulations he is likely to get caught out and would have to correct the work.
I don't think any spark likes the way we are being forced to do this extra work but no real options.
Eric

[quote="george59"]we're wanting to replace a kitchen light fitting and relocate an over mirror one in a bathroom so asked an electrician to come and provide a quote. However he started saying a whole load of extra work would 'have' to be done because of the new regulations - do the regulations say he must for example replace the consumer unit if we have a new light fitting using existing switches and wiring or his he just trying to get more work?[/quote]

GEORGE59

SPARX and ERICMARK r accurate with advice.
Current Part p dictates how the registered Electrician
Conducts himslef .
The ODPM set current standard to protect the life of the
consumer .
ITS all about safety.
My advice , whoever does the work , HE is part p
is registered.

BLAKEY1963

Thanks to you all for the advice - the problem arose because a second electrician contacted didn't mention these issues and as a non-expert it's always hard to know if you're getting good advice - it's hard to be distrusting but too easy these days to get ripped off.