Electrics - can we even get this done?

[BustPipes]

So, we have our meter and fusebox in a really awkward place in our lounge (under the bay window but to the side). What we want to do is:

• replace fusebox with consumer unit that will support more powerpoints and lights
• move consumer unit about a metre (into alcove but against external wall)
• move meter outside
• get lounge rewired, including adding two pair of sockets to one wall (currently none on that wall - so extension leads all over the place), moving light switch to other side of door, and putting in wiring for wall lights

So, I've Googled pricing, and just replacing the fusebox with a new consumer unit looks like circa £1.5k. And I know the electricity supply company need to be involved with any movement of the meter.

What I have no idea about is:

• is the above even possible? Are electricians able to just rewire one room, when the whole house needs a rewire (can't afford just now)
• what sort of cost are we looking at?

Want to have a little bit of a clue before asking anyone to quote - don't want to waste people's time if it's either unaffordable or not possible.

Grateful if anyone has any insight!

You can have a new consumer unit fitted, and connect new circuits to it, while leaving the old one in place with some old circuits connected. This is not unusual. If it is old, your earthing and main bondswill need to be updated, which is not a big job.

Get a good big one (at least 12 way). A big empty metal box does not cost much more than a small empty metal box. I'd have RCBOs for all circuits. You will doubtless, over time, want to add new circuits for cooker/shower/outdoor lights/shed/freezer/loft/burglar alarm/kitchen sockets. Mine is 24 way and not yet full.

Get a new Main Switch fitted that will turn them both off, for example in an emergency or for servicing or alterations

Moving the meter and incoming cable can only be done by trained and equipped people working for the network. This is expensive. Sometimes, if you suggest itto them as a benefit, they might do it free. A good approach is "our meter is at the back of the celar and difficult to get to, would it be easier for you if it was moved to the front wall of the house and accessible from outside?"

You can look up your DNO, but your electricity supplier will pass the request on. Write a very short letter (not a phone call). It might help to include your Meterpoint number which you will find near the bottom of the bill (starts with a big "S").

We’ve just moved our electrics. The Electricity provider was the only option to move the meter outside. This was fortunately to the outside of the same wall, but involved a large hole in the drive and cost £1400. Our own electrician moved and provided the new consumer unit at a cost of just under £800. He was obliged to do a complete check on the whole house electrics beforehand. He had to earth the mains water tap. Included in the price.

Thanks both - that's very helpful.

Piglet John - when you say 'while leaving the old one in place' does that mean you HAVE to leave the old one in place until you sort out the electrics fully?

If so, a long period of saving looks in order...if we can't get rid of the current one entirely, I think I'd prefer to wait.

Beebumble - the electricity provider cost doesn't sound too horrific. And we don't have a drive to get ruined - just some broken concrete tiling that we want gone anyway... Interesting about check on the house...Best start saving!

No, I mean you can leave the old in place until the new is finished

Then strip out the old bits that are now redundant

So you do not have a period with no power.

This is easier with sockets than with lights, where you may want the new to be in the same place as the old.

@PigletJohn Aha! Thanks.

Our lovely Electrician moved the old consumer unit to its new place and put long tails( big wires) yo where the old one had been.
He then was on standby for the day when Western power came to do their bit. When they were finished he wizzed round to do the final indoor connection.
We were without power for about 2 hours.