Fitting new consumer unit

[bengee]

I would like to fit a new consumer unit, but how do i turn off the electricity supply, since the meter and main fuse are sealed by the electricity company?

 

[AnonymousImport]

You need to get them to do it for you. Also they will probably want to inspect/test your new installation before re-connecting you.

 

[AnonymousImport]

Recently I rewired my house and following similar advice to above paid for professional electrician to inspect and provide test certificate. This electrician also did the "double pole" connection from below meter to new cons. unit. I called electricity company and was told - "As long as no one actually broke in to meter they did not care" !!. I looked carefully and the electrician had only removed a seal from a connection box below the meter and the meter seal is still intact.
Make of that what you will.
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[bengee]

Did the electrician break the main 100A fuse seal too? Or just on the box that the fuse is on? Surely by breaking that seal (or even the fuse seal) someone would be able to get free electricity, so the electric company might get a bit concerned???

 

[AnonymousImport]

I do not think any fused area was broken in to but I can look again tonight. As to your question about the boiler. Assuming it requires power only for the operating components (i.e. not to generate heat) then it will draw a small amount of power only. It should be wired from a fused connection switch with probably a 3 amp fuse being enough. The power can be drawn from wherever is convenient. In my case I did this from the kitchen light circuit which is on that half of cons. unit which is less likely to nuisance trip. If you are doing a lot of wiring I can recommend a book called the "Which book of wiring and lighting" which covers everything from wiring a plug to redoing your whole house. I found it absolutely invaluable and well worth the few quid. (It must have saved me well over that by stoppping me from making expensive mistakes).
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