Gas and Electric fires

[missprim]

I'm thinking of changing my gas fire for an electric fire with the coal effect.Will I need a gas man to take the old fire out and an electrician to put the new fire in, and does having an electric fire mean having a lead trailing from the fire to an electic socket or are they fitted different to this?
Many thanks.

[Buenchico]

You'll certainly need a gas fitter to remove the gas heater. (It's a serious criminal offence for anyone other than a Corgi-registered fitter to disconnect a gas appliance).

An electric heater can simply be plugged in to a convenient socket but, if there's not one available, you might want to consider getting an electrician to permanently wire it in. If you've not got a ring main running near to the location of the heater you'll have to decide whether you want the cable to run, say, along the surface of your skirting board or to be hidden behind the plaster. The first option would be far cheaper (but not as aesthetically pleasing) because it would avoid having to cut into the plaster, with the subsequent time and expense of replastering and repainting that part of the wall.

Chris

[missprim]

Thanks for that info Chris,it was really helpful.

[Schutzengel]

I have a coal effect electric fire with a really nice wood surround, with small side shelves. I had an additional wall socket fitted behind where the fire stands, which is out of sight. It is very convenient as the fire and surround can easily be moved away for cleaning behind and also for decorating.

[VHG]

>Corgi-registered

Chris, just to let you know that Corgi has now been replaced by "Gas safe register".

I know it will take a while to filter through, but Corgi is on the way out

http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

[missprim]

Thanks Schutzengel, and VHG, the link was really helpful.