diming lights?

I don't know who quoted you £800 to replace your distribution board (consumer unit) but I hope you don't count them amongst your friends.
Depending on where you live in the UK a more realistic price would be £300-£500. Get a few quotes from reliable & certificated tradesmen.

Harry
August 2009

We are encouraged by well-meaning people not to offer advice on matters electrical - danger lurks in bad advice.

There is only one thing that will cause the lights to dim and that's a drop in the voltage being presented to the lamp.

The AC mains supply to a property in the European Union is 230 V ± 10% at 50 Hz and your kettle, saw or router should not be able to cause a noticeable voltage drop when switched on.

The fault you have very probably lies in the area of the distribution board and the services of a certificated specialist will be safer as will a more modern consumer unit with protection devices.

If you're concerned about the suggested cost then perhaps you could seek a second opinion/quotation.

Take care...Good luck...

Peccavi
August 2009