Retrofitting FI switches: You have to reckon with these costs

If your home does not have an FI switch, you should retrofit it. The costs you have to expect depend entirely on how old the electrical system of your house or apartment is.

Retrofit RCDs in modern buildings

Even if FI switches are compulsory in new buildings from 2007, you may still have to retrofit one.

• In more modern buildings, lines with PE are in most cases already installed. These lines with a green-yellow protective conductor are necessary if an RCD is to be installed.
• The actual FI switch costs around 30-40 euros. In addition, there is also the working time, which should amount to about half an hour for this work and thus comes to around 80 euros.
• The total cost of installing an FI switch in modern houses is usually between 80 and 200 euros. This includes the price of the counter, the working hours and the travel costs for the installer.

Retrofit RCDs in older buildings

In older houses, old lines are usually installed that do not work with the FI switch.

• Lines with zeroing are widespread in older houses. They are not compatible with the FI switch and must also be replaced.
• It usually makes sense to replace the entire electrical system of the building, since all components are out of date and can pose a potential security risk. The costs for this amount to about 40 to 70 euros per m² of living space.
• Again, the electrician's labor costs are incurred. Hourly wages are usually 50 to 80 euros per hour. Working hours can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the house.