Opinion on current fusebox

Chris1895 · Oct 10, 2021

Hi,

Moved into a property of late that has the following fuse box. Got advice telling me that it's safe, but doesn't meet current regulations, as well as that it could go in the next year, or last another 15.

Want to get opinions on next steps. Ideally, I'd like to replace it with a consumer unit, but conscious that might be tricky. Any views on differing options would be much appreciated. House is ex-local ~1960s.

MJPD29 · Oct 10, 2021

It could well produce a satisfactory result but I would strongly recommend updating it as there is currently no rcd protection that I can see

Mikegh · Oct 10, 2021

Suppose it depends on the overall condition of the installation

New distribution board in itself may not be enough

westward10 · Oct 10, 2021

Doesn't look overly safe to me looks like you can put your hand into it. The wiring looks predominantly original and looks like PBJ (PolyButyle Jute), I would suggest that is beyond its reasonable service life.

James · Oct 10, 2021

Looks like the property is wired in metal trunking.
this trunking is providing the earth (cpc) to the accessories at the end of the circuits.

it may well be advised to change the cables at the same time, due to there age.
not a bad idea but you need to find an electrician who has done similar properties to a high standard.

do not go for the cheapest quote, ask neighbors who have similar properties if they can recommend a good electrician, hopefully you will find one who will show you a rewire of their house done by said electrician.

experiance is the key to doing a house like yours, if it’s their first go, there will be mistakes, disruptive redecorating and a poor looking finished job.

Chris1895 · Oct 10, 2021

James said:
Looks like the property is wired in metal trunking.
this trunking is providing the earth (cpc) to the accessories at the end of the circuits.

it may well be advised to change the cables at the same time, due to there age.
not a bad idea but you need to find an electrician who has done similar properties to a high standard.

do not go for the cheapest quote, ask neighbors who have similar properties if they can recommend a good electrician, hopefully you will find one who will show you a rewire of their house done by said electrician.

experiance is the key to doing a house like yours, if it’s their first go, there will be mistakes, disruptive redecorating and a poor looking finished job.

Based on the property, would you recommend trunking over chasing?

Strima · Oct 10, 2021

Chris1895 said:
Based on the property, would you recommend trunking over chasing?

It looks to be cables run in conduit, so much easier to replace as you just pull new cables in using the old ones to drag them through. A lot less mess and disturbance than chased in.

James · Oct 10, 2021

@Strima is correct,
I had a bit of a brain fart moment, I thought conduit but typed trunking.

Chris1895 · Oct 10, 2021

Strima said:
It looks to be cables run in conduit, so much easier to replace as you just pull new cables in using the old ones to drag them through. A lot less mess and disturbance than chased in.

So a pro could be come and use the current cabling to push through new cables?

Chris1895 · Oct 10, 2021

Chris1895 said:
So a pro could be come and use the current cabling to push through new cables?

What I'm trying to work out is if it's better to re-do the whole re-wiring and consumer unit in one go?

James · Oct 10, 2021

Chris1895 said:
What I'm trying to work out is if it's better to re-do the whole re-wiring and consumer unit in one go?

Almost definitely a better idea to do it all together

MJPD29 · Oct 10, 2021

I wasn't paying close enough attention I've just seen the Cabling and it's likely you could be needing a rewire as it is probably past its serviceable life

Dustydazzler · Oct 10, 2021

Strima · Oct 10, 2021

Chris1895 said:
So a pro could be come and use the current cabling to push through new cables?

Yup.

telectrix · Oct 10, 2021

not just the age/condition of the cables. probably not be anywhere near the number of sockets you need, and never in the right place/s. back then was maybe a socket or 2 in living room/s, 1 single socket per bedroom, bit of luck might be 2/3 in the kitchen. then there's the option of smart control, TV points, data points, etc. best done as a complete job in 1 hit.