How old is this rewireable fuse box?

RTElectrical · Jul 28, 2022

ipf · Jul 29, 2022

ipf said:
One really good point about them is the double screw terminals.
Until the latest models, all the outgoing Live and Neutral terms were double screwed, as well as the incomers.
Good positions for the 2 bars also, IMO.

They can sometimes be a bar steward to replace, though.
Extending cables is a regular duty, especially the neutrals. Did one last year which was packed and some N's were about 2 inches long, entering through the back.
Probably more the installers fault, though.

No doubt they were way ahead of anything else on the market, for years. The basic simplicity of the design stands out as way ahead of anything else on the market.

For example...this decent 1965 Bill effort....even if it is metal clad.

freddo · Jul 29, 2022

I quite like those Bill units, especially as they confuse a lot of people, as they don't look like a fusebox when the cover is on. Not a fan of the single earth terminal though, often see all the CPCs twisted together outside the enclosure. Did see one once where the installer actually bothered to solder the twisted CPCs and then finish the joint by slipping some black Systoflex over it.

ipf · Jul 29, 2022

freddo said:
I quite like those Bill units, especially as they confuse a lot of people, as they don't look like a fusebox when the cover is on.

Yeah, could fool some, for sure. Looks like a switch fuse.

cliffed · Jul 30, 2022

freddo said:
Here is a consumer unit? from a Huf Haus that also uses those push in terminal MCBs. (sorry it's a bit blurry)
View attachment 99887

The way forward looks futuristic

cliffed · Jul 30, 2022

ipf said:
They can sometimes be a bar steward to replace, though.
Extending cables is a regular duty, especially the neutrals. Did one last year which was packed and some N's were about 2 inches long, entering through the back.
Probably more the installers fault, though.

No doubt they were way ahead of anything else on the market, for years. The basic simplicity of the design stands out as way ahead of anything else on the market.

For example...this decent 1965 Bill effort....even if it is metal clad.

View attachment 99899

Metal clad back then… many light years later we are now fitting…. Meta clad

telectrix · Jul 30, 2022

had the joys of replacing a 1950's board with cartridge fuses fitted. .even had a wheel compartment with spare fuses in it. it was bakelite, not modern plastic,

freddo · Jul 30, 2022

cliffed said:
The way forward looks futuristic

The way forward looks expensive!

telectrix · Jul 30, 2022

just waiting for the invention of wi-fi sockets. slap 'em anywhere and they'll get the power from the wi-fi, via some sort of electronic wizardry . expect to pay about £400 per socket when the initial price falls due to Chinese manufacture.