How to upgrade really old Service Head, Meter and Consumer Unit

[MKhan7249]

Hi,

I am looking to get an electrician to upgrade my consumer unit and do some work on circuits. At the same time, have been receiving letters from E-On about upgrading to smart meters - this was supposed to happen a few years ago but when they visited, they refused to carry out any work.

Looking around the Internet, I can't find any images that represent the service head that I have installed at my house. My understanding is that this is really old and needs upgrading ASAP (images attached)

So a few questions I have:

• As the DNO owns the Service Head - how do I go about asking them to upgrade it (for free!), what do I say? I've sent them an email on Monday asking for inspection and awaiting a response
• If you look at the picture, the earth that is clamped to the board - is it supposed to be black? Look a bit burnt or could it be this black dripping thing I've read about?
• How long would it take to upgrade this?
• Can an electrician replace the consumer unit with this setup (i.e. the service head not upgraded)
• What fuse would I likely have?
• Are there any other concerns I should be aware of? (just by looking at this)

Any help would be very appreciated.
Many thanks.

 

[Markyd]

This is what I was thinking at first, but in a kitchen refit earlier this year, I was able to see the cables running between the floor/ceiling. T+E are 2.5mm^2 solid copper, some in white PVC others in grey but obviously with the old wiring colours.

There are some tin-copper wires which are either cut or no longer connected to anything left behind.

And, looking at the meter board, I think the space there, I assume was a previous fuse box or the like. On the CU, it has a "100A Main Switch".

So I think it was rewired once at some point.

So you had a kitchen refit done this year and there is no RCD protection at the board...How was a cert issued for the work carried out, and just by looking at the cables doesnt mean you have underlying problems that will cause problems when the new cu is fitted

 

[MKhan7249]

So you had a kitchen refit done this year and there is no RCD protection at the board...How was a cert issued for the work carried out, and just by looking at the cables doesnt mean you have underlying problems that will cause problems when the new cu is fitted

My parents weren't aware that the kitchen fitter wasn't an electrician until after I realised so there was no certificate.

And I completely agree with you about getting an EICR before the CU upgrade.

 

[Vortigern]

I have rarely found that the first line operator at the DNO can be unhelpful. I usually ask to speak to their supervisor in such an instance. If I were on site I would propbably be able to get the DNO around within the hour. Reason being I can insist they meet their legal duties as per ESQCR statute, and also be able to talk about what we are looking at. To be clear, it is most definitely the responsibility of the DNO to attend and make safe their equipment which is all the parts prior to the meter. From the meter to the Consumer unit is the responsibility of the energy supplier, roughly speaking. There are some finer points to the exact parts but generally that is how it works.
So in summary I suggest you get a spark around to phone the DNO and talk turkey with them and get the cut-out sorted with a conversion to TN-C-S which is usually doable. It may cost a little but it can be another approach to getting a response. Sometimes we have to approach these problems with a different tack.

 

[MKhan7249]

I have received a call from UKPN in response to my initial online enquiry about a fuse upgrade. I've explained about the fused neutral and metal-encased cutout (sent them pictures) and they've arranged a site visit (with intention of replacing the cut-out) on the 15th November.

I've done some research. The cut-out is engraved with "NMEPS Co." which relates to North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Company that merged to become Eastern Electricity in 1948. My meter itself has a sticker "Certified to 84". I'm sure this would be extremely valuable to historians.

 

[UNG]

I have received a call from UKPN in response to my initial online enquiry about a fuse upgrade. I've explained about the fused neutral and metal-encased cutout (sent them pictures) and they've arranged a site visit (with intention of replacing the cut-out) on the 15th November.

I've done some research. The cut-out is engraved with "NMEPS Co." which relates to North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Company that merged to become Eastern Electricity in 1948. My meter itself has a sticker "Certified to 84". I'm sure this would be extremely valuable to historians.

I'm surprised they are taking that long to come out and sort it

 

[freddo]

It's been fine for the last 75+ years, a few more days won't hurt...

 

[7029 dave]

I am surprised the DNO are insisting that your meter suppler trigger the cat B regarding the fused neutral when you have told them of your concern. They only deem a Category A as an emergency.
I think a cat b is about 6-8 week wait.

 

[brianmoooore]

Should have mentioned the "slight burning smell".

 

[7029 dave]

Should have mentioned the "slight burning smell".

When I was in metering we were briefed, if calling over an incorrectly category code to the DNO they could charge the metering supplier. ( may be ok with an ordinary customer)

 

[brianmoooore]

I never suggested that the customer should associate the slight burning smell with the service head!

 

[nicebutdim]

I never suggested that the customer should associate the slight burning smell with the service head!

They could leave the toaster on a little longer than usual?

 

[Markyd]

My parents weren't aware that the kitchen fitter wasn't an electrician until after I realised so there was no certificate.

And I completely agree with you about getting an EICR before the CU upgrade.

You need to get this sorted ....Your home insurance will be affected prob void if anything should happen and finding someone to sign off somebody elses work is going to be a big problem