Marks above old consumer unit

[Mike07]

Hi all,

We have quite an old consumer unit and noticed some weird grey marks above it (please see picture). We’ve recently painted this area and over the grey marks but they’ve come back through. Does anyone think these marks are related to the consumer unit or just a random persistent stain?

Thanks so much for any advice anyone can offer!

 

[westward10]

I very much doubt the consumer unit is causing that.

 

[littlespark]

Original cables buried in the plaster above? Looks like an old property.

 

[Mike07]

I very much doubt the consumer unit is causing that.

Thank you for that, it’s reassured us!

 

[Mike07]

Original cables buried in the plaster above? Looks like an old property.

Honestly I’m not entirely sure. It is an old property yes, built around 1910. We were just concerned some of the wiring might be deteriorating but we’ve had no issues with any of the electrics?

 

[Mike07]

Is this consumer unit quite typical? It looks very old to us but we have no idea how old it actually is.

 

[westward10]

Probably from the 90s.

 

[Mike07]

Probably from the

Probably from the 90s.

Do you know if they’re typically still safe at that age?

 

[westward10]

Your's has a couple is issues, the mcb is not compatible and a blank module is required. It doesn't meet current standards but that doesn't imply it is dangerous. Does the RCD trip when you press the button.

 

[Mike07]

Your's has a couple is issues, the mcb is not compatible and a blank module is required. It doesn't meet current standards but that doesn't imply it is dangerous. Does the RCD trip when you press the button.

Thank you so much for your response. Is the MCB not compatible because it’s by a different brand? We’re actually not at home at the minute but we’ll check when we’re back in a couple of days.

 

[westward10]

Yes it should be a Hager mcb.

 

[littlespark]

The consumer unit may be 90’s, but the cables could be much much older.

Is there any really old switches or ceiling pendant lights that might give us an idea of age?

I’m guessing that it’ll be old 60’s pvc buried direct in the plaster, and degradation of the plastics leaching through.
Could even be older, maybe cut off if the place has been rewired…. But just left in the wall.

Brick wall or hollow lath and plaster?

 

[Mike07]

The consumer unit may be 90’s, but the cables could be much much older.

Is there any really old switches or ceiling pendant lights that might give us an idea of age?

I’m guessing that it’ll be old 60’s pvc buried direct in the plaster, and degradation of the plastics leaching through.
Could even be older, maybe cut off if the place has been rewired…. But just left in the wall.

Brick wall or hollow lath and plaster?

Thank you for your response. There are some older looking switches, we’re not at home currently to take any pictures but will do when we’re back.

Would there be wiring buried in the plaster above the fuse board or would they all be in that trucking leading to the fuse board? If it was degradation of the plastic wiring coming through, would you imagine a rewire would be necessary?

It’s solid brick wall.

 

[littlespark]

The trunking on show there is only big enough for maybe 2 cables…. And a relatively new addition.

Having an EICR done would give you an idea of the condition of the existing wiring, but any readings out of limits would point to needing a rewire