Old sub-mains cable... safe?

[pangy101]

Hi there, we've just moved into a 30's property that was rewired in the 60s. With an old Wylex CU and a single faulty RCD needless to say we're getting it rewired as soon as we can.

The only thing that concerns me is that the mains power comes in overhead, into the loft, and then is routed through cables and passes through a partition wall to the cutout on 1st floor, then onto the meter and CU on ground floor.

I have been told that the cutout main fuse is just 50amp, so I've applied for a load increase to an 80amp ready for the rewire. Without looking NEDL say that the cables might be sufficient, which I seriously doubt (can't tell their thickness though). It also looks a bit dodgy in the loft where the main cables go through into the partition wall. I've attached a few photos, does this look normal, or a bit dilapidated?

When the electricians do the rewire they're going to have to trace the path of the submain through the partition, so that it isn't interfered with. I've read other 'scare reports' of old submains exploding when the cables are moved slightly, I wouldn't have thought this was possible unless the insulation was seriously degraded.

The pics attached also show that the lighting circuit wires go through the same holes as the submain, so I'm a bit concerned about getting too close to the main cable, is this valid or is it pretty safe unless chopped into of course!

Cheers

1. Pic 1 & 2 - metal conduit containing the mains cable
2. Pic 3 & 4 - where the cables leave the conduit

 

[BlueToBits]

Our local REC won't allow more than a minimal distance of cable to the cut-out to enter the building (600mm from an underground supply) . No way would they run their cable through a loft. Apart from liability issues, the cable would be vulnerable to fraud.

 

[Andyfm]

I tend to find locally (EDF) that if you have requested a move or meter box install they will want ducting installed either underground or through the roofspace, but if its their responsibility due to age etc they will just run them back in the loft

 

[pangy101]

Thanks to all the responses from everyone! Just an update that Freedom (from NEDL) have been round, re-routed the cable around the outside of the house and installed a new cutout next to the meter. Removed sub-main in the loft and the old 50amp cutout!

 

[telectrix]

for free i hope

 

[pushrod]

Just out of interest was it just good luck that they came in 2 weeks rather than the 6-8 weeks you mentioned or did you have to be a little inventive?

 

[pangy101]

Yep had to convince them that the move of cable wasn't by my choice, but by necessity of their aged equipment and yes resulted in a free job.

 

[pangy101]

Just out of interest was it just good luck that they came in 2 weeks rather than the 6-8 weeks you mentioned or did you have to be a little inventive?

As it happens I'd already enquired about the safety of the cutout when we moved in (enquiry made about 3 weeks ago) so they sorted the loft cabling out as part of that job. Still 3 weeks is pretty good really - no incentive needed either