replace an old fuse box with a new consumer unit?

doubletiger · May 18, 2012

Hi

I am seeking someone advice on a consumer unit. I moved into an old house about 1 year ago. There is an old fuse box board in a garage which control whole house, the electricity system in the house seems fine as it should be. But I am worrying this old style fuse box may not provide as much protection as the modem consumer unit.

here is the photo (see attached)

my questions:

(1) Do I need to replace it with a new consumer unit? and why?

(2) there are 4 ways in each of fuse box, each fuse box maximum load is 60A, what specification of the consumer unit must I get?

(3) What is the best brand of consumer unit would you recommend?

(4) I am in south London, what cost would like to be for labour and all material?

thank you in advance

best regards

oldtimer · May 18, 2012

doubletiger watch the moneysaving comments they all seem to be talking about what I call the £250 cowboys who turn up change it over no documentation dont bother about earthing and if there is a fault sometimes they are on this forum looking for free help to fix it

doubletiger · May 18, 2012

Please see two additional photos

it is clear it bonding to gas pipe from 1st photo. I think it also bonding to water (black from bottom of board), may be yellow bonding it (behind the board)?

If it bonding to both gas and water, do I have to replace these two old fuse boxes?

thank you for advice!

Top Cat · May 18, 2012

That looks like you have no earth spike in the ground and are relying on the gas and water for your earth. Definitely get it checked by an electrician.

Knobhead · May 18, 2012

Top Cat said:
Looks like a Wylex to me.

It may do, we bought direct from the manufacturer. Like many things, there's one factory making them, ten making lables.

DurhamSparky · May 18, 2012

doubletiger...!

Agreed with many of the other comments, Gas Water looks Fine, Just need an Main earth Now....

as for getting quotes...! stay clear from them sites that give you 4-5 quotes, tey are a scam and SELL your details to contractors who then quote low and do a crap job!

please type your postcode in this government agency site!

Competent Persons Register | Home

this will ensure you get a registered electrician

doubletiger · May 18, 2012

Top Cat -- "have no earth spike in the ground", I think you are right, I cannot it.

DurhamSparky -- thank you for website link.

My question now is -- Should I just install earth spike into the ground and leave others intact?

of course, I will use a competent person to do it for me.

thanks

DurhamSparky · May 18, 2012

honest answer...

replace the lot... depending on budget install RCBO rather than a split load dual RCD unit..

Engineer54 · May 18, 2012

doubletiger said:
Top Cat -- "have no earth spike in the ground", I think you are right, I cannot it.

DurhamSparky -- thank you for website link.

My question now is -- Should I just install earth spike into the ground and leave others intact?

of course, I will use a competent person to do it for me.

thanks

First and foremost, contact your area DNO company and ask if there is PME (TNC-S system) available in your area. I would imagine there would be, being in South London, (...Bromley wasn't it??) This will give you a far better earthing arrangement than, relying on a an earth rod (TT system) installation

If you do have to go the TT route, make sure the electrician uses 2 X 5/8'' extendable coupled rods, and not these thin 3/8'' twigs that a far too common and basically useless!!....