replace an old fuse box with a new consumer unit?

[doubletiger]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

honest answer...

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

 

[Engineer54]

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!!....

 

[Engineer54]

honest answer...

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

Agree!! Especially as the CU is in the garage. It will help against nuisance tripping of a multi circuit RCD...