Wow!! Can anyone tell me what is going on with this old install?

[Spark2be]

This installation is under the stairs. The isolation switch on the left is for the lights of the property and the one on the right is for all ring mains. All the earthing wires from circuits seem to be wrapped around a screw in the top left of the unit, but there is no earthing connected to the incoming and there is a white wire wrapped around the pipe which runs in a panel of the stair case. I am not sure how old this installation is but earthing does not seem something that was considered.

 

[Knobhead]

i knew if i asked for confirmation then someone who is old enough to remember them would step up. :tounge_smile:

We had a lot of "home made" boards like that in our companies head office. Polished mahogany cases. We would recable them and fit Red Spot fuse holders.

 

[Silly Sausage]

We had a lot of "home made" boards like that in our companies head office. Polished mahogany cases. We would recable them and fit Red Spot fuse holders.

This is what I call a Distribution Board...

 

[DPG]

It was a nightmare fitting that in the cupboard under the stairs. And now I can't get RCBOs for it. Daz

 

[Knobhead]

Some of the plant boards were like that, without the case.

Head office still had the glass-fronted cutouts. While rummaging around in the bottom of the meter cupboard I found a meter readers card from the 30’s. “Buxton Bough Corporation Electricity Supply Company” 440V DC supply. The meter reader would record the new readings on the card for the two meters. I wish I’d kept it.

 

[Silly Sausage]

They are things of beauty, I love the instrumentation.
I've got a lovely big old GEC ammeter at home that I want to fix into my supply, need to make a nice wooden box to house it.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

The wiring to the circuits looks like T&E?

I would say a new DB is required, but not essential as it would have complied when it was installed/ last rewired.

Why do you say it needs rewiring as we cant see the rest of the installation.

Would also apply to the DNO for a PME to be fitted.

DNO will charge for this.....just rod it....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

That’s one of the best earths I’ve ever seen sweated to a cable. The wire to it will be an earth for an old telephone lightening protection box. As for the cables, get them tested out. You may be surprised.

yes exactly Tony.....how does the O/P know if it needs rewireing if no tests have been carried out?....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

this is a case of "Ooh!! its an old rewireable C/U....well we`d better replace that sharpish".....nonsense...

 

[Knobhead]

DNO will charge for this.....just rod it....

Why? There's an earth sweated to the lead sheath.

Late again!

 

[Des 56]

Sorry in advance for some of the pics being on the side.

Any ones take on this would be great. I think the house needs a complete re wire.

You mention ring mains,but with my not so perfect eyes,I only see radial circuits

The larger of the fuses may be where a cooker supply was intended

The board itself looks much the same as the old cabinet jobbies.one side incorporated the cut out off the lead sheath supply cable and the meter box,the other, the bank of fuses that are on view
I suspect though, by looking at the pictures, that this was always a stand alone unit.I see no sign of knockouts or openings on the sides where the meter cabinet would be located

The cables themselves seem to be in descent nick given the age
The earth stud and the mass of bolted cables was pretty common
At least it is modern enough not to have neutral fusing
All in all an old system that is seen less and less these days

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Why? There's an earth sweated to the lead sheath.

Late again!

Yes....but my point was that DNO`s will charge for providing a PME connection......

 

[GLENNSPARK]

we`v had an install today returning 335 ohms impedence on a TN-S.....we called the DNO who have booked it in for a rapid response...within 3 hours

 

[Knobhead]

Yes....but my point was that DNO`s will charge for providing a PME connection......

Where did the need for PME come from ? ? ? ? I’m getting confused!

 

[Silly Sausage]

Where did the need for PME come from ? ? ? ? I’m getting confused!

Post No 3.
That is one lovely earth/sheath connection. I might do that at home!

 

[Knobhead]

I've still got my moleskin if you want to borrow it.