Do we need an RCD protected fuseboard?

thriftytiger

As new homeowners we have had to have various things done around the house, two separate tradesmen commented that our wiring (particularly in our attic bedroom) needed looking at, one of them disconnected a socket [and charged us] as he said it was dangerous. The second (a gas fitter) recommended an electrician to do a periodic check. The electrician took one look at the fuseboard and said that it needed replacing as it was very old and not RCD protected, and that if we were going to have that done there was no point him doing the periodic check as it would include an installation check. He has quoted £300 (inc vat), and £20 per hour for any other work (i.e. the dodgy stuff in the attic bedroom which I was originally worried about). A periodic check was performed about 18 months ago by a NAPIT registered electrician (commissioned by previous owners) but this new electrician (plus forementioned tradesmen) say this is completely fabricated, plus it is very difficult to decipher! I have asked various people if it is necessary to have this work done - i.e. is it a safety issue but I can't seem to get a straight answer. His quote seems quite cheap but we are worried that the other unknown work might get costly - is it likely to? I've searched for this electrician on the registers of a couple of bodies and can't find him, but am aware there are various. Should I steer clear? Can anyone advise on our best course of action?

moonrakerz

I would find an electrician registered with:

http://niceic.org.uk/en/householder/

and ask him to do a survey.

I would get the fuse box replaced anyway !

Mankysteve

Your not required to replace it but it wouldn't be a bad idea safety wise It could help save a family member one day. all new builds/refits must now use a RCD fuse board

thriftytiger

Thanks Mankysteve you make the safety issue pretty clear! Just a case of finding someone registered, shame this one wasn't as it seems like he was giving me good advice and seemed genuine.

Premier_2

If you can afford to keep up with the latest and greatest electrical intallation requirements, obviously it will be safer.

But there are many, many residential properties out there not protected by rcds. A lot are protected by fuse cartridges, and there are quite of few of the earlier rewireable fuse wire types still in existence in many people's homes.
(The woman in the pizza hut advert pulls one out I think)