Crabtree Consumer Unit

pm2326

Hi

I currently have a Crabtree Consumer Unit that dates from pre 2000 (there's a sticker on the outside showing date).

Do I need to get this upgraded to a newer model or is it a why fix whats not broke moment?

Its an ex council house and I have no problems with my electrics, I just know this is an old unit and have no idea about the current regs

Thanks

DVardysShadow

In general if the consumer unit was compliant at the time it was fitted, then it does not need changing. If it has cartridge fuses or circuit breakers, then leave it alone. If it has rewireable fuses, change it, even though strictly you don't need to. And if you are extending the installation and it is not up to current requirements change it.

Otherwise, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

lifes-too-short

yip shadow is spot on, maybe post a picture so we can see what you have?

pm2326

Thanks for the help, I'm getting loads of jobs done on the house but this is the one area that kind of scares me as I know absolutely nothing about electrics and if I was being ripped off i probably wouldnt have a clue.

Before anyone comments can I just say I intend to get an inspection done, I just want to know where I stand with regards to the consumer unit at the minute

as requested here are a couple of photos, one is the main unit and the other is for the central heating only (sorry they are huge)


013 by pm2326, on Flickr


012 by pm2326, on Flickr

DVardysShadow

pm2326 wrote: »

Thanks for the help, I'm getting loads of jobs done on the house but this is the one area that kind of scares me as I know absolutely nothing about electrics and if I was being ripped off i probably wouldnt have a clue.

Before anyone comments can I just say I intend to get an inspection done, I just want to know where I stand with regards to the consumer unit at the minute

as requested here are a couple of photos, one is the main unit and the other is for the central heating only (sorry they are huge)

Actually, I think the consumer unit is Wylex [pic 012]. The Crabtree sticker belongs with the Earth Leakage trip in the unit in pic 013.

I am concerned by the amount of space around the fuseholders giving access to wiring without requiring a tool. Perhaps this is an industrial unit rather than a domestic one. Also the unit is short of ways for a modern installation and the 2nd fuseholder from the left in the 1st white block looks to have been broken open. You can get replacements [eg from http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Wylex_Standard_Carriers/index.html].

If you have children below the age of comprehension that electricity can be dangerous, you need immediately to act to prevent them having access to the unit. I suggest you get an electrician in to report fairly soon.

lifes-too-short

Hi PM, thanks for the pics. Agree with shadow (again lol)

In my opinion I would change the board and i feel you have a lack of circuits. If you are doing a lot to the house then put this on the list. If your adding circuits (board will require changing) or swapping things like electric shower or cooker etc then you will need to be wary of load and cable size etc. Again as shadow has stated the fuse holder is broken and needs replacing. I realise you will have a screw cover for the fuses (i hope so!!) as the gaps are excessive.

For the sake of £300/£400 you can get a 17th edition board supplied, fitted and certificated and this would put your mind at ease, RCD protection is a must in my eyes and the new boards have this.

For the record the above is only in my opinion. You say pre2000!! try pre 1970's.

pm2326

Morning

Well I have a PIR booked in for later this week so now I need advice on what I should be expecting the electricitian to do during the inspection, can anyone give me some tips please.

Also I have a massive bookcase in front of one socket...do I need to empty this so he has access to the socket to test? There are another 3 sockets in the same room which have no furniture in front of them so these are accessable.

Thanks for your help

dil1976

You could move the furniture yes, but also the person carrying out the inspection could just note it on the report saying there is no access to the socket. It may also be worth putting on here once the inspection is carried out all the C12 and C2 codes you get s we can advise if they are correct or just trying to scare monger your self.

muckybutt

The grey unit is as stated a Wylex unit, Nottm city council many years ago had these units in all their stock housing as standard.

The fuse cover is missing that is why you can get fingers into the unit, imo change it as soon as possible.

I worked for the council back in the late 90's on their tennants choice improvement scheme, we literally replaced 100's of these units....actually with crabtree boards ..... you dont live in Nottingham do you ?

pm2326

thanks for the comments

I dont live in Nottingham, I live in the north east and I haven't lost the covers, they were taken off to take the pics...if you look close enough you can see where the dust lines are...:rotfl:

The covers were put back on straight away

skintandfat

You should have an EICR booked- make sure the person checking is carrying out an EICR as PIR's went the way of the dinosaurs on 1st January 2012
You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals registered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/SearchCo.asp?T=Construction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk