Wiring Issues

costingbunny_2

Hi
Am looking to buy a house built in 1930 ish. It has had a new modern fuse box fitted by the current owner and he says the house was re-wired around 17 years ago (no paperwork). Does a modern fusebox mean it is OK? I know you cannot say without it being checked out really. I lived in a house of a similar age before and the box was modern but this house has old fashioned light switches (not really old dolly ones, just old fashioned flick type ones).

Sorry this is a bit of a badly worded post, just looking for some advice (which is probably, get it checked out professionally??)

Thanks

macman

Yes, it can have a brand new CU on 17 year old wiring. Only a proper test and report will tell you if it is safe and adequate.
A modern install will give you RCD protection, a 17 year old one won't.

Jonesya

The old fashioned light switches would raise questions (assuming they're not modern retro), they may have upgraded the consumer unit but that doesn't mean they replaced all the wiring or accessories. I'd get a proper inspection done.

fto

Wiring is probably ok...just check the earthing is up to date.
It is possible no earth is in the lighting circuits.
Also back then they did not put in lots of sockets.

Oli.s

costingbunny wrote: »

Hi
Am looking to buy a house built in 1930 ish. It has had a new modern fuse box fitted by the current owner and he says the house was re-wired around 17 years ago (no paperwork). Does a modern fusebox mean it is OK? I know you cannot say without it being checked out really. I lived in a house of a similar age before and the box was modern but this house has old fashioned light switches (not really old dolly ones, just old fashioned flick type ones).

Sorry this is a bit of a badly worded post, just looking for some advice (which is probably, get it checked out professionally??)

Thanks

You've answered your own question mate.

tlh858

costingbunny wrote: »

Does a modern fusebox mean it is OK?

No.

You could have someone install a new consumer unit (fusebox), and at the same time check everything, do all of the tests properly, repair anything which wasn't up to standards, replace damaged items, etc.

Or someone could just shove a new box in there, with the only check being the the lights turned on at least once.

The wiring in the house might be 17 years old. Or it might not be. Or perhaps the bits you can see are new, with the rest being crumbling 50 year old rubber insulated mess.

brutus1983

get a full inspection done what id be most worried about is that the current owner is a have a go diy fanatic and did it himself especally if the earthing system was a TT and hasnt been connected properly or tested

also bonding needs to be checked

no point buying a house only to find out it burns down or kills you due to poor wiring

a domestic premises should be tested every 10 years anyway