Problems with Electrical system in house we bought

cjmillsnun

I wouldn't worry about the asbestos. It is probably trace amounts within the fuse board/main switch - Perfectly normal in older installations. Unless it is damaged it will not cost extra to remove as it will be removed as part of the fuse board assembly.

If Scottish Gas has condemned the system they should've done an EICR (they are not a DNO so would act as any other electrical contractor). You do have the right to ask for a copy of that.

davidmcn

exiled_red wrote: »

If something has been deemed faulty is it in working order?

If it is actually faulty then it's not in working order.

The asbestos is a separate issue. Assuming that they were unaware of it at the time of the report and were made aware of it later should they pass that information on?

They don't need to make you aware of it at all.

Owain_Moneysaver

You were planning on rewiring anyway so you're not facing any additional costs or upheaval.

And please put up some photos so we can judge how dire the situation actually is.

baldelectrician

cjmillsnun wrote: »

If Scottish Gas has condemned the system they should've done an EICR

This is wrong advice- all that is required is to bring anything you find to the clients / owners attention.
Technically an electrician cannot disconnect a faulty circuit (unless they have the owners permission), although if it is really immediately dangerous I will make it safer and issue a EDN (electrical danger notification)


You should ask Scottish Gas for a copy of the electrical danger notice.

molerat

davidmcn wrote: »

They don't need to make you aware of it at all.

As it is generally a specific question in the Scottish Property Questionnaire I don't think that is the correct answer

davidmcn

molerat wrote: »

As it is generally a specific question in the Scottish Property Questionnaire I don't think that is the correct answer

Ah, I don't think I've ever seen a positive answer to it which is probably why I didn't notice! But still, I don't think they need to notify you if they later become aware of asbestos. (leaving aside the question of whether the sticker actually means someone has identified asbestos or just the possibility of it being there)

exiled_red

Update: I have got into contact with Scottish gas and finally got through to someone who has been able to tell me about what the problem is, apparently it is just the meter is out of date and needs replacing, they have arranged for someone to come out and deal with that tomorrow, they were less useful about the asbestos but said that the guy tomorrow might be able to offer more information.

ProDave

exiled_red wrote: »

Update: I have got into contact with Scottish gas and finally got through to someone who has been able to tell me about what the problem is, apparently it is just the meter is out of date and needs replacing, they have arranged for someone to come out and deal with that tomorrow, they were less useful about the asbestos but said that the guy tomorrow might be able to offer more information.

The meter is the suppliers responsibility and it is up to them when / if they replace it, and if they do it's at their expense.

I would not worry about the "asbestos" issue. Unless you start poking about with it there won't be issues continuing to use the old fuse box until you are ready to rewire.

glasgowdan

So in summary, OP, you have nothing to worry about and no claim for anything.

Get on with enjoying the new home!

Owain_Moneysaver

exiled_red wrote: »

apparently it is just the meter is out of date and needs replacing, they have arranged for someone to come out and deal with that tomorrow, they were less useful about the asbestos but said that the guy tomorrow might be able to offer more information.

The asbestos notice is probably a warning to the meter changer in case he needs to pull the main cutout fuse.