Level 2 Survey old style fuse box

bflare

I have just received the level 2 survey report which states that there is no current test certificate & the consumer unit is of the old type which used wires. I am now wondering whether this would mean the house would need a full rewire? The house was built in the mid 1980's so I am guessing it's not had the electrics updated since then. I have asked the estate agent if the vendor would be willing to have a Gas & Electricity check carried out so that I know what I am dealing with. The Electricity & Gas were both given a condition rating of 3. The electricity consumer unit is shown below. Can anyone give me any thoughts on whether this would likely cost a lot to get up to standard?

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TheJP

There is no requirement for a gas/electric certificate unless you are a landlord. I think its unreasonable to ask the seller to pay for these checks, once you have the checks done you'll have more of an idea on costs.

Does it need replacing?

daveyjp

The electrics will in no way be up to present standards, but chances are nor will a property built 5 years ago.  Whether you want the fuse box replacing is therefore down to you.

If you want gas and electric checks that is down to you, never rely on vendors surveys.

user1977

The consumer unit looks original, but it's had the original fuses replaced with RCDs, so at least modernised to some extent. I wouldn't be concerned unless there are actual faults apparent.

bflare

user1977 said:

The consumer unit looks original, but it's had the original fuses replaced with RCDs, so at least modernised to some extent. I wouldn't be concerned unless there are actual faults apparent.

I assume an electrical safety check would pick up any faults & any recomendations? 

ProDave

An EICR (Electrical Instalation Condition Report) is needed to determine the extent of work needed.

I still find 1960's installs that were installed by true craftsmen and the wiring is as good as the day it was installed.  All that is needed is earth bonding brought up to standard and a new consumer unit.  Equally you can find the wiring is all rotten and messed about no end by DIY Joe.

Even if the wiring is perfect, you might still want work done as there is unlikely to be enough sockets.  One per bedroom was the normal once.  Then you have to make the decision how much work to do vs the upheaval it will cause and redecoration needed.

youth_leader

If I had my time again, I would have paid for an electrical check, I've just had to pay for all the spotlight transformers to be changed to LED compatible. 

The EPC didn't arrive until very late in the process and when I eventually read it, it did mention changing to energy efficient lighting.  

Slithery

youth_leader said:

The EPC didn't arrive until very late in the process and when I eventually read it, it did mention changing to energy efficient lighting.  

Not unexpected. That's what they all say.

youth_leader

Unfortunately for me cost £300 for the spotlights, plus £100 for the smoke/heat alarms that needed replacing. 

dimbo61

From a quick look at that angle I can only see a few RCB,s while the current 18th edition would have maybe 8/10/12 for a large house, garage, outbuildings and security lights/Alarm device and even CCTV.
Modern fire safety so interlinked smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarm. 
It's up to you to check out how many modern double sockets you see in each room.
How many extension leads did you notice ?

bflare

dimbo61 said:

From a quick look at that angle I can only see a few RCB,s while the current 18th edition would have maybe 8/10/12 for a large house, garage, outbuildings and security lights/Alarm device and even CCTV.
Modern fire safety so interlinked smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarm. 
It's up to you to check out how many modern double sockets you see in each room.
How many extension leads did you notice ?

The property is a 2 bed mid terrace with no garage but a conservatory. The survey did say that there was no mains supplied smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. There is a newly fitted security alarm. 

To be honest due to covid and this being my first time buying a house I didn't take much notice of the sockets. However, from the pictures there appears to be several modem double sockets in the kitchen. The living room appears to have had several wall lights fitted so I assumed there had been some electrical upgrading at some point. I did notice one extension lead in the conservatory which was built in 2005 which was used for a dryer.