Electrician advice please

Homebuyer278

Veteransaver said:

BarelySentientAI said:

That's pretty modern compared to most.

The lower. single way box looks like a wylex fuseboard from the early/mid 70s! It's would have originally had fuse wires but has been "upgraded" to a plug in MCB

That sounds like good news? 

FreeBear

Probably due for a rewire - When you do, position the consumer unit further away from the gas meter. Leave plenty of space around the existing electricity meter to allow space when a smart meter is installed. Also a good idea to fit an isolation switch between the meter and consumer unit. It saves having to pull the main fuse (most electricians are not authorised to pull the fuse).

Homebuyer278

BarelySentientAI said:

Veteransaver said:

BarelySentientAI said:

That's pretty modern compared to most.

The lower. single way box looks like a wylex fuseboard from the early/mid 70s! It's would have originally had fuse wires but has been "upgraded" to a plug in MCB

Correct.

It looks like a 70s rewire that's then had the CU & bits redone again in the early 90s to me.

More modern than a lot of installations that I come across.

That sounds promising again, thanks for replying. 

kevin1802

You can get rcbo's which may fit your consumer unit which would save you having to replace the cu

Veteransaver

Homebuyer278 said:

Veteransaver said:

BarelySentientAI said:

That's pretty modern compared to most.

The lower. single way box looks like a wylex fuseboard from the early/mid 70s! It's would have originally had fuse wires but has been "upgraded" to a plug in MCB

That sounds like good news? 

Wiring may be ok, though if you have major plans for the house it may make sense to have a new cu with more ways (Eg if you plan to extend or fit things like heat pumps, outside / garage power etcetc). So maybe not a rewire but worth looking improving it

Albermarle

Veteransaver said:

Homebuyer278 said:

Veteransaver said:

BarelySentientAI said:

That's pretty modern compared to most.

The lower. single way box looks like a wylex fuseboard from the early/mid 70s! It's would have originally had fuse wires but has been "upgraded" to a plug in MCB

That sounds like good news? 

Wiring may be ok, though if you have major plans for the house it may make sense to have a new cu with more ways (Eg if you plan to extend or fit things like heat pumps, outside / garage power etcetc). So maybe not a rewire but worth looking improving it

Also fitting a new CU is normally not very intrusive, unlike rewiring. 

Risteard

From a very quick glance at your photo (which is extremely limited in what it shows), the reality is that the electrical installation is highly likely to be well overdue for replacement. It is very likely that a complete rewire is long overdue.

Risteard

rob7475 said:

There's no RCD or MCBO in that consumer unit. I'm not sure if they can be added to that unit or not. If you want to add RCD protection, you may get away with a new consumer unit if the rest of the wiring is in good condition.

It's probably fine to live with for a bit but I wouldn't start any other renovations on the house until you've had it checked. If you do end up needing a rewire, get that done before any other jobs as it'll be disruptive.

There's no such thing as an "MCBO".

rob7475

Risteard said:

rob7475 said:

There's no RCD or MCBO in that consumer unit. I'm not sure if they can be added to that unit or not. If you want to add RCD protection, you may get away with a new consumer unit if the rest of the wiring is in good condition.

It's probably fine to live with for a bit but I wouldn't start any other renovations on the house until you've had it checked. If you do end up needing a rewire, get that done before any other jobs as it'll be disruptive.

There's no such thing as an "MCBO".

Type sorry - should have said RCBO