Should I modernise my consumer unit

UncleZen

It works. The oldest part is from 1987. If so, why? Pic below.

Rodders53

Yes. Safety. You have no RCD protection at all!! On anything (sockets and outside pond. Fuse wire carriers (perhaps cartridges) on some so that could be improved as well?

A nice new all Double-Pole switched RCBO board will tidy up that mess of wiring as well.

NB some RCBOs only switch live — demand both L & N are switched. They then isolate each circuit properly. May add a few £s per way but in the noise overall. Ensure a few spare ways remain in the CU for later expansion (for heat pump or EV say).

Get a few competitive quotes for the job.

EssexExile

Exactly what Rodders53 said, but get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) done at the same time. Back in those days anyone could do house wiring, I did several, so it needs checking.🤠

UncleZen

Yes, im thinking that its worthy of a tidy up and replacement with rcds etc. You've confirmed my thoughts.

The pond does have rcd at the pond end and worked when the pump went bad.

Ive lived here for 32 years. Never had a blown fuse, though I do have spare fusewire just in case!

Thanks

Bigphil1474

We had those wire fuse block things in our old house until about 5 years ago. We couldn't get hold of any wire to replace a blown fuse - the local shop said they were illegal anyway. Not sure if that's true, but we decided to get rid.

The electrician did have that look on his face when he came to fit a new consumer unit (the are you crazy why didn't you replace this years ago look!). He was a mate of a mate so it was cost price, even so it wouldn't have been particularly expensive.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81911482#Comment_81911482

We had those wire fuse block things in our old house until about 5 years ago. We couldn't get hold of any wire to replace a blown fuse - the local shop said they were illegal anyway. Not sure if that's true, but we decided to get rid.

It isn't true.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Deta-Fuse-Wire---Pack-of-3/p/255998

Ectophile

Those old rewirable fuses were made to British Standard BS3036, which has never been withdrawn. So not illegal.

But you still have no RCD. Which also isn't actually illegal (unless you are a landlord) as building regs changes aren't retrospective. But it's not up to modern safety standards.

Heedtheadvice

No need to change it (apart from updating to current standards) if still safe.

However it could well be that it has all been installed piecemeal and did not meet regulations when 'updates' were done. RCD on the pond supply is good and essential, so a plus point there. Have you had it all tested recently ( whole property) if not you should do. Have you even tested that pond rcd ?

It may be ( maybe unlikely!!) that the whole system is safe, that would be determined by electrical inspection and testing. It is surprising how many older properties have been modified or expanded over the years with some safety protection features missing such metal back boxes not earthed and ring mains not up to it anymore some things incorrectly wired, non of which have caused an issue for you but increased risks to propert and people. Current regulations would have metal consumer units and better trip switches and earth leakage protection to function to a higher standard and for improved safety is well worth the cost.

Edited for lots of typos...