House, sorting electrics

Sone · 7 Oct 2012 at 18:33

Ok my electrics are a bit old

http://i49.tinypic.com/3532rsz.jpg

Well not quite that old, new fuseboard is below (assumed rewired in the 70s). The extra pair you see coming off the breaker is the immersion heater :eek:

http://i47.tinypic.com/2na5par.jpg

Where I work loads of sparks will do me the work cheap, but they are all industrial guys so planning on getting them to do it but just get it tested.

To make it a bit more modern / safer thinking of replacing fuses with the plug in mcb's and get an RCD to replace the old voltage trip. Re earth it with 16mm cable (its an earth bar system, no earth on incoming). Then do something with the immersion heater (leave this upto the spark)

Does this sound a reasonable plan to you guys? Won't be perfect just a cheap way of getting a bit more modern.

tamzzy · 7 Oct 2012 at 18:38

are those ceramic fuses? lol

Sone · 7 Oct 2012 at 18:39

tamzzy said:
are those ceramic fuses? lol

rubber cable too, that box is well and truly dead had the mulitmetre on it. Just the lower one still in use.

(checked every single light and socket make sure non of the rubber insulated cable was reused)

Biohazard · 7 Oct 2012 at 18:43

Looks perfectly safe to me..

Derek W · 7 Oct 2012 at 18:58

That's pretty much what I've just had done. Had a mate do the work.

sparky05084 · 7 Oct 2012 at 19:40

Personally, I would have a 17th edition Consumer Unit fitted that is either split load RCD or has individual circuit RCBO's (the latter being more expensive but far more efficient).

Have one of your Sparks look at the job (if you haven't arranged this already) and I'm sure he will advise of similar.

Never scrimp on Electrics, even where cost is concerned.

feav66 · 7 Oct 2012 at 20:26

I agree with sparky05084. By the time you've bought replacement mcbs and new RCD main switch a replacement split load board wouldn't be much more expensive.

Don't get distribution equipment from places like B&Q and the like, its like buying usb cables from PC world. The prices they charge are stupid.

Go to a local electrical wholesaler, they often have special offers on boards and breakers and you can pay cash at the counter.

Sone · 7 Oct 2012 at 20:57

sparks at work advised single rcd. With all sockets on one ring and all lights on other seems no point to split load board. Plan to rewire eventually but that being big bucks want to male best of what i have (could get board ready i suppose only 20 quid or so more than other way)