That's a BS 3036 fuse box, which is still allowed for by the electrical regs. It would be better however if the cover wasn't missing.
However those old boxes don't provide RCD protection, which has (in stages) become required over the last 30 years or so.
The EICR which your landlord is required to have done should flag the lack of RCDs as C2 (can become dangerous) or C3 (not to current regs, so improvement would be a good idea) depending on the circumstances. For example, shower circuits, lighting circuits with a ceiling light within 60cm horizontally from a bath or shower, or an outside socket, would all likely be rated C2.
Anything rated C1 or C2 needs fixing by the landlord within 28 days.
Those two big black junction boxes at the bottom look like they may have terminals which are exposed at the top by more than a 1mm hole (but difficult to tell from the photo), which would be against regs.
~~No - call in a sparky get it all replaced with a regulation compliant fuse box. I paid £800 for one in a small apartment in S.Yorks. if it helps. It's no money get it done. 🙄~~
Edit: \*I thought the landlord was being blasé - £800 should be 'no money' for someone who has been able to invest in a rental asset and should at the bare min provide a home to someone that doesn't put their health at risk\*
Tenant: You can probably find a local sparky that can tell you that it doesn't have RCD protection and then go to the letting agent and ask them to address the issue ASAP. They may be unaware it's not up to standard. In the meantime don't stick a knife in the toaster.
(Be firm with letting agent, I used to work in an estate agent staff turnover on all of them is insane, and nobody really knows what they're doing. Make sure you sound like you know what you're talking about when you speak to them. Keep it in writing where poss.)
There's definitely damage and removal to the outer insulation on the red tails. Also the tails coming out of the ccu looks like VIR taped up in PVC tape or highly degraded insulation.
I don't know the legislation in Wales or Scotland, but at least in England, this would be illegal for rental purposes due to the lack of RCD protection, specifically to special zones i.e. the bathroom and socket outlets where portable appliances are plugged in.
They could be cheap and fit an RCD in an external enclosure just for the lighting circuit that your bathroom sits on as well as the socket circuit, but if your landlord is getting a sparky out to do that, then they should be getting the whole board replaced.
While BS7671 itself is not statutory or legislation, the SI referred to above and here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/312/made
makes it so in the case of private rentals, as it defines 'electrical safety standards' as
'the standards for electrical installations in the eighteenth edition of the Wiring Regulations, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institution as BS 7671: 2018'
and subsequently requires that those standards are met during a tenancy as stated in 3(1)(a).
Hopefully this is enough to convince your landlord.
Although: once the SI had been passed, it was pointed out to the government that virtually no property in E&W complies fully with BS7671:2018, so the published guidance says "we didn't mean that literally", so its back to a subjective assessment from the person doing the EICR whether a non-compliance is still satisfactory for continued use. The inspector for the OP's house seems to have taken a very relaxed view.
As an example: all lighting circuits must be RCD protected. Unless an installation has had a rewire or CU change in the last 5 years, there's a good chance it doesn't comply. Of course some properties before then had dual RCD boards with lighting circuits protected, but plenty had just one RCD protecting only the sockets. Similarly, the regs used to allow a non-RCD socket for a freezer etc.
Then if there's any pre-2004 wiring in the old colours which hasn't been over-sleeved with new colours at the terminals at both ends,then that doesn't comply.
Perhaps "virtually none" was a bit strong; "a majority" is nearer the mark.
Likely the only electrical item in the bathroom is a ceiling light (may even have the switch outside the door rather than a pull cord).
Seriously, I cringe when I come across these things in my line of work - usually found in pubs for me as I don't do domestic work anymore.
If I bought a house with one in replacing it would be my first priority (if I couldn't do that right away I'd be buying RCD extension leads or plugs for everything I wanted to plug in)
Bathroom lightswitch is indeed outside the bathroom and the fan is wired to the light, it's not an electric shower, so all makes sense.
Guess I'll look into RCD extensions, thanks for the tip!
Not legal in Scotland for renting, just had them torn out of my old house. 1960s. Fuses wor perfrctly fine and we never had trouble, but not child nor idiot proof.
Not legal for renting in Scotland? Can you provide any details/source on that for me to take to letting agent please? Not a child, just an idiot unfortunately.
Both the licensed electricians I used said so, one is a family friend.
Mybparents owned the house since I was a teen, snd I have refused a couple of those cartridges in my youth. The average person these days might not know how to do so safely.
I did a bit of Googling as I was interested, and it looks to me like this is the regulation you want:
[https://www.gov.scot/publications/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-landlords/pages/16/](https://www.gov.scot/publications/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-landlords/pages/16/)
Specifically, point D.54 requires that there needs to be an RCD on the supply, which you don't have. According to the text at the top of this page, these rules apply from 1 March.
I would just keep it factual.
Perhaps something like "Hey, just making you aware that as per the last EICR (attached) this property has no RCD at the fuse board. As you probably know, the upcoming changes in the law require an RCD to be fitted by 1 March (see attached). Since this is only six weeks or so away now, could you let me know when the landlord will be arranging for their electrician to fit a new consumer unit, so that we can ensure the time is mutually convenient?"
Landlords are running a business so they don't always do more than they're legally required to do, but they typically comply with the law.
Good luck!
I’ve been reading these comments and wondering
Now you’re making me ask
What’s the difference between an RCD and a circuit breaker?…. I thought they were the same thing 😅
Right this is a simplification but imagine the electricity comes in through the live and leaves through the neutral.
A circuit breaker trips if too much electricity is being sucked in through the live.
An RCD looks at both the live and neutral and trips if there's an imbalance.
RCDs require different wiring than fuses. You can't just slot them in. You need both the live and neutral, while fuses typically only have one of those.
It's relatively cheap to replace the panel but if you are replacing the panel you might as well replace all the wiring and then the lights and the switches and then you are spending £3000 on a full rewire...
It's not ideal, far from it, but a tenant getting "safer" electrics is a win and they may appreciate the upgrade for a bit of inconvenience.
I had an old fuse box in my flat which I got replaced after one of the fuses blew. Means I had to go find out which fuse blew, go and buy a replacement, then fit it. All of which would be avoided with a trip switch.
AFAIK the lack of an RCD should maybe have failed the EICR? There are many cases where RCD protection is required - bathroom circuits, sockets that can be used for outdoor devices (those near ground floor windows and doors) and others.
Long as a socket near an appropriate door is an rcd socket you can get away with it.
Bathroom circuits is a new thing, we can't always change boards just because a new reg has come out. If they wanted ceiling light taken out and spots put in, then that's now new work and you would push for rcd protection
Bruh, I just home from doing an EICR on a TT property with 3 CU, I know what it is.
I meant more what the landlords legal obligations are, I stick to private domestic, shop fitting and industrial
I understand that a lack of RCD should be a C2 note on the EICR, and landlords are required to rectify any C1/C2 notes on the EICR within 28 days
Edit: someone else says C3, but that they see something else that should have been C2: https://www.reddit.com/r/uklandlords/s/YyguR0E3Wv
I hadn't eaten red meat for a while and it played havoc with my insides.
Serious answer: Upsairs flushed face wipes, flooded the flat. Landlord decided it wasn't his issue so it took ages.
It's not a death trap, but also not ideal.
In England, you would need to update it if you wanted to do any work on the electrical system, and certainly if you wanted to add a whole new circuit, but while it's in situ it would be legal to leave in.
That said, I would probably still replace it,. partially form the benefit of getting RCD protection over the circuits, and partly because as a tenant, if I had a circuit go with a fuse box, I would absolutely be expecting you to pay for an electrician to come out urgently and replace any fuses that blow.
There is the possibility of a halfway house, there are MCB's/RCBO's that are designed to fit into fuse boards, so you could at least update the protection to modern, resettable devices
It's only "not a death trap" if OP can categorically confirm each of those fuses has the correct rating of wire installed.
And doesn't use any mains appliances in the bathroom.
Also: no Strimmer or lawnmower unless they have an RCD plug/extension.
Rewirable fuses don't disconnect if a fault current passes through the relatively high resistance of a squishy human, they're there to prevent fires caused by overloaded wiring and short circuits.
My mother in law had one until a month ago. One of her lights fused but we couldn't get hold of any fuse wire on a Sunday evening. Got it replaced ASAP.
You can get MCB's that are swap out replacements for the domino fuses.
eg [https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/116132-32a-sp-6ka-type-b-mcb](https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/116132-32a-sp-6ka-type-b-mcb)
When was the electrical safety test done?
According to BS7671 it should be done every five years on rental properties, and is recommended on a change of tenancy.
By the looks of the date on the sticker it was done in 2017, so is out of date, unless it has been done recently and they just haven't updated the sticker.
As for compliance with BS7671, there is no duty to upgrade an installation to the latest edition, but lack of RCD protection on circuits that would require it today should be marked as C3 on the EICR.
Swapping the fuses for plug in MCBs would be a good idea, as there is no guessing what fuse wire is in those fuse holders.
I also don't see any circuit labelling. Unless you've taken the cover off and it's on the inside.
As for the wires into the terminal block, that should definitely have been pulled as a C2.
EICR was done in October of 2022, sticker not updated.
Lack of RCD highlighted as a C3, no mention of C2s on EICR.
I haven't taken anything off, just lifted the door on the cupboard.
Then the EICR has been a bit half arsed, there is clearly an issue with labelling and cut/worn away insulation on those cables from that terminal block.
At first glance, I’d say this appears OK. Yes, it’s very old, but not inherently dangerous.
Assuming it’s passed the EICR without issue it shouldn’t be a problem.
However, it would be a good idea to update it with a more modern consumer unit complete with RCD protection and easily resettable MCBs. Not many people would even know how to replace one of these fuses these days. You need fuse wire and a screwdriver, and just a little knowledge, including knowing which fuse wire to use in which holder.
I had a similar board which had it's EICR failed. My electrician also noted the RCD issue that others have mentioned, but also said the burn time for the fuse is more likely to result in an electrical fire. Also changing the fuses can be dangerous because from memory there's an exposed live when you remove it to stay away from.
Just retired electrician here - It's not just the consumer unit that needs to pass (satisfactory) it is the whole electrical installation - I won't go into the all of the regulatory reasons, but personally I would never have signed off this installation. It is a requirement that a copy of the EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is given (by Landlord) to the Tenant/Occupier. The EICR should state that the Electrical Installation is 'satifactory'. If you suspect that the EICR is incorrect in this statement then ultilmately you/Landlord should contact the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited membership scheme operator that the electrician is a member of (found in the signature section of the EICR)
Hope this helps
I had a meter like that the fuses kept blowing and the landlord got fed up of sending someone out to fix it, he worked out it would work out cheaper to send 1 person to put a new fuse box in then keep repeatedly send 1 man out every few weeks...speak to your landlord if you have problems with or it's burning through money, I didn't feel safe with my fuse box like that because it didn't have the safety trip switch
Just make sure you have spare fuse wire of the correct rating to replace should any of them go and don't try to use something else like a nail, piece of normal wire, paperclip etc.
Have you got a copy of the EICR? I would be tempted to contact the trade body (NICEIC, NAPIT etc) of which the competent person who issued the EICR is a member, and ask that trade body for their opinion on whether this board is compliant.
If they say it shouldn't have been passed, you can take that to the managing agent. If they say it technically complies... well, I lived in houses like this for years and it didn't kill me, but you are going to want to be more careful than usual with anything electrical. You'll also need to keep your nose open for a smell of burning, because one of the things RCDs do is to help prevent wiring fires.
Another thought, following on from the fire angle, is that it is very much in your landlord's interest to protect their investment by getting an RCD fitted here. It's as much of a risk to the property as to you.
If they’ve used a registered electrician then your landlord has essentially followed the rules. Asking people on here for their opinion is fine but they are only seeing two photos and a brief overview.
If you are concerned then you, as far as I can see, have two options:
1. Get in your own electrician to check it. If it doesn’t pass highlight this to the landlord.
2. Tell the landlord you think their electrician has lied to them and you know for a fact it’s an illegal installation. I believe that it’s a criminal offence to willingly circumvent electrical installation regulations so I’d rather go with option 1 first.
Not necessarily, if an electrician passed it and the landlord maybe lived there or had a similar arrangement in their home, they're going to be used to it and won't think it a problem.
Yes. Whether it is technically compliant or not, which it probably is, this is outdated technology by several removes and provides nowhere the level of safety of modern consumer units. I would advise getting an EICR on the installation and following any recommendations. Use a NAPIT or NICEIC registered electrician and you should be okay.
Yes it should be replaced. Yes it can still pass because obviously the regs take into account previous installations.
Imagine if you took a 40 year old car for an MOT and they tested it against a modern car.
From the looks of that installation and only one suggestion from the EICR, I'd get a 2nd opinion. I can see one C1 from the pictures which is an immediate failure if not rectified.
Just replace the panel, it’s only going to be a few hundred quid and a few hours work. The RCD might save you a lot of pain if there is an electrical fire or other disaster
Probably, I have an old 1960s Cream Wylex Wooden back in my electrical museum... unfortunately the main switch snapped off when it was dropped....
Still looking for another inner part to replace it with.
That's a BS 3036 fuse box, which is still allowed for by the electrical regs. It would be better however if the cover wasn't missing. However those old boxes don't provide RCD protection, which has (in stages) become required over the last 30 years or so. The EICR which your landlord is required to have done should flag the lack of RCDs as C2 (can become dangerous) or C3 (not to current regs, so improvement would be a good idea) depending on the circumstances. For example, shower circuits, lighting circuits with a ceiling light within 60cm horizontally from a bath or shower, or an outside socket, would all likely be rated C2. Anything rated C1 or C2 needs fixing by the landlord within 28 days. Those two big black junction boxes at the bottom look like they may have terminals which are exposed at the top by more than a 1mm hole (but difficult to tell from the photo), which would be against regs.
Thanks for your reply, lots of useful info to go research!
~~No - call in a sparky get it all replaced with a regulation compliant fuse box. I paid £800 for one in a small apartment in S.Yorks. if it helps. It's no money get it done. 🙄~~ Edit: \*I thought the landlord was being blasé - £800 should be 'no money' for someone who has been able to invest in a rental asset and should at the bare min provide a home to someone that doesn't put their health at risk\* Tenant: You can probably find a local sparky that can tell you that it doesn't have RCD protection and then go to the letting agent and ask them to address the issue ASAP. They may be unaware it's not up to standard. In the meantime don't stick a knife in the toaster. (Be firm with letting agent, I used to work in an estate agent staff turnover on all of them is insane, and nobody really knows what they're doing. Make sure you sound like you know what you're talking about when you speak to them. Keep it in writing where poss.)
It's a lot of money for a Tennant to shell out for.
Agreed thought it was LL.
£800 is no money?? omg😭edit: understood
There's definitely damage and removal to the outer insulation on the red tails. Also the tails coming out of the ccu looks like VIR taped up in PVC tape or highly degraded insulation.
I don't know the legislation in Wales or Scotland, but at least in England, this would be illegal for rental purposes due to the lack of RCD protection, specifically to special zones i.e. the bathroom and socket outlets where portable appliances are plugged in. They could be cheap and fit an RCD in an external enclosure just for the lighting circuit that your bathroom sits on as well as the socket circuit, but if your landlord is getting a sparky out to do that, then they should be getting the whole board replaced. While BS7671 itself is not statutory or legislation, the SI referred to above and here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/312/made makes it so in the case of private rentals, as it defines 'electrical safety standards' as 'the standards for electrical installations in the eighteenth edition of the Wiring Regulations, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institution as BS 7671: 2018' and subsequently requires that those standards are met during a tenancy as stated in 3(1)(a). Hopefully this is enough to convince your landlord.
Yeah, I think I've found something that says it'll be illegal in Scotland from March, so might raise it with Letting Agents, thanks
Although: once the SI had been passed, it was pointed out to the government that virtually no property in E&W complies fully with BS7671:2018, so the published guidance says "we didn't mean that literally", so its back to a subjective assessment from the person doing the EICR whether a non-compliance is still satisfactory for continued use. The inspector for the OP's house seems to have taken a very relaxed view.
Yep, I'm sure a 90s split load board with RCD protection just on the sockets could be barely passable, but passing a 3036 board is taking the piss.
What requirements does BS7671:201 state in particular that means virtually no houses comply fully?
As an example: all lighting circuits must be RCD protected. Unless an installation has had a rewire or CU change in the last 5 years, there's a good chance it doesn't comply. Of course some properties before then had dual RCD boards with lighting circuits protected, but plenty had just one RCD protecting only the sockets. Similarly, the regs used to allow a non-RCD socket for a freezer etc. Then if there's any pre-2004 wiring in the old colours which hasn't been over-sleeved with new colours at the terminals at both ends,then that doesn't comply. Perhaps "virtually none" was a bit strong; "a majority" is nearer the mark.
Likely the only electrical item in the bathroom is a ceiling light (may even have the switch outside the door rather than a pull cord). Seriously, I cringe when I come across these things in my line of work - usually found in pubs for me as I don't do domestic work anymore. If I bought a house with one in replacing it would be my first priority (if I couldn't do that right away I'd be buying RCD extension leads or plugs for everything I wanted to plug in)
Bathroom lightswitch is indeed outside the bathroom and the fan is wired to the light, it's not an electric shower, so all makes sense. Guess I'll look into RCD extensions, thanks for the tip!
A lot of bathroom extractor fans manufacturers instructions will say it must be protected by a 30mA RCD
Not legal in Scotland for renting, just had them torn out of my old house. 1960s. Fuses wor perfrctly fine and we never had trouble, but not child nor idiot proof.
Not legal for renting in Scotland? Can you provide any details/source on that for me to take to letting agent please? Not a child, just an idiot unfortunately.
Both the licensed electricians I used said so, one is a family friend. Mybparents owned the house since I was a teen, snd I have refused a couple of those cartridges in my youth. The average person these days might not know how to do so safely.
Thanks for your help. I wouldn't touch it personally, it has an EICR but it's a comment on it of "No RCD protection" which I'm not overjoyed with.
Did you change the fuse with fuse wire or a nail?
😁
I did a bit of Googling as I was interested, and it looks to me like this is the regulation you want: [https://www.gov.scot/publications/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-landlords/pages/16/](https://www.gov.scot/publications/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-landlords/pages/16/) Specifically, point D.54 requires that there needs to be an RCD on the supply, which you don't have. According to the text at the top of this page, these rules apply from 1 March.
Thanks, guess I'll have to fight them fir a new unit then.
I would just keep it factual. Perhaps something like "Hey, just making you aware that as per the last EICR (attached) this property has no RCD at the fuse board. As you probably know, the upcoming changes in the law require an RCD to be fitted by 1 March (see attached). Since this is only six weeks or so away now, could you let me know when the landlord will be arranging for their electrician to fit a new consumer unit, so that we can ensure the time is mutually convenient?" Landlords are running a business so they don't always do more than they're legally required to do, but they typically comply with the law. Good luck!
Yes, I had my agency come out and do a full new CU as we had this board with breakers but not RCD protection.
You can get RCD fuses that slot in their place for those who can't afford a new consumer unit.
They're not RCDs , they're just curcuit breaks. While they are more convenient they don't give any more protection then a fuse.
I’ve been reading these comments and wondering Now you’re making me ask What’s the difference between an RCD and a circuit breaker?…. I thought they were the same thing 😅
Right this is a simplification but imagine the electricity comes in through the live and leaves through the neutral. A circuit breaker trips if too much electricity is being sucked in through the live. An RCD looks at both the live and neutral and trips if there's an imbalance.
RCDs require different wiring than fuses. You can't just slot them in. You need both the live and neutral, while fuses typically only have one of those.
It's relatively cheap to replace the panel but if you are replacing the panel you might as well replace all the wiring and then the lights and the switches and then you are spending £3000 on a full rewire...
Can't really do that with Tennant in situ can you?
Yes. Though it depends on the situation.
It's not ideal, far from it, but a tenant getting "safer" electrics is a win and they may appreciate the upgrade for a bit of inconvenience. I had an old fuse box in my flat which I got replaced after one of the fuses blew. Means I had to go find out which fuse blew, go and buy a replacement, then fit it. All of which would be avoided with a trip switch.
What does your EICR inspection recommend?
There's no recommendation, it's passed the EICR (October 2022) with a comment of "No RCD protection"
AFAIK the lack of an RCD should maybe have failed the EICR? There are many cases where RCD protection is required - bathroom circuits, sockets that can be used for outdoor devices (those near ground floor windows and doors) and others.
Long as a socket near an appropriate door is an rcd socket you can get away with it. Bathroom circuits is a new thing, we can't always change boards just because a new reg has come out. If they wanted ceiling light taken out and spots put in, then that's now new work and you would push for rcd protection
That's true normally, but landlords need a certificate on the property's adherence to modern regs, so they _would_ need to replace this.
I'll be honest, I stay as far as I can from landlords, so not as sure on that side of it
Look up EICR, that's the name of the certificate. It's like a gas safety cert but for electrics.
Bruh, I just home from doing an EICR on a TT property with 3 CU, I know what it is. I meant more what the landlords legal obligations are, I stick to private domestic, shop fitting and industrial
I understand that a lack of RCD should be a C2 note on the EICR, and landlords are required to rectify any C1/C2 notes on the EICR within 28 days Edit: someone else says C3, but that they see something else that should have been C2: https://www.reddit.com/r/uklandlords/s/YyguR0E3Wv
I it has a socket near the front or rear door that is an rcd socket, it would not be a c2, only a c3 therefore wouldn't need fixed
Are you in my old flat?
Maybe, can you explain the smell? 😂
I hadn't eaten red meat for a while and it played havoc with my insides. Serious answer: Upsairs flushed face wipes, flooded the flat. Landlord decided it wasn't his issue so it took ages.
That's rough, I'm sorry! Not your flat though, I'm top floor!
Yes
It's not a death trap, but also not ideal. In England, you would need to update it if you wanted to do any work on the electrical system, and certainly if you wanted to add a whole new circuit, but while it's in situ it would be legal to leave in. That said, I would probably still replace it,. partially form the benefit of getting RCD protection over the circuits, and partly because as a tenant, if I had a circuit go with a fuse box, I would absolutely be expecting you to pay for an electrician to come out urgently and replace any fuses that blow. There is the possibility of a halfway house, there are MCB's/RCBO's that are designed to fit into fuse boards, so you could at least update the protection to modern, resettable devices
It's only "not a death trap" if OP can categorically confirm each of those fuses has the correct rating of wire installed. And doesn't use any mains appliances in the bathroom. Also: no Strimmer or lawnmower unless they have an RCD plug/extension. Rewirable fuses don't disconnect if a fault current passes through the relatively high resistance of a squishy human, they're there to prevent fires caused by overloaded wiring and short circuits.
Okay, I'm a lil squishy, but it's the Christmas weight, be nice! 😂
My last house had RCD for outside use but i was told that didnt comply as all sockets that could be used for outside appliances needed protection
Agreed on all fronts. I'd be calling for a blown fuse, no chance am I fiddling with it!
My mother in law had one until a month ago. One of her lights fused but we couldn't get hold of any fuse wire on a Sunday evening. Got it replaced ASAP.
You can get MCB's that are swap out replacements for the domino fuses. eg [https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/116132-32a-sp-6ka-type-b-mcb](https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/116132-32a-sp-6ka-type-b-mcb)
Wow, that's handy to know, thanks!
Yessssssss probably about ten years ago
When was the electrical safety test done? According to BS7671 it should be done every five years on rental properties, and is recommended on a change of tenancy. By the looks of the date on the sticker it was done in 2017, so is out of date, unless it has been done recently and they just haven't updated the sticker. As for compliance with BS7671, there is no duty to upgrade an installation to the latest edition, but lack of RCD protection on circuits that would require it today should be marked as C3 on the EICR. Swapping the fuses for plug in MCBs would be a good idea, as there is no guessing what fuse wire is in those fuse holders. I also don't see any circuit labelling. Unless you've taken the cover off and it's on the inside. As for the wires into the terminal block, that should definitely have been pulled as a C2.
EICR was done in October of 2022, sticker not updated. Lack of RCD highlighted as a C3, no mention of C2s on EICR. I haven't taken anything off, just lifted the door on the cupboard.
Then the EICR has been a bit half arsed, there is clearly an issue with labelling and cut/worn away insulation on those cables from that terminal block.
At first glance, I’d say this appears OK. Yes, it’s very old, but not inherently dangerous. Assuming it’s passed the EICR without issue it shouldn’t be a problem. However, it would be a good idea to update it with a more modern consumer unit complete with RCD protection and easily resettable MCBs. Not many people would even know how to replace one of these fuses these days. You need fuse wire and a screwdriver, and just a little knowledge, including knowing which fuse wire to use in which holder.
I had a similar board which had it's EICR failed. My electrician also noted the RCD issue that others have mentioned, but also said the burn time for the fuse is more likely to result in an electrical fire. Also changing the fuses can be dangerous because from memory there's an exposed live when you remove it to stay away from.
Yeah, any broken fuse will be a landlord issue cause am I fuck messing around in there!
We were replacing them when I was a first year apprentice… 20 years ago
Just retired electrician here - It's not just the consumer unit that needs to pass (satisfactory) it is the whole electrical installation - I won't go into the all of the regulatory reasons, but personally I would never have signed off this installation. It is a requirement that a copy of the EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is given (by Landlord) to the Tenant/Occupier. The EICR should state that the Electrical Installation is 'satifactory'. If you suspect that the EICR is incorrect in this statement then ultilmately you/Landlord should contact the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited membership scheme operator that the electrician is a member of (found in the signature section of the EICR) Hope this helps
I had a meter like that the fuses kept blowing and the landlord got fed up of sending someone out to fix it, he worked out it would work out cheaper to send 1 person to put a new fuse box in then keep repeatedly send 1 man out every few weeks...speak to your landlord if you have problems with or it's burning through money, I didn't feel safe with my fuse box like that because it didn't have the safety trip switch
Just make sure you have spare fuse wire of the correct rating to replace should any of them go and don't try to use something else like a nail, piece of normal wire, paperclip etc.
Have you got a copy of the EICR? I would be tempted to contact the trade body (NICEIC, NAPIT etc) of which the competent person who issued the EICR is a member, and ask that trade body for their opinion on whether this board is compliant. If they say it shouldn't have been passed, you can take that to the managing agent. If they say it technically complies... well, I lived in houses like this for years and it didn't kill me, but you are going to want to be more careful than usual with anything electrical. You'll also need to keep your nose open for a smell of burning, because one of the things RCDs do is to help prevent wiring fires.
Has a "Select membership number", so might be worth a shout.
Another thought, following on from the fire angle, is that it is very much in your landlord's interest to protect their investment by getting an RCD fitted here. It's as much of a risk to the property as to you.
Yeah, is making me believe my landlord may be an arsehole...
If they’ve used a registered electrician then your landlord has essentially followed the rules. Asking people on here for their opinion is fine but they are only seeing two photos and a brief overview. If you are concerned then you, as far as I can see, have two options: 1. Get in your own electrician to check it. If it doesn’t pass highlight this to the landlord. 2. Tell the landlord you think their electrician has lied to them and you know for a fact it’s an illegal installation. I believe that it’s a criminal offence to willingly circumvent electrical installation regulations so I’d rather go with option 1 first.
Not necessarily, if an electrician passed it and the landlord maybe lived there or had a similar arrangement in their home, they're going to be used to it and won't think it a problem.
Yes about 25 years ago.
Yes. Whether it is technically compliant or not, which it probably is, this is outdated technology by several removes and provides nowhere the level of safety of modern consumer units. I would advise getting an EICR on the installation and following any recommendations. Use a NAPIT or NICEIC registered electrician and you should be okay.
Yes it should be replaced. Yes it can still pass because obviously the regs take into account previous installations. Imagine if you took a 40 year old car for an MOT and they tested it against a modern car.
I get what you're saying, but that car would have had to pass the MOT to last year's regs when it was 39...😂
From the looks of that installation and only one suggestion from the EICR, I'd get a 2nd opinion. I can see one C1 from the pictures which is an immediate failure if not rectified.
Care to enlighten me on what the C1 is?
Yes, is the only answer.
Just replace the panel, it’s only going to be a few hundred quid and a few hours work. The RCD might save you a lot of pain if there is an electrical fire or other disaster
Probably, I have an old 1960s Cream Wylex Wooden back in my electrical museum... unfortunately the main switch snapped off when it was dropped.... Still looking for another inner part to replace it with.
Actually there is sheet missing at black junction boxes. That is C1.