This installation was still in service up to August 2010. Most of the wire is rubber insulated with fabric cover.
As a guess, probably dates from the early 1950s. Should have been replaced decades ago.
General view of the meter and assorted fuseboxes
Someone has replaced the meter and supplier tails, but that is where the replacements end.
The main fuseboxes. Fused neutrals, not secured properly, front cover broken off. All of the exposed metal parts are live.
The warning label on the right box has been put there because someone installed two extra sockets in a bedroom, and apparently replaced the main bonding at the same time. Sadly they thought a warning label was a higher priority than fitting a new consumer unit (even a small one just for the new sockets).
RCD protection? Test results? Name and address of the culprits? - of course not.
Close up of fuseboxes. All 15A fuses. The centre switch supplies another ancient fusebox elsewhere.
Note the right hand fusebox door doesn't open fully, as the switch next to it is in the way.
Cast iron '15A Splitter'. The white object is a doorbell transformer with a porcelain base, the other brown box is some sort of buzzer, not connected.
Typical condition of the wiring behind switches. Socket outlets were worse. No earth to any of them (including most of the sockets).
Someone has attempted a pointless repair with insulation tape, and shoved the switches back in, hoping they would continue working.
Other items not pictured included class 1 light fittings (no earth connected obviously), small round pin socket outlets flush into the skirting boards and covered with decades of paint (most of which were still live), and one of those free 'inspections' that some companies do - dated 3 years ago and stating that everything was extremely dangerous and should be replaced immediately.
As a guess, probably dates from the early 1950s. Should have been replaced decades ago.
General view of the meter and assorted fuseboxes
Ancient wiring
Fuseboxes and other equipment all still in use, shown here exactly as found in 2010.
Someone has replaced the meter and supplier tails, but that is where the replacements end.
Cutout and meter
New plastic cutout and meter. Note ancient rubber wiring connected to left side of meter.
The main fuseboxes. Fused neutrals, not secured properly, front cover broken off. All of the exposed metal parts are live.
The warning label on the right box has been put there because someone installed two extra sockets in a bedroom, and apparently replaced the main bonding at the same time. Sadly they thought a warning label was a higher priority than fitting a new consumer unit (even a small one just for the new sockets).
RCD protection? Test results? Name and address of the culprits? - of course not.
Wooden fuseboxes
Old fuseboxes, all still connected. Should have been replaced decades ago.
Close up of fuseboxes. All 15A fuses. The centre switch supplies another ancient fusebox elsewhere.
Note the right hand fusebox door doesn't open fully, as the switch next to it is in the way.
Ceramic fusebox
Double pole fusebox (fused neutrals), hanging off the wall, cover broken, live parts exposed.
Cast iron '15A Splitter'. The white object is a doorbell transformer with a porcelain base, the other brown box is some sort of buzzer, not connected.
Typical condition of the wiring behind switches. Socket outlets were worse. No earth to any of them (including most of the sockets).
Someone has attempted a pointless repair with insulation tape, and shoved the switches back in, hoping they would continue working.
Rubber insulated wiring to light switch
Exactly as found, still powered, no earth anywhere.
Rubber insulated wiring to light switch
This mess made worse by someone attempting to repair the crumbled mess with insulation tape.
Other items not pictured included class 1 light fittings (no earth connected obviously), small round pin socket outlets flush into the skirting boards and covered with decades of paint (most of which were still live), and one of those free 'inspections' that some companies do - dated 3 years ago and stating that everything was extremely dangerous and should be replaced immediately.