Old Wickes prewired trunking - is it safe?

[boston1832]

I'm currently preparing for a house move and my workshop (which I'm currently dismantling) has been wired for years using a pre-wired modular trunking system from Wickes which I think I installed about 2002 - the parts labels certainly seem to be from that date. I've attached a photo of a couple of parts. From what I recall it disappeared from sale shortly afterwards and I've seen never anything like it - or as useful - since. So my questions are:

1. Does anyone know why it was withdrawn? Was it unsafe or has it been rendered unacceptable by changing safety standards? I'm guessing it could just be low sales but it seemed to fill a really useful niche and I'd have happily bought more for use elsewhere.
2. After this period of time - I'm pretty sure it's nearly 25 years old - can anyone give a reasonable guess as to whether I should re-use it, or should I just bin it for safety's sake and start again? I should say that it's never given any cause to doubt its safety in the time that I've been using it, but I would point out that it wasn't left live for long periods - I only switched the trunking on at the master plug while using the workshop.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[mikehammer69]

What’s the actual rating of the complete unit , is it wired directly or fused at 13 amp

It might still have its uses

There’s a few tests you can do on it . The main thing to look out for would be any heat damage , contact issues

 

[Ragnar_AT]

I think those modular connectors (can’t remember their name) are rated for 16 A. They’re quite popular for commercial lighting and IKEA used or uses them for modular power strips.

 

[boston1832]

What’s the actual rating of the complete unit , is it wired directly or fused at 13 amp

It might still have its uses

There’s a few tests you can do on it . The main thing to look out for would be any heat damage , contact issues

Thanks for that, it all goes through this slightly unusual 13A plug. It includes some electronics which I assume is for surge protection. I'd be interested to know what tests an unqualified person (i.e. me) could safely do to determine whether it's still OK.

There's no visible heat or arcing damage. It's been used in my modelling workshop so the loads have been very low - mostly LED lighting and small hand tools. I think the heaviest load would have been my 60w lathe motor.

 

[mikehammer69]

Earth continuity using a multimeter

A check on polarity using a non contact tester or phase tester , you’ll get a visual indication of reverse

Check for excessive voltage drop at last socket using a double adapter and a kettle using multimeter

They’d be all diy checks

Visual checks would be the most of it

 

[jj4091]

My guess as to why they were withdrawn was that multi socket extension leads that were much cheaper came along and nobody bought that sort of thing for domestic purposes.

 

[333rocky333]

You see a lot of similar in offices under desks, i believe the main advantage was it could just be plugged into the floor boxes by the contractors, rather than having an electrician on site, whenever they changed the layout.
Last one i see, had the supply lead plugged into a rcd module, first which then plugged into the long bit with the sockets on