Old electrics' new home.

Tully · 19 Jul 2015

HI Guys, moved house a week ago and my new home is littered with FCU supported plug and separate FCU boxes, which run down the outside of walls in plastic conduit, the house is only twenty years old and cavity walls so don't know what the previous were doing. Anyway here is the question no RCD on the supply box, would like to get it sorted to RCD and get rid of FCU and wiring what should I ask the electrician is he going to tell me I need to rewire and what will be the damage. As you know Im now a single mum do a lot of DIY but this is above my pay grade what do I need to ask him.
Tully

skotl · 19 Jul 2015

Was the house a self-build, or built by a "reputable" (or at least large!) house builder?

If it was built by a major company only 20 years ago then the modifications, FCUs, etc are likely just added on to what was presumably a compliant / half-decent install in the first place and your electrician just needs to undo the shoddy bits.

If it was a self-build, and the same bodger did the entire wiring then who knows.

I don't think you need to unduly worry about explaining the requirements to an electrician - it should be pretty clear to her/him how much will need to be done. Get three quotes and go with the middle one...

Tully · 19 Jul 2015

Thanks stokl, its a standard build not self build on a housing estate about twenty five years old, I wonder if RCD were just coming in or if wiring was not upto RCD, I think the recent fused boxes might be Home DIYer, I just want it sorted so I can move on with decorating worried he might say, you need a toatal rewiring job love..LOL

skotl · 19 Jul 2015

Someone else with knowledge of which regulation changes came in re RCDs will be along in a moment, but I doubt a 25 year old house built by a household name will need to be rewired.

The key will be to make sure you get three quotes and don't employ anyone who doesn't inspire faith.

flameport · 19 Jul 2015

An installation from 20 years ago should have an RCD for at least some of the circuits.
Wiring from 20 years ago is unlikely to need replacing unless it has been physically damaged or grossly overloaded.

If possible, take some pictures of the consumer unit/fusebox, the surrounding area and some of the sockets/FCUs etc.

Tully · 19 Jul 2015

One room numerous like this
Tully

endecotp · 19 Jul 2015

edit: hang on, I thought that was an FCU and a socket in the photo but now I look again it looks more like two FCUs. Have you any idea what they were used for?

AndyPRK · 19 Jul 2015

That looks like they wanted the socket moving. When do u want it ?

Or a heater fitted.

Do you have gas heating ?

Tully · 14 Aug 2015

Thanks it was a heater which was removed

securespark · 15 Aug 2015

I can't see any pics?

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Old electrics' new home.

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