Any idea where i can get MEM (old) to MCB converters ???

[SausageEggRollWithKetchup]

I have a 1973 house with a MEM consumer unit with space for 6 fuses. The existing fuses are the old ceramic type with a little patch of gauze which the wire goes across. They have 'memcert' written at the bottom on the front. I would like to replace these with mcb switches, preferably by simply using a plug in converter which i have seen for other brands in b&q etc. Anybody know if it is possible to get hold of these in MEM? I have some good digital pics of the existing ones but have not investigated how to upload them yet....
....here you are:

 

[Lectrician]

I'm affraid its a new CU if you want MCB's. To my knowledge, there are no direct plug-ins available for your board. Maybe a good time to look at a new Split-Load Board, and upgrade of your Main Equipotential Bonding.

 

[SausageEggRollWithKetchup]

.... i suppose it would be a really bad idea to buy some other make of converter and try to convert it to fit my MEM's... having examined them closely and a make of converter it looks feasible, but probably not legal

 

[Lectrician]

Can you take a photo of the CU and surrounding area?? The fuse in your photo is very old. Still has asbestos on it!

 

[SausageEggRollWithKetchup]

here you go, pretty old but the same as my friend who lives in another area, does it's job but would prefer switched breakers..

 

[securespark]

Is that Flat Eric??

 

[Lectrician]

No chance of a plug in with that one.

You have a TN-s earthing system, I would go for a split load CU, and upgrade the main eq bonding (unless its ok - 10mm to gas and water, with in 600mm of entering building and AFTER any meter / stop tap.)

Search this site for more info.

 

[breezer]

Is that Flat Eric??

it is, i had wondered where he had gone, now we know

 

[SausageEggRollWithKetchup]

yes guys, it IS flat eric.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

And is Flat Eric hiding the main equipotential bonding conductors, or do you not have any?

In any event - that's pretty nasty looking burn damage to the CU and fuseholder - you should replace the whole thing...

 

[securespark]

Flat Eric is actually doing you a favour - he is pointing madly towards that 100% dodgy earth clamp on the incoming cable wot your main earth is attached to.

The REC should provide a proper earth sweated onto the sheath, not attached via a clamp.

That, as Ban would say (Cheers for the loan, mate!) is A Very Bad Thing.

 

[kai]

Why is the largest (red) fuses, fitted furthest from the main switch?
The state of the incoming mains service cable looks terrible.
This looks like a very botched installation to me, whoever did it originally should be mad!

 

[Lectrician]

The 30amp fuses being furthest away from the main switch I can live with. Its those large rolls of fuse wire that worry me. Your not wanting MCB plug-ins because you are constantly replacing fuses are you

 

[plugwash]

not to mention that there are 3 ratings of fuse carriers and only two rolls of fusewire there

 

[SausageEggRollWithKetchup]

...okay, i admit my understairs cupboard is messy, hence flat eric camping next to the electrics; also stored in here is boxes of tools and other junk and those are not 2 rolls of fuse wire they are in fact solder (and no, i wouldn't dream of using it as a fuse).
here's a better pic (including the actual fuse wire), any comments are much appreciated...