ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum What's wrong with this (UK) fuse box?

Ash,
I'm sort of guessing here, but wouldn't 2 of them wires feed a Ring circuit?.
Also, having a 2.5 on a 32A circuit is a bit rough (I'm talking about the extra wire).
Oddly enough we had the Wylex equipment here as well in the 1960's.

Trumpy,

Yes, two wires on a 32A breaker would suggest a ring circuit. If i remember correctly, and i may not do, 2.5mm T&E has nominal current carrying capacity of about 24A, obviously reduced by insulation, installation methods and grouping, but IF they are indeed single circuits, then something is not quite right.

Also, when we moved in there was a discarded 15A rewirable fuse carier on the floor. The casing of the carier was destroyed through heat and flame (hense the discolouration??). So, what do we have here? Radials that should be on a 15A, or indeed seperated, or a ring and some radial? If a ring, why the 15A fuse??! Why the breaker installation without the base!? Its frustrating! I tell the 'electricians', they nodd, but its still the same. In my opinion, as this is rented student accommodation, the lot should be pulled, derated, and RCD'd. For now, all i can do is install a smoke above it

The wylex brand seems to be well travelled, and i've seen it installed here in quite old installations, the "standard range" has had many incarnations. Hager seems to be a well travelled range also, is it originally a euro brand? My parants 60's semi-detached house has a clumsy old steel clad fuse box with porcelain cariers, made by "Prento", sounds italian??

Ash

[This message has been edited by LiveWireUK (edited 10-13-2004).]

Ummm...what's with the 13 amp plug lying on top of the panel?

Someone just left that there as a spare fuse carrier?

Ash, as its bedsit accomodation it should I would have thought had to be inspected and tested at very regular intervals! No sign of test and inspection label on mains unit.
Are E/Lights and Smoke detectors fitted throughout? local authorities are pretty hot on this nowerdays. If your so concerned give them a call and ask some questions

SvenNYC - LOL, don't joke, i am sure its been attempted! It a fairly old one, notice it doesnt have the insulated phase and neutral pins.

I had a moments thought on that spare 5A carier on the top there and thought "hmm,, i just bet..." And as sure as, its fitted with 15A wire, looking slightly "tanned"

aland - One would hope, but i don't really know what obligations and legalities apply here. Its technically just a rented house. They've installed two battery smokes, and as per the legisltation, its down to the tenants to maintain them. I've installed more and put in E/lihgts on the stair wells (tacked to the walls and running off a socket - the most i can do without breaching my contract).

!!UPDATE!! - I got a big sharp but polite telling off for poking my nose, but the letting agency have agreed, after taling to their electrician, that this needs fixing and will be RCD'd soon. Plus we're having the coin meters pulled. WooHoo!!!