Replacing old fuse box

vkesti · 11-10-2023 11:06pm #1

My old fuse box needs to be changed. Although everything seems to be working fine, I was told by my engineer that I might have to change the fuse box to new one. I have got one quote of €16000 + vat from an electrician but I am not in a position to pay this much. Any suggestions on how to proceed ? Can I also get some grants or help? I am not above 60 age but I was wondering if I can get some help

12-10-2023 12:02am

Wow 16K - does that include a rewire of the house ?

Get more quotes and find out exactly what needs to be done.

Why do you think that the fuse box needs to be changed ?

Slightly Kwackers · 12-10-2023 12:24am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121226585#Comment_121226585

If the quote was by the same person that fitted the RCD and main switch, I think I would try elsewhere.

kirk. · 12-10-2023 7:04am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121226606#Comment_121226606

Main switch is probably there 50 years

What's your issue with the RCD , looks like a "shower board " separate MCB and RCD

Needs a rewire probably anyhow tails and earthing system probably not great

12-10-2023 12:00pm

Mod note: I deleted the posts on the other thread dealing with the same topic by the same poster as duplication adds no value.

vkesti · 12-10-2023 12:18pm

Yes he says that house will be rewired but I don’t under why? When everything seems to be working fine

vkesti · 12-10-2023 12:18pm

Not sure who fitted this because I have purchased this house recently

vkesti · 12-10-2023 12:20pm

Sorry can you tell me what’s RCD?

Doolittle51 · 12-10-2023 12:47pm

Just because everything is working, doesn't mean that it's safe. The electrical installation is obviously very old and doesn't meet modern safety standards. It's entirely up to you if you want to replace the board. At a minimum there would also be remedial work required to the earthing system, tails to the meter etc. It's very likely that some circuits need to be rewired too. Over the years I'm sure many modifications have been carried out to add new sockets etc. Most electricians would recommend a full rewire of the house, because they have to certify and stand over the entire electrical installation. Some probably won't go near the place unless you agree to a full rewire and understandably so.

If you've just moved in and intend to live there long term, now is the best time to have the work done. You really need your eyes wide open and deep pockets when buying an old property. 16k probably isn't too bad for a rewire these days.

13-10-2023 6:56am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121228028#Comment_121228028

The device on the right in the lower enclosure with "Hager" written on it. Most likely this has been installed to provide "supplementary protection" to an instantaneous shower (such as a Triton or Mira). This device should trip in the event of an earth fault.

AMKC · 13-10-2023 10:12am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058317810/replacing-old-fuse-box

Yes that's a lot of money. Are sure it was €16,000 and not €1,600?

Is there an electrical shower I'm the place. If so the RCD could be for that but if not if for the sockets. An electric shower really should be on an RCBO especially with a FUSE BOARD like that. In a modern one it could be on an RCD and MCB.

All fuses do is protect cables from going on fire they offer no protection from a person getting electrocuted an RCD does that.

So yes I would try get prices off a few electricians.

MrMusician18 · 13-10-2023 10:16am

I got a quote of over €2k to just remove (not remove and replace) and disconnect a fuse board like that.

RECs are taking the absolute piss these days

kirk. · 13-10-2023 10:55am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121231605#Comment_121231605

It's an add-on for a shower

I don't see any main fusing there

10-10-20 · 13-10-2023 11:01am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121228028#Comment_121228028

This is an RCD:

It shuts off the power very quickly if there is a current leakage, such as if you got a shock off a hairdryer or something. You need one to protect all circuits in the house.

AMKC · 13-10-2023 12:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121231833#Comment_121231833

Looking at the picture below I agree your right.

vkesti · 13-10-2023 10:41pm

Yeah pretty sure it said €16000. I am attaching some more pictures here just for reference. Please let me know your thoughts. I am definitely taking some more quotes from other electricians

vkesti · 13-10-2023 10:43pm

nice one can you share the contact details of the electrician with me via a personal message? Will be thankful to you for this act of kindness

kirk. · 15-10-2023 10:39am

It probably needs a rewire anyhow

You've the old style DP main isolator/fuseboard with a shower add-on board

Possiblity of overload or fire hazard there by the look of it

vkesti · 30-10-2023 8:16pm

Thank you everyone for all the comments and suggestions. It was really helpful

equigs · 29-03-2024 10:10am

This is typical from Irish electricians. I did mine myself. It's simple really. Just take photos first and label everything. Keep the lights and sockets neutrals on seperate busbars. If you need to relocate the new consumer box, buy a wiska relocation kit. Piece of piss.