It doesn't seem real

[Julie.]

Absolutely, we all act in shock when we see this sort of stuff, but it's probably been live and working perfectly for 90+ years.

Can't even get a luminarie to last a couple of years now!! Things have improved so much.....

Same with cu's, we find loads of wylex fuseboards all still up and running 40/60 years on, but are replacing defunct rcd/mcb/rcbo boards less than 10 years on because they are no longer working properly

 

[pc1966]

Same with cu's, we find loads of wylex fuseboards all still up and running 40/60 years on, but are replacing defunct rcd/mcb/rcbo boards less than 10 years on because they are no longer working properly

Or because spare parts are no longer officially available!

 

[crazydrugfiend]

Those pairs of switches look like they should have bars across them so they switch together as a double pole switch as they appear to be one switch for live the other neutral, feeding the live and neutral fuses above. Though of course it could have had modifications over the last 90 odd years...

The installation is a long way past its design life!

Thanks for the hint, I wondered why the bigger switches had a screw on the end but it makes sense if there's supposed to be a link bar.

 

[freddo]

Was there a concept of 'design life' back then ? What about 'planned obsolescence' too ?

Probably not, the only reference I have seen is some cable information where the manufacturers have listed the expected life of the cable. Making products out of cast iron and ceramic materials suggests the manufacturers expected a very long life.

Currently rewiring my grandmothers 65+ year old house, all the original mk accessories, wylex fuseboxes, light fittings, dimplex wall heater and towel rail are all still in good working order.

 

[nicebutdim]

Watched this video about planned obsolescence last night. Interesting and also covers the origin of such engineering.