UK Wanting advice on CU replacement

[tekcomms]

I have an old home that was purchased 35 years ago, all wiring is original from that time and it still has the old fusebox installed the type that uses actual fusewire.

I am wanting to have this replaced with a modern CU.

I am not a qualified electrician but more than capable of replacing sockets and light fittings as they really do need doing since these were all fitted at least 35 years ago, all cabling is PVC there is no old lead or rubber insulated cables as far as I'm aware if I replace the sockets and light fittings would it then just be a matter of passing an EICR test and having the old fusebox replaced with a modern CU by a local electrician providing the existing cabling is satisfactory or would there likely be further work needed.

 

[timhoward]

When the consumer unit is changed, the electrician will do a quick test of all circuits before starting work, as modern units pick up minor faults which the old Wylex unit will ignore.
Apart from the wiring and the accessories, the electrician will also check main earthing and bonding requirements are adequate.
If the wiring hasn't been subject to major changes (e.g. reckless kitchen fitters or creative DIY work) then I'd expect it to be fine.
Until the wiring is tested no one can say for sure.
For example if it turns out the ring final circuit for the sockets has a loose connection or break in it, then at least a couple of hours extra work would be needed. Or if the wiring is older than 1966 there might be an issue with the lighting circuit.
Best to get someone around to give you a quote before you change any accessories.

 

[pc1966]

What @timhoward just said!

You might find someone on here that is local to you and can take a look and quote.

As replacing a CU is one of the things that is notifiable work under Part P of the building regulations in England and Wales you are best to get an electrician who is registered with one of the competent person schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT, SELECT, etc) as they can self-certify the work without additional inspection cost. Being a member is not a guarantee of good work, so ideally ask around for reputation and get a couple of quotes if unsure. You can even come back and ask, but remember to redact any personal information (your name/address, and the contractor(s) details) on anything you post.

If you are interested there is quite comprehensive information in the Best Practice Guide #1 on CU replacement, and #4 on EICR (electrical installation condition report) that outline the sort of things the electrician would be checking as part of the job:

Best Practice Guides | Electrical Safety First

Electrical Safety First produces, in association with other industry bodies, a range of Best Practice Guides which provide definitive information and guidance on a range of technical subjects.

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Typically PVC cable that has not been abused (overheating, rodent damage, etc) and was not in the "green goo" period of early 70s will still be fine and so no need to rewire, but a quick inspection and insulation resistance test should be done.

Having said that, if you are getting work done you might want to think about the current layout and if there are things you really want changed, like more sockets in rooms and/or existing things moved. It can make sense to consider an actual rewire if the property is just not suited to modern usage, even if otherwise safe and functional. Before any major decorating work!

 

[MJPD29]

It's impossible to say if there will be more issues every installation is different. If you have an eicr done you could find that there is minimal remedial work that needs done. Alternatively you could find there is quite a lot that needs done to bring it up to current standards. If the installation hasn't been altered much/at all since it was first put in you might find it's it's good condition.