New Fuse board, not re-wiring

[David_Dublin]

We have an old house that has an old fuse board in the garage. It's the type with the white enamel sand filled fuses. When we moved in a year or so ago I had an electrician look at the house and he said it needs to be rewired, but not in an emergency or anything - the sockets are earthed apparently.

Someone mentioned to me recently that it would be a good idea to get the fuse board replaced. The house is about 1600 sq ft, gas boiler, no electric heaters/shower etc, just an electric oven, microwave, toaster, and then the usual bits and pieces running.

The only hassle the current fuse board gives me is that if we have more than two appliances on in the kitchen one of the fuse goes (think it is a 10amp). So I open it up, empty the sand out, take out the old wire, twist three wire strands around and all is well again.

I'd like to know what should I expect to pay to replace the current board. And is it worth doing from a safety perspective. I'm not in a position to rewire (then I'd have to re-decorate too). But if it was not going to be an expensive job and/or it is removing a real safety risk I would go for it. There is no scorching on the board or anything like that. If I replaced it I'd make sure to get plenty of additional spots on it for when we rewire in the future.

 

[Valkstar]

I got a leaflet in the door a few weeks ago offering to put in a new fuse board for €450. By the way, a couple of years ago the same company was charging over €900 for the same job.

As for a safety perspective, I have an old board like yours and it works perfectly but I'm going to get it replaced in the near future just because it is so old.

 

[David_Dublin]

Thanks Valkstar. Where u based? Might be worth contacting that crowd myself if you have the leaflet to hand and they are operating in Dublin.

 

[bertie1]

If the fuseboard needs changing most likely the Bonding in the hot press is not up to standard, the earth rod cable needs to be replaced & the tails ( cables ) to the ESB meter also need to be replaced .

If that is the case then a cert is also required to certify the new board & have the ESB come out to reconnect( they charge seperately for this). I cannot see how that work could possibly be done for Euro 450.00.
You need to sort out the basic earthing for the sake of safety , but what you are doing at the moment with the fuse will eventually burn the house down ( not to mention possibly killing somebody).