Skip to main content
A
Rank 1
agardner1
Rank 1
August 1, 2022
Solved

Original and very old electricity main fuse needs changing - how do I get this replaced?

  • August 1, 2022
  • 33 replies
  • 7922 views

We recently had an electrician in who said we have a very old and the original electricity supply box, even though we have a smart meter. He described it as “a biscuit tin” and it needs changing because it will be increasing the amount of energy we use. I have attached a picture of what it looks like.

 

Who would I contact to change this and can they do it as I don’t want to be charged more than necessary, especially as all other costs are increasing.

    Best answer by Blastoise186

    Updated on 02/09/25 by Chris_OVO:

     

    Ok, your DNO has been identified successfully. :) I’ve just had a really nice chat with Electricity North West for you and they’ve given me exactly the answer you need. Here’s what they told me. This exact answer has been adapted for agardner1 and might not be suitable for anyone else.

     

    As this is just a main fuse upgrade, please email connectionapplications@enwl.co.uk . This one’s best used for general upgrades only in cases where it’s not a safety concern - simply request a main fuse upgrade and they’ll help you out. Oh, and this only works for properties in their area.

     

    Not sure who your DNO is? This guide should help you out!

     

    If you need it done urgently because of a safety concern, give them a call on 105 and they’ll be able to arrange an emergency engineer visit. I’m not aware of any charges but either way, you’ll always be informed upfront.

     

    Hope this helps! If you get stuck, give them a call on 0800 195 4141 and they can guide you through the process. It’s option 4 then option 1.

     

    We’ve got some other topics which may also be helpful in this case: 

    33 replies

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    August 1, 2022

    Howdy @agardner1 !

    Oh wow, that’s a pretty old unit there! If you don’t mind telling me which region you’re in, I can definitely look up the contact details for your DNO for you.

    This guide may also be helpful to you as well.

     

    Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
      A
      Rank 1
      agardner1Author
      Rank 1
      August 1, 2022

      Thanks for the reply. We are in St. Helens which is Merseyside (north west). I wouldn’t even know what the box is called to get it changed because of how old it is!

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      August 1, 2022

      Gimme a second!

      Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super UserSolved
      Super User
      August 1, 2022

      Updated on 02/09/25 by Chris_OVO:

       

      Ok, your DNO has been identified successfully. :) I’ve just had a really nice chat with Electricity North West for you and they’ve given me exactly the answer you need. Here’s what they told me. This exact answer has been adapted for agardner1 and might not be suitable for anyone else.

       

      As this is just a main fuse upgrade, please email connectionapplications@enwl.co.uk . This one’s best used for general upgrades only in cases where it’s not a safety concern - simply request a main fuse upgrade and they’ll help you out. Oh, and this only works for properties in their area.

       

      Not sure who your DNO is? This guide should help you out!

       

      If you need it done urgently because of a safety concern, give them a call on 105 and they’ll be able to arrange an emergency engineer visit. I’m not aware of any charges but either way, you’ll always be informed upfront.

       

      Hope this helps! If you get stuck, give them a call on 0800 195 4141 and they can guide you through the process. It’s option 4 then option 1.

       

      We’ve got some other topics which may also be helpful in this case: 

      Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
        A
        Rank 1
        agardner1Author
        Rank 1
        August 1, 2022

        Brilliant, thank you for your help 👍🏻

          Blastoise186
          Super User
          Blastoise186Super User
          Super User
          August 1, 2022

          No worries. :)

          If you need a hand with anything else, feel free to stop by anytime.

          Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
          D
          Newcomer
          Don don
          Newcomer
          September 24, 2024

          Can I ask what happened?  Did they replace it? Did you have to pay anything?

          Blastoise186
          Super User
          Blastoise186Super User
          Super User
          September 24, 2024

          @Don don this thread is over two years old, so I’m afraid we have no way of knowing because the user never came back.

          Did you need a hand with this yourself?

          Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
          D
          Newcomer
          Don don
          Newcomer
          September 25, 2024

          @Blastoise186 Thank you for your reply.  I just found that post as I'm in a similar situation.  My mains switch is exactly the same as that poster the big metal box saying electric service on it etc.  I'm a woman on her own struggling financially.  Is this something I have to pay for to be changed?  I can take a photo of it all if needed.  Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

          Blastoise186
          Super User
          Blastoise186Super User
          Super User
          September 25, 2024

          Sure, please post photos and tell me what county or region you're in - I don’t need anything more detailed like what town/city/village you’re in. This will allow us to see what you’ve got and also help to make sure we provide the right advice for your area.

          Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
          Show more replies
          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

          OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

          OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

          OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd