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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
  • 7923 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

    Show previous replies
    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 30, 2024

    Up to you. I’d say Online is probably easier though. The site visit is free - you won’t be charged for anything without your explicit permission either.

    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 30, 2024

    Thank you so much for your help/advice, I’ve just submitted an online query with them, hopefully for a site visit, I’ll update with update when I can.

    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    September 30, 2024

    I can’t quite see what the white box in the top right hand corner is ...

     

    I think it’s a doorbell! Isn’t image search wonderful? You can get just about anything on Ebay:

     

     

    You can just about make out the FRIEDLAND name in the top right of Don’s picture.

    Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    September 30, 2024

    You can’t buy me on eBay though! :P

    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 30, 2024

    I can’t quite see what the white box in the top right hand corner is ...

     

    I think it’s a doorbell! Isn’t image search wonderful? You can get just about anything on Ebay:

     

     

    You can just about make out the FRIEDLAND name in the top right of Don’s picture.

    You are correct!  When I moved in there was an old doorbell that the previous owner had and it was wired in and it's never worked!  

    D
    Newcomer
    Don don
    Newcomer
    September 30, 2024

    You can’t buy me on eBay though! :P

    No you can't ...thank goodness for this forum!!!

      juliamc
      Rank 20
      juliamc
      Rank 20
      September 30, 2024

      UK power networks were very helpful and efficient when I wanted my main fuse upgraded. They asked me to video the route from pavement to fuse box so they could see the job before they got here. I’m in Surrey and the engineers were ’Mac and Cheese’ !! Thoroughly recommended.

      D
      Newcomer
      Don don
      Newcomer
      September 30, 2024

      Thank you, hopefully if they come out for a look or get in touch as I've put an online form in earlier with them with a photograph attached.  They might need some extra info from what you say then like a video, luckily the front garden to the pavement is just gravel.  Did they just upgrade the old fuse switch/main switch?

      juliamc
      Rank 20
      juliamc
      Rank 20
      September 30, 2024

      Mine was a 60 amp to 100 amp fuse. They did come and look at the job too, now I recall, then changed the fuse on their second visit. No charge !

      D
      Newcomer
      Don don
      Newcomer
      October 1, 2024

      Oh that's good.  I have no idea what mine is but all I know it's very old and needs updating it seems.  I've not had any issues but just old.

      Show more replies
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