New house - help understanding fuse box

[lemerv]

Just got the new place and had a look inside the fuse box. Looks old but neat. Going to talk to the previous owners but wanted to check in here to see if anyone can help me understand what circuits are present, what all the letters and labels mean?

My guesses so far:
- “H.W” is hot water and this has a 28A fuse and has its own switch
- Newer white breaker (N7) is for air con and looks like it’s controlled by the main on/off switch (bottom left)?
- N1 to N5 fuses all run off the main switch (bottom left). Various amp ratings. Two question on these: a) would these all be separate circuits? b) can anyone interpret what the letters stand for?

For context if it helps, there is a main house, a separate garage, and a separate granny flat.

Also, apologies the picture is sideways. Will try and fix it.


BC2540E6-44D8-4ACA-8D0F-4111B5E09EB6.jpg

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[Pete57]

Guess other circuits are likely
Oven
Power points (2 circuits maybe)
Lights (2 circuits maybe)

Do you have an earth leakage or safety switch anywhere? If not getting one added should be priority

[apple8]

My guess is Lights-Power-Power-Range-Sub Mains

[BobL]

J Two question on these: a) would these all be separate circuits?

Yes

b) can anyone interpret what the letters stand for?

L=lights,
P=Power,
Sub M = sub-mains, could be the granny flat or the garage.
R=stove is it electric
BTW just because the fuse holder says xA doesn't necessarily mean "x" fuse wire has been used.
Also agree with previous poster bout getting an RCD breaker installed.

circuits.jpg

[rwbuild]

I recommend you replace the old fuses with the new circuit breaker type, you can get the plug in type that are specifically made to simply plug into the existing porcelain base, just pull the existing fuse block out and plug the new one in but turn off the main switch first. DO NOT EXCEED the rated amerage of each circuit, the rated amperage is usually embossed into the existing porcelain fuse block that you pull out

[dinosour]

You have made a big investment(the house) why not spend a bit more and help protect it and yourself by getting a qualified electrician to replace all the fuses with individual safety switch/circuit breaker combination units. Individual units give protection to that circuit and if it does trip it does not leave you without power on the other circuits

[lemerv]

Thanks everyone, makes sense.

Yes totally agree about getting it upgraded. I assume that if I get a qualified electrician to look at it they will know what needs to be done? Or am I asking for specific things?

[BobL]

Thanks everyone, makes sense.

Yes totally agree about getting it upgraded. I assume that if I get a qualified electrician to look at it they will know what needs to be done? Or am I asking for specific things?

If you ask them to bring the fuse box up to spec they should do the right thing.

[david.elliott]

Note the black material everything is mounted on (name starts with Z, I think) contains asbestos as fire proofing and bitumen. You are not allowed to drill/cut that, so the leccy will replace with a galv steel plate. So "up to spec" can be a big job. Mine was...

[lemerv]

I’ve got two electricians providing a quote.

Note the black material everything is mounted on (name starts with Z, I think) contains asbestos as fire proofing and bitumen. You are not allowed to drill/cut that, so the leccy will replace with a galv steel plate. So "up to spec" can be a big job. Mine was...

One of them did mention this would be likely and need to be replaced. Can I ask why does that make it a big job? He mentioned it was a bit of extra cost for the removal (due to handling asbestos) - is that what you’re referring to?

What did the whole thing cost you?