📞 Call Your Local Electrician Plymouth – Dave Prout
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📍 Unexpected Discovery on a No Power Callout – Classic Fuse Box Still Clinging On in Plymouth!
📍 Unexpected Discovery on a No Power Callout – Classic Fuse Box Still Clinging On in Plymouth!
When the phone rang one rainy Tuesday morning, it was a familiar type of call – “Hi Dave, we’ve got no power in the house. Could you come over as soon as you can?”
No problem. As Dave Prout Electrician, a trusted Electrician in Plymouth, I grabbed my testing gear, tools, and headed across the city. The customer was based in a lovely old property tucked away in one of Plymouth’s older estates. What I didn’t expect was a time-travel trip back to the late 1980s the moment I opened the cupboard under the stairs.
🔍 Behold: A Vintage MEMERA 2000 Fuse Board
Tucked behind years of decorating layers and more dust than a library shelf, was a MEMERA 2000 series consumer unit. A genuine relic! These boards were popular around 1985 to early 1990s, often used in domestic installations throughout the UK. The unit in this home was fitted with MEM Type 2 MCBs, clearly marked M6 – a giveaway of its era.
But what really got my tester twitching was the condition. Old wiring, wrapped junctions, a few worrying scorch marks – and the classic “red tape over earth” bodge. Someone had clearly tried to “fix” things over the years. The RCCB was a MEM 80A/30mA BS4293, another sign of age – and not something you’d want protecting your sockets in 2025.
This fuse board might have been cutting-edge when Madonna was topping the charts, but it’s now seriously outdated, and quite frankly, dangerous. No surge protection. No RCBOs. No labelling. And just look at those twisted wires!
⚡ What Went Wrong?
The customer had lost power because the 32A breaker feeding the downstairs ring had tripped and wouldn’t reset. After a bit of circuit testing using my trusty TIS 819 voltage tester and full multifunction tester kit, it became clear there was a short on the circuit – likely due to a mouse having a munch somewhere under the floorboards (it happens more than you’d think!).
But the bigger problem was the board itself. It wasn’t safe to reconnect without significant risk.
✅ Advice from a Trusted Electrician in Plymouth
I explained to the customer that this board was past its safe service life. Regulations have moved on considerably since this was installed, particularly with updates in BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2. Key issues included:
No surge protection device (SPD) as required in most homes today.
No RCBO separation – one RCD protecting multiple circuits increases inconvenience and risk.
Age-related deterioration and lack of fire-resistant materials in the board enclosure.
As a qualified Electrician in Plymouth, I always prioritise safety. The customer agreed to a full consumer unit upgrade – a modern, dual-RCD board with full labelling and certification. And yes, they even made me a brew afterwards (essential fuel).
💡 The Takeaway – Don’t Wait for the Lights to Go Out
If you’re in Plymouth and your fuse board looks like this one, it’s time to call Dave Prout Electrician. An old MEM fuse board might still be “working,” but it’s not compliant with modern safety standards. Replacing it isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about protecting your home and family.
I specialise in fuse board upgrades, electrical testing, and fault finding across Plymouth. And I always keep my kit sharp, as seen in my toolbag 📸!
📞 Get in Touch
Need an Electrician in Plymouth? Whether it’s an old fuse board, socket not working, or just peace of mind – call Dave Prout Electrician today on 07874079458 or visit daveprout-electrician.net.
Dave Prout
Expert Electrical Services Plymouth.