Fuse box and RCD - Change?

In short what you have is legal as the 17th Edition BS7671:2008 wiring regulations do not require older properties to be upgraded . I.e. you have no obligation to update an older style fusebox just because of its age. The need for most upgrades arise when additional sockets etc are added, although some people like to upgrade their old style fuseboxes to avoid the need to replace any fuses or the need for fuse wire etc. From what you describe, I would be more concerned about the 30amp fuses on the lighting circuits though as lighting circuits should be fused at 5/6amps not 30amps! This is definitely unsafe as lighting cable is not capable of carrying 30amps. If you have not had a thorough electrical test and inspection of the wiring at the property within the last ten years then your best bet would be to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out to see if the wiring is still in good condition and if their is any age related deterioration etc. An EICR takes about 2-3 hours to undertake and includes full testing of all the lights and sockets etc. On completion you'd get a 6-8 page report detailing any issues and a summary of the wiring condition etc.

No you don't, it would be a good idea to upgrade your fuse panel to incorporate RCD's, as these will provide your installation with fault protection on your wiring and plugged in appliances, but if your property was to undergo an electrical inspection, an old fusebox would be coded as C3( improvement recommended) but would not cause the property to be graded unsatisfactory.

Hi sounds like your consumer unit could do with upgrading , the lighting circuits shouldn't be on that fuse rating , so maybe best to have an EICR report , then that way you get installation checked at same time , this will flag up any defects that may want rectifying .hope this helps Kind regards Channell Electrics

Generally the answer would be legally no but it is recommended. I notice though you say that you have 8 30A fuses serving ring mains and lights this does not sound right as lighting circuits of this age should generally be on a 5A fuse. I recommend you get a registered electrician in for recommendations as a minimum or even better get an electrical installation condition report. Kevin.