All true, and the OP is apparently going to discuss all this with his mother. However, it would seem that he feels her inclination will be to 'let things be', doing without the intercom, in order to avoid the hassle and potential cost of opening up a potential can of worms. It's clearly not what we would advise, but it's ultimately her decision.
Almost anything is possible!
Yes, I realise that. I think the concern may relate to the possible consequences of what the DNO may have to say about what's currently connected to their cutout (and, indeed, what they are prepared {or not} to reconnect to a replaced cutout). Maybe westie might be able to comment on that.
Hard isnt it, as clearly its not what would be designed or fitted today, but given it will have been fitted within her lifetime, although to a certain extent may be in a worse condition now than when it was fitted its never easy getting into a converstation about the fact that was was fine and good then now isnt.
Is it just me? Apart from the fact that I'd obviously like to see that cutout replaced with something modern/safe, the main issue I see is those cables coming from it. Maybe it's an optical illusion, but they look very small to me, with no apparent protection other than the cutout fuses and, if they really are feeds to all the flats, are of goodness knows what (probably long) lengths and routes. ... all of which would make me wonder if the DNO would be happy/prepared to reconnect them to a replaced cutout - which is why I was hoping westie will be able to comment. Of course, I'm still not yet convinced that they necessarily are the feeds to the flats!
Which I guess is the main benifit of getting a spark in to have a look at it. As long as you dont get a spark who decides having seen it the only thing he can do it pull the plug no the lot and leave you with the lights off you have simply exchanged an hours wages for an hours infomation. If you can get someone in on personal recomendation, or a family freind, so much the better.
Indeed - but it sounds as if (whatever we may think) the OP's mother might prefer/choose not to receive that information.
That would seem quite likely. However, even without asbestos, I imagine that the DNO would probably want to change the cutout (presumably FOC). As I've been saying, it's their reaction to what is connected to the cutout which is probably what the OP (or his mother) is concerned about.
I realise that, and it's really the basis of my question. One hears of DNOs complaining (or worse) about 'unprotected' meter tails a little more than 3m in length, but here we have seemingly undersized, 'unprotected' and quite possibly very long (and possibly inaccessible) set of 'tails' from the cutout.
How does that equate to the oft-cited 3m limit? I would have thought that one could usually have a good few metres of 25mm² tails and still be able to meet that requirement.
Fair enough.
Indeed - that's what I was talking about.
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