ᐅ Does the electrical system need to be updated? (Condominium, 1960s)

Hello everyone,

I am considering buying a condominium. The apartment building (about 20-30 units) was built in the 1960s. I’m wondering if it would be advisable to upgrade the electrical system. Unfortunately, the owners don’t know anything about its current condition. I’m attaching photos of the fuse box and an outlet.

What is your opinion? Should the electrical system be replaced, or is it not necessary? We plan to renovate anyway.

Best regards,
Torsten

Looking at the sub-distribution, I find it highly advisable to renew the electrical system. The entire apartment is divided into only three circuit breakers for lighting and outlets. Circuits for the washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer are not identifiable. Residual current devices (RCDs) are also scarce. How large is the apartment? Is it heated with storage heaters?

Hello, the apartment is 70m² (750 sq ft) in size, has 3 rooms, and a gas central heating system.

What are the heating contactor, load shedding relay, and rotary dial used for then?

TorstenKandt schrieb:

What is your opinion, should the electrical system be replaced or is that not necessary? We want to renovate anyway.

Of course, you can live with the old electrical system. But it’s like continuing to rely on coal-fired stoves in every room.

So it’s definitely better to completely renew it. Just because there’s a B16 circuit breaker of somewhat recent manufacture in the top right corner doesn’t change the fact that the rest is a Cold War relic. Take advantage of the renovation to have everything replaced or renewed.

TorstenKandt schrieb:

Unfortunately, the owners don’t know anything about the current condition.

Of course. Nothing has been done since 1960.

I wonder what the rest of the apartment looks like if the owners consider it normal to send pictures of completely dirty electrical outlets. It really makes me shudder. The fuse box also clearly shows its age – it needs to be replaced.