Really old fuse box on landline

[#1]

I have a really old fuse/protector box on my landline inside my home (it dates back to 1930s) - at least I think thats what it is (see pic).  Its been hidden away behind a upvc door frame, along with what appears to be a bare earth wire.

Does this really need to be on the line, and if not, who's responsibilty is it to remove it - I've presumed Openreach as the black cable feeding in from the top is the line from the pole.  If so, whats the cost?

Much appreciate any advice

[#2]

No, it doesn't need to be on the line, but my first thought is - if it ain't broke don't fix it.

If you need it to be removed for 'cosmetic' reasons it would be a BTOR job, more than likely chargeable I'd imagine.

[#3]

Maybe it would come under some sort of routine maintenance / bringing up to date thing. Hasn't Openreach updated ancient connection boxes as part of free general maintenance before?

Maybe they would want that part for their museum.

[#4]

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@billnotben wrote:

Hasn't Openreach updated ancient connection boxes as part of free general maintenance before?

If they're attending a fault on the premises, undoubtedly the wiring would be brought up to modern standard, and in this particular case would not be chargeable as it's before the master socket.

One would assume from the OP that there isn't a service affecting fault at the moment, but, well, sometimes faults just 'happen'. 

[#5]

If you just happened to get a voice fault, they ought to fix it.

I think its a connector device, not a fuse as there is virtually zero current on a phone line; might be best to let sleeping dogs lie.

[#6]

The internals may be like mine, which is my old BT box in my loft. Since rewired to new O/Reach Master Socket.

[#7]

@Gel

That looks like something an old electrician friend of mine would do.

If the fuse keeps blowing, replace it with a nail.

Do not try this at home.

[#8]

Pretty sure it's a Protector Box No 1.2/2, which originally did have fuses, later replaced with copper links.

Either way, it's a potential fault waiting to happen.  

[#9]

Thanks for the responses.

I don't have any issues with the phone line and have Plusnet Fibre Broadband running quite happily at 70+meg.

The box only came to light whilst doing some home renovations.  I'd prefer to get rid, but I'll consider the options.

Cheers.