Do I Need To Rewire?
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This depends on your situation, your future plans and the wiring condition.
It’s recommended that rewiring is undertaken every 25 years.
Rewiring can be a difficult task for electricians who are not experienced or certified in this field and they may try to avoid rewiring where possible.
Electricians carry out what is known as an EICR which is similar to an MOT for cars.
The EICR is a snapshot of how that installation is at the time of testing.
The issue is that some wiring that is very old may pass the test on the day, but may fail shortly after, when your home has new decor.
Testing is also non intrusive so you can never really know the condition of the installation if its hidden within the fabric of the building.
It’s very important to weigh up all the factors in your decision to rewire. Find out how much an average rewire costs.
We make a judgement on the likelihood of rewiring using the experience of de-commissioning and stripping out thousands of electrical systems.
We categorise your wiring into three types….
Modern Wiring
We class anything up to 20 years old as modern wiring.
This should be solid core copper, PVC sheathed cable.
Its highly unlikely you will need to rewire your home unless the electrics have been so poorly installed that it would be more efficient to rewire, rather than repair.
Antiquated Wiring
We class anything over 60 years old as antiquated wiring.
This wiring is usually older VIR style and may not have any earth wire.
Wiring of this age can be unsafe and should be rewired at the earliest opportunity.
Dated Wiring
We class wiring which has between 20 and 60 years old as dated wiring.
While some of this wiring might test ok, we ask our clients a series of questions which helps determine if rewiring is the best option.
- Are you planning to decorate?
- Do you want to make alterations and additions to the electrics?
- Are you having some problems with the electrics?
- Are you doing other works such as a new kitchen?
- Are you seeking peace of mind and a guarantee on the safety of your homes electrics?
Here are some signs that your electrics are outdated…
- Skirting mounted socket outlets
- Toggle type light switches
- Fuses blowing regularly
- Cable with sheathing other than PVC
- Lamps blowing regularly
- Signs of overheating at outlets or general damage to outlets.
- Re-wirable Fuses rather than trip switches.
- Lamps blowing regularly
- Minimal socket outlets in rooms, usually one or two single sockets indicates an old install.
- Wooden backed switches or fuse boards.
- Lack of earth cable at switches and sockets.
- Cables coated in black rubber (phased out in the 1960s)
- Cables coated in lead or fabric (before the 1960s)
- Cast iron switches or fuseboxes or a haphazard mixture of fuse boxes
- Older round pin sockets and round light switches
- Braided flex hanging from ceiling roses
- Brown and black switches
- Sockets mounted in skirting boards (before the 1960s)
Are Your Electrics Safe?
We may be able to greatly improve the safety of your home with a few simple upgrades.
What's Involved In Rewiring
We eliminate any potential problems and ensure everything is modern, safe and certificated.
Why Use Home Rewire Scotland
We come very experienced and equipped to deal with the most difficult challenges.