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If a property is more than 30 years old and has the original wiring, it is likely to need updating, at least in part, to meet modern standards, including replacing the fuse box with a modern consumer unit. A sign a rewire is necessary, is dated rubber, fabric or lead-insulated cabling. Modern wiring is PVCu coated, coloured grey or white, and twin-earthed.

Old and faulty wiring can cause the entire electrical system to trip frequently or blow fuses or, at worst, spark a potentially lethal house fire or electrical shock.

If you are considering purchasing an older property, check the wiring is safe before buying. RACC Electrical Services Ltd can tell you what work is required to bring it up to current standards with estimates of the cost which you can take into account when making an offer. Even modern homes can have problems, for example shoddy DIY electrical work.

Rewiring is an opportunity to not only improve safety but also modern convenience – to add more switches and plugs for kitchen appliances, home computers and televisions. If you are selling an older property, a recent rewire can boost its appeal to buyers.

If you are planning a major renovation project, it is likely you will need to rewire all or part of your property. Electrical installations must comply with Building Regulations BS 7671, also known as the IET Wiring Regulations. This sets the standards for electrical installation in the UK. If you are extending your home or converting the garage or attic, all the new wiring will need to conform to the latest Building Regulations and the existing installation be updated to safely carry the extra load.

The warning signs

If you have an older home and it has not been inspected for a number of years, it may be due a rewire. Signs that you may need to rewire your home include circuit breakers that trip regularly, slight shocks from switches and outlets, frequently flickering or dimming lights, damaged or exposed wires and cables.

If you spot any of these warning signs, you can call RACC ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD who will find out exactly what work is required – and give you an estimate of the likely cost.

DO I NEED A NEW CONSUMER UNIT

If it is found you do not need a rewire, either full or partial, you may still need a fuse board upgrade.

Here is what you need to look for at your fuse board:

An RCD/RCBO

An RCD is a safety device that works alongside your circuit breakers.

RCD’s usually protect a number of circuits. This is called a split load RCD.
Or, in more modern fuse boards they are circuit breakers with built in RCD’s. They are called RCBO’s

The purpose of the RCD/RCBO is to constantly monitor the current flowing through the circuits that they protect.
The live and neutral cables in a circuit should have an equal amount of current flowing through them at the same time during normal conditions.

An example would be a loose live cable at the back of a socket touching the earth back box, this would mean an imbalance in the amount of current flowing through the live and neutral cables.

This is where the RCD/RCBO would operate and “trip”

The latest requirements for electrical installations state that any new installation or even any alteration to an existing circuit must have RCD protection.

If your fuse board does not have RCD protection, this is a sure sign an upgrade is needed.

How to tell if I have RCD Protection:

You will be able to see a test button and when pressed it will trip and turn off the electric to that circuit/s.

If you are not sure if you require an upgrade or are looking for a quote for an upgrade, call RACC ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD for a free no obligation quote, alternatively you can send a picture of your consumer unit via email or WhatsApp