Signs you need a rewire include rubber or fabric-covered cables, cracked or scorched sockets, breakers that keep tripping, flickering lights, a burning smell and too few sockets. Any of these can point to ageing or damaged wiring. Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd can assess your wiring and advise whether a full or part rewire is needed.
At a glance
- Who it is for
- Homeowners and landlords
- Key point
- The condition of the wiring matters more than its age
- Recommended checks
- At least every 10 years in a home you own. At least every 5 years in a rented home in England
- If you smell burning
- Stop using the circuit, switch off at the consumer unit if it is safe, and call an electrician
- Next step
- Have the installation tested by a qualified electrician
What are the signs that a house needs rewiring?
A house may need rewiring if it shows any of the signs below. One sign on its own does not always mean a full rewire, but each one is a reason to have the wiring tested.
- Rubber, lead-sheathed or fabric-covered cables, which become brittle with age
- Old round-pin sockets or old-style switches
- Sockets or switches that are cracked, discoloured, hot to the touch or buzzing
- Fuses that keep blowing or breakers that keep tripping
- Lights that flicker or dim when appliances switch on
- A burning smell near sockets or the fuse board
- A tingling or electric shock from switches or appliances
- Too few sockets, so extension leads are in permanent use
- A fuse board with rewirable fuses
How old is too old for house wiring?
There is no fixed expiry date for house wiring, so condition matters more than age. Rubber-insulated cables, common before the 1960s, break down over time. Later PVC cables last longer but can still be damaged by overheating, overloaded circuits or poor alterations. Electrical Safety First recommends having the installation inspected at least every 10 years in a home you own, and when you move into a new home.
How do I find out if my wiring needs replacing?
Ask a qualified electrician to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). An EICR tests the wiring and records every defect with a code:
| Code | Meaning | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate action is needed |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial action is needed |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not unsatisfactory on its own |
| FI | Further investigation required | Unsatisfactory until investigated |
A report with any C1, C2 or FI code is classed as unsatisfactory.
Does an unsatisfactory report always mean a full rewire?
No. Many faults can be put right with repairs, a new consumer unit or a part rewire of the affected circuits. A full rewire is usually recommended when the cables are worn out or unsafe throughout the property. Our guide compares a full rewire or part rewire in detail.
What should I do if I think my wiring is unsafe?
Treat any smell of burning, scorch marks or electric shocks as urgent. Take these steps:
- Stop using the affected sockets, switches or appliances.
- Switch off the circuit, or the whole installation, at the consumer unit if it is safe to do so.
- Call an electrician to inspect the wiring. In Hugglescote you can call 07359 854049.
- Call 999 if there is smoke or fire, or if someone has had a serious shock.
Frequently asked questions
How often should house wiring be tested?
At least every 10 years for a home you own, and at least every 5 years for a rented home. Test the wiring when you move into a new property and before major renovation work.
How long does a rewire take?
A part rewire can take a few days, and a full rewire of an average house commonly takes one to two weeks. The time depends on the size of the property, access to the cables and the condition of the existing wiring.
Can I live in my house during a rewire?
Sometimes. For a part rewire you can usually stay, but during a full rewire power is off to parts of the house at different stages, so many people move out for the first few days. Discuss this when you ask for a quotation.
Is old wiring a fire risk?
It can be. Deteriorated insulation, overloaded circuits and loose connections can overheat. Regular testing finds these faults before they cause damage.
Do landlords have to test the wiring?
Yes. Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person, and give tenants a copy of the report.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: by Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd. Questions about your own property? Call 07359 854049.