Rewiring your home is a massive job that should always be done by a trained professional. Homes that have had the same electrical system for quite some time will often require rewiring, as faulty or ageing electrics can be a serious fire hazard and can lead to electrocution or injury. If your property is more than twenty-five years old, or you are thinking of buying an older house that has not been rewired in the past couple of decades, it’s important to consider the cost of ensuring that they are up to date.

When is Rewiring Needed?

If a property has not been rewired for around twenty to thirty years, chances are that this will be a necessary job to ensure that your house meets current standards. Not only can old electrics become very dangerous to you and your family, but they are also less efficient when it comes to keeping up with the demands of modern living. You will also need to consider rewiring if you plan to carry out major remodelling work, are building an extension on your home, or converting the attic or garage into a new room.

How to Tell If Your Property Has Been Rewired:

Inspecting any exposed parts of the wiring, the electricity meter and the fuse box in your home should be enough to let you know whether or not your home has been rewired in the past 2-3 decades. Typically, older fuse boxes will have big, white ceramic-style fuses which tend to be a sure sign that a property is in need of a rewire. The colour and style of the cabling can also be a giveaway; modern electrical installations will always be wired in grey or white PVCu insulated cable.

Checking If Your Electrics are Safe:

Your property may not always require a rewire, even if it has been a while since it was last done. It’s a good idea to have an electrician perform a check such as the EICR to determine the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system, which can help you determine whether or not a rewire is in order. This Electrical Safety Certificate is based on the quality of the electrics and wiring, whether or not there is a risk of electric shock, and whether the electrics are still safe to use. You can learn more about the EICR and what it entails at Trade Facilities Services, offering trained and experienced electricians who can carry out this important check on your home.

Before Starting the Job:

If you have determined that your property will need rewiring, it’s important to know that this job can be very messy and cause serious disruption to your life. If you can, stay elsewhere while it is being carried out. You should also take some time to draw up a plan of your home and determine the best places to put plug sockets, light switches and other electrical installations based on the layout and placement of your furniture.

Every home requires rewiring after a certain amount of time to ensure that it is safe.