Property Rewires

If you’re thinking you need a rewire but not sure, here are a few signs what you should look out for.

The rewiring would be required if the electrical wiring in your property is old or inadequate, otherwise over time this could cause an urgent safety matter. The first sign to check is the color of the cables, if you find black colored / black sheathed cables entering the consumer unit, then this is an immediate sign that the wiring needs checking professionally.

Modern electrical cables are either grey or white and are insulated by a coating of PVC – the old black cables were insulated with rubber which perishes and decays with age. if you had a fuse board replacement you would still have the problems. These black rubber coated wires could be up to 40 years old, over the time the deterioration allows the conductors inside the cable to meet. This can manifest itself as a blown fuse, but if you replace the fuse it will simply blow again. The only solution is to replace the wiring, contact us for a free electrical survey or read on for other signs to watch out for.

Other items to look out for include metal conduits running to the sockets or lights, aluminium cable (in use primarily from the 1950s to the 1970s), lead sheathed cables (common in the 1930s) for socket circuits. Sockets on skirting boards with no on/off switch, and an rewireable fuse board.

Are you looking to sell or rent soon?

Modern properties place a much higher demand on the electrical system than in years past, if you think, the wiring was designed for the property and what it would be used for, but say your property was built in the 60’s they never had microwaves and dvd’s, so over the years with all the technology being added to the house it will be putting a lot more strain on your electrical wiring, if you have old wiring it is probably an accident waiting to happen.

50% of new homeowners require additional socket outlets within twelve months of purchase of a new dwelling. There is a minimum number of sockets that should be installed in a house, Smaller Dwellings Room size Typically 4-12m²: Living Room 4, Single Bedroom 2, Kitchens 6.

Even if the safety issues aren’t enough to convince you, you will have to get your electrics updated before you sell your house or rent it out, a basic electrical periodic inspection report will reveal any inadequate or defective electrical systems and prove if a building or home is electrically safe. No mortgage lender will lend money on a property that could be a potential fire hazard. If you keep on top of the electrical maintenance, you could see any problems before its to late.

If you have concerns about the electrical systems in your property then contact ProElec Electrical Services using our simple contact form or by telephoning us directly on 01925 222197. Just let us know the type of work required.