When to re-wire

[markdiynot]

what are the general guidelines for indicating a house needs a re-wire

will be using for a buy to let has older black red colour coding but is in excellent conditioin even feeding a shower...also has a mains box with rcd/trip fuses

 

[sxturbo]

If it's not broke...

If it passes the safety test

 

[markdiynot]

thanks to anyone in anticipation of any useful information prior to the electrical safety check ..

 

[chivers67]

An Independent EICR should determine whether an installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory and needs a full or partial rewire. If you're going to Rent it out it seems you may have to have one completed. i'm sure others may clarify that.

The only way to determine whether wiring is suitable is to be fully tested for Insulation Resistance and other Electrical tests to see whether it complies with BS7671.

 

[flameport]

In terms of safety, most items can be replaced without rewiring. The main exception being old rubber insulated wiring will be scrap by now and should have been replaced 30+ years ago.
PVC wiring doesn't generally degrade and can still be usable many decades later.

However the whole installation for a 4 bed house could be a pendant light and a single socket in the hallway which could be totally safe but would be unusable, so rewiring is usually when:

• there aren't enough socket outlets
• those that exist are in the wrong places
• major alterations to lighting is desired/required
• kitchen is being replaced
• the existing installation has been altered and amended by various incompetent buffoons and it's easier to just start again
• all of the above

 

[RF Lighting]

Do you have any photos of the installation? It may help us better gauge how old it is, when things were altered, and what common issues you might have to address.

 

[markdiynot]

many thanks for comments and advise ,,, electrical survey now booked and i am tidying up any old sockets etc.... wiring looks ok but we will see many thanks again for any mature sensible answers on this site ....much appreciated