Is there a simple way to figure out if a house needs a re wi

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DeadBeat

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I'm moving into a house soon, and the sockets and switches look suspiciously old apart from in the extended area of the house which is slightly newer.

All the switches and plugs are the yellowy plastic type, totty switches, everything just looks old.

Is there an easy way to look and see if the house requires a rewire? what are the criteria for a rewire. I haven't yet found the fuse box, but im going to take a guess that its old style fuses and not a modern consumer unit.

thanks
 
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Get a sparky in to do an Electrical Installation Condition Report. A full test of the wiring and a good visual inspection would highlight any deficiencies. Will cost you in all probability 100-150 but if he's thorough money well spent.
 
Its probably hard to say without looking at the house but, The chances are Im going to drastically redesigned the electrics in the house anyway, ill be putting in spots, moving and adding new plugs, adding cat 5 in most rooms, running coax for tv, moving the cooker and hob, moving the boiler, i'm just wondering it its worth starting again with electrics anyway. or if most older systems can be adapted (with a new consumer unit)
 
If the cabling is up to scratch then some of it may be able to be used. The EICR will determine that as the report includes detailed testing of each circuit.

The lighting circuits in older properties are usually not fit for today's purpose as they did not include an earth much before the mid 1970's.

None of this can be determined in an Internet forum, only by site test and inspection by someone who knows what they are doing.
 
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Remember that rewiring will cause a lot of disruption and mess, so it might be best to have it done now, rather than after you've moved in and decorated the place to your taste.
Having an EICR is a good idea, but there's always a risk of a hidden joint under the floorboards or somewhere, that might fail straight afterwards.
 
There's no point having an EICR if you decide to do a full rewire anyway. A rewire will be cheaper If you are adding/moving points and lights in most rooms. Moving and adding to existing installations is always more expensive than starting again.

Most people will have an EICR if they want to retain most of the existing points etc. You'll then know if the exsiting installation is fir for purpose, or not.
 
Things to look for -

Older type Consumer Unit
Switches / Light points - No Earth
Sockets - VIR Rubber Cable
Earthing to Water / Gas services - present ?

If possible it would be a good idea to consider a Rewire if required , particularly if you`ll be raising Floorboards to install Cat 5 aerial Cables etc.

Lucky
 
hmm, so do you think if the cable isn't earthed in the sockets, or the lighting circuits, then replacing it is the best option.

Im quite happy to rip it all out and put new wiring in, ill put everything in place and get a qualified sparky to connect the dots and check it over. the problem is my budget is so tight, i can't afford multiple visits from a sparky, or getting it checkout first. I cant imagine it being much more expensive wire wise to have to replace it all than adding on most of what I want anyway. going form say 2 single sockets a room to possibly in the living room up to 5 double sockets, and from on light to 5 or more spots.
 
The cable WILL be earthed in the sockets. It may not be in the lighting circuits.
None of the cable may be useable for anything. It would need testing per the above.

I am concerned about your plan
ill put everything in place and get a qualified sparky to connect the dots and check it over. the problem is my budget is so tight, i can't afford multiple visits from a sparky, or getting it checkout first.
Click to expand...

Installing new circuits, consumer unit and much of what you plan is notifiable by law. If you do not have the necessary level of competence
(with respect I'm guessing you don't or you wouldnt be asking these simple questions on a DIY site) then you'll have to engage an electrician from the start.
He/she may well let you do the grunt work, but there are so many things to consider - it's not just a case of "connecting the dots".
 
I understand, im not going to jump in without seeking advice from a qualified professional, but If i can avoid getting a £150 + survey done, then I would rather do that. However It does seem per your advice that it may be unavoidable. and it seems as pointed out, I cant just take a look at a few tell tale signs that might point out the wiring needs to be done.

cheers for the advice
 
And even then, you have to make a decision - rewire or repair. A rewire might well be cheaper than extending the circuits to suit your needs, and you'll have some confidence that it's all been done to the same standard of workmanship.
Now's the time to get it done, before you (or She Who Must Be Obeyed)spend money on decoration.
You know it makes sense!
 
Taylortwocities said:
DeadBeat said:
I cant just take a look at a few tell tale signs that might point out the wiring needs to be done.
Click to expand...
Not unless you have a calibrated Insulation Resistance Tester, Continuity tester and the knowledge of how to interpret the results....
Click to expand...
You are presumably discounting 'tell tale signs' such as most/all of the original wiring being non-PVC - in which case one presumably wouldn't need much in the way of calibrated test gear to conclude that a re-wire was, at least, highly desirable?

Kind Regards, John
 
If you post a few pictures of the installation, such as Fuse Board, cabling and earthing. It may be possible to determine the condition of your installation by a remote visual! But no promises!
If the plan is to alter/add to sockets and lighting, I would consider rewire if the installation is of an age!
 
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