Signs that property will need rewiring?

NHW said:

I just checked the Title register which says that the property was built in 1974, if it hasn't had any work done since then i would assume that would roughly be the standards that it was at during that time.

Guess won't really be able to gauge accurately until i maybe get the keys and open up one of the sockets to check what it looks like behind?

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!974 fits the installation, so untouched since then, unless anything has been added.

If you are doing a refurb, worth while doing a complete rewire now, rather that disturb it all again later, if you can possibly afford it. As above, whether a complete rewire, or just a consumer unit upgrade - get one with a few spare ways in, for extras you may need add later.

Wiring from 1974 should be reasonably good - and shouldn't NEED a re-wire, though it will need checking and testing to see what remedial work it will require, if any.

It may need new, larger bonding cables to gas, water etc.

A new consumer unit would be recommended.

But it does look encouraging that the old wiring is salvagable.

If you are making drastic changes to the house, and you have plenty of money to spend, a re-wire would be good, as you will know the wiring is brand new - but wiring of your age shouldn't have any major problems.

As mentioned, some old wiring can leak green slime - I think your house was built just after that unfortunate time - which is lucky.

I’m currently rewiring a section of a building which was last rewired in 1973.

Whilst most of the cable still appears to be in reasonable condition, there are a few reasons that rewiring was decided upon. As securespark mentioned earlier, the wiring for the sockets contains only a 1.0mm² CPC, and the general lack of socket outlets. There were 3 single sockets mounted in the skirting boards which are being replaced with 8 twin sockets mounted at 450mm above floor level. Also a lack of RCD protection on this circuit.

The lighting cables again appear to be in reasonable condition, but the circuit had no continuity on the CPC which was traced to one of several junction boxes under the floor above, and there are cables which disappear off to unknown destinations from here. Also again a lack of RCD protection.

Peace of mind knowing that there will be no issues in the future played a part in the decision to rewire, especially as the room it to be redecorated shortly.

I’d imagine your installation will be in a similar condition, and whilst rewiring may not be strictly necessary, it would probably be the right time to seriously think about having it done, especially whilst the property is empty as this will allow an electrician to complete the work quicker and therefore save you a bit of money.

Thanks for all your answers, based on them its pretty evident that i think if work needs doing from a safety aspect then of course that will push me to get a full rewire done, purely cause like you all mentioned, if the house is already empty now then it makes sense to get it all done at the same time.

At the moment its moreso just a house refurb than any major works need doing, the biggest job will be knocking a wall down to make a kitchen/diner but then there were already 5 sockets for power in total already in both rooms combined, so upping that to 6 might even already be adequate cause its going from 2 to 1 room.

Things that i have gathered that should be done is to have the kitchen/diner on a seperate unit and then to also upgrade the existing consumer unit for further future expansion/flexibility. Will definetley get a quote to see how much it would be for either option and can judge based off those........hopefully lol

A load more sockets in every room- doing that while the place is empty is much easier. Have a think about telly cabling and other comms as well...