Rewire After 25 Years?

[charliegolf]

On another site (where the OP asked if it was normal for a house that age not to have a cooker point), someone replied,

"With that age of house, and with any doubt about the cooker point*, it sounds like the house is due for a complete rewire to the latest IET wiring regs."

I'm thinking that's rubbish (with no problems reported...) but what do the pro's think?

The copper wire, the main infrastructure, is still the same sizing in the main. The sheath colours have change, but does the conductor degrade?

I have a vested interest in the answers- mine is 25 years old too.

* doubts that there is one, not if it works safely!

CG

 

[flameport]

PVC insulated wiring doesn't generally degrade unless it's been grossly overloaded, installed outside in all weathers, chewed by vermin or similar.
A 25 year old installation isn't likely to need total replacement.

Old rubber insulated wiring did have a limited life, and that was typically about 25 years, however that hasn't been used for normal installations for over 60 years.

Electrical installations are far more likely to require replacement due to people wanting far more socket outlets, different lighting arrangements and other technologies which didn't exist 25 years ago, rather than the wiring degrading.

 

[JohnW2]

On another site (where the OP asked if it was normal for a house that age not to have a cooker point), someone replied, "With that age of house, and with any doubt about the cooker point*, it sounds like the house is due for a complete rewire to the latest IET wiring regs." I'm thinking that's rubbish (with no problems reported...) but what do the pro's think? The copper wire, the main infrastructure, is still the same sizing in the main. The sheath colours have change, but does the conductor degrade? I have a vested interest in the answers- mine is 25 years old too.

You are essentially right, and can be reassured.

As far as the wiring (cables) is concerned, 25 years is 'nothing'. Any cables installed in the last 50 years or so will be PVC insulated and sheathed, and will still be fine. Indeed, although we obviously can't yet know for sure, PVC cables installed in the 1970s might well still be fine in 100+ years from now. There have been no changes (for decades) in the regulations regarding cables which materially affect what is acceptable.

Regulations regarding other aspects of electrical installations are changing all the time, most commonly in relation to the consumer units and what protective devices they are required to contain. A 25 year-old CU would almost certainly not be up to 'current standards' - but there are millions of that age (and/or older) still in 'satisfactory' service.

Kind Regards, John

 

[sparkwright]

As said, a house with 25 year+ wiring typically DOES NOT need rewiring, and I would agree the 100 year+ statement.

Modern houses are not designed to be rewired every 20 years anyhow - you would have to DESTROY a modern house to do that, what with insulation, increasing lack of conduit, extra joists and girders.

I have heard that a house should be rewired every 25 years by many people, but that is absolute rubbish.

On YouTube, there is a bloke from Scotland who specialises only in rewires. Company is Home Rewire. They can do a whole house in a day. Destruction everywhere, but he does make good. He tells you your wiring is only good for 25 years. But then that's how he makes his money.

 

[charliegolf]

Thanks all for the responses. On the same thread, I now see the assertion that EICRs are mandatory for private owners, every 10 years. That's new to me, is it correct? I've never had one. I'd expect it for landlords.

 

[RF Lighting]

I’m currently working in a building constructed in 1973. All the original fit cable is PVC/PVC and is still in great condition and certainly does not need rewiring. The only real ‘problems’ are that all the 2.5mm² cables have a 1.0mm² CPC, a general lack of outlets and undersized submains for current useage.

One of the meeting rooms has just been rewired from 3 single sockets to 8 twin sockets to give an idea of how modern requirements are much different.

 

[RF Lighting]

On the same thread, I now see the assertion that EICRs are mandatory for private owners, every 10 years. That's new to me, is it correct? I've never had one. I'd expect it for landlords.

It is only required for rental properties. As a private owner you are under no obligation to have an EICR at all.

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks all for the responses. On the same thread, I now see the assertion that EICRs are mandatory for private owners, every 10 years. That's new to me, is it correct? I've never had one. I'd expect it for landlords.

No, not correct.

For landlords, it is now (since June/July last year) required, but every 5 years.

Kind Regards, john

 

[winston1]

Thanks all for the responses. On the same thread, I now see the assertion that EICRs are mandatory for private owners, every 10 years. That's new to me, is it correct? I've never had one. I'd expect it for landlords.

No that is not correct. EICRs are not mandatory for private owners at all.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Is it the same in Wales?

 

[JohnW2]

Is it the same in Wales?

I believe so. I believe that Scotland was different, in as much as I believe it required EICRs for rented properties before England (and Wales) did, but I haven't heard of any requirement in relation to owner-occupied premises, even in Scotland

Kind Regards, John

 

[charliegolf]

Is it the same in Wales?

Good point, I'll try and check. Oops, missed John's post.

 

[JohnW2]

I believe so. I believe that Scotland was different, in as much as I believe it required EICRs for rented properties before England (and Wales) did, but I haven't heard of any requirement in relation to owner-occupied premises, even in Scotland

That comment of mine related to the the suggestion that 10-yearly EICRs might be required in owner-occupied properties. They ceertainly aren't in England (and almost certainly not in Wales, and probably not in Scotland).

However (and I haven't thought of this before), as for the 'landlord' EICRs (in private rented properties), I see that the relevant legislation is entitled "The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020" - so, unless there is some corresponding legislation for Wales (of which I'm unaware), maybe there is no corresponding requirement there?

Kind Regards, John

 

[He who knows]

I have heard that a house should be rewired every 25 years by many people, but that is absolute rubbish.

I wouldn't want mine rewired every 25 years by one person, let alone many.

 

[securespark]

The only real ‘problems’ are that all the 2.5mm² cables have a 1.0mm² CPC

Late to the party again, but this is one of the three major changes to cables designed for use in domestic properties since 1970, the others being a change from imperial to metric conductor sizes and the harmonisation of conductor insulation colours.

The CPC in 2.5mm² twin and earth cable was upgraded to 1.5mm² in the 80s (sorry, can't remember when exactly) as it was found to be insufficient when the circuit was protected by BS3036 fuses.

A quick fix at the time was to replace the 3036 with a 3871 breaker.