If you own an older property or have been experiencing electrical issues, you may be wondering whether your home needs a rewire.
At Precision Electrical Services Ltd, your local electrician in Walton-on-Thames, we specialise in house rewires, ensuring your home’s wiring meets modern safety standards. But how do you know if your home needs rewiring? Here are some key signs to look out for.
1. Green Goo – The Hidden Danger in 1960s Wiring
If you’ve noticed a green, sticky substance leaking from electrical sockets or switches, this could be a sign of deteriorating PVC-insulated wiring. In homes built in the 1960s and 70s, plasticiser used in PVC cables can break down over time, leading to this “green goo” issue. This can cause wiring to become brittle, increasing the risk of electrical faults and making rewiring essential for safety.
2. Aluminium Wiring Instead of Copper Core Cables
Another common issue in older properties is aluminium wiring. While this was a cost-effective alternative to copper in the past, it has since been found to degrade faster and be more prone to overheating. Aluminium wiring can lead to an increased risk of electrical fires. If your home still has aluminium wiring, it’s highly recommended that you consult a registered electrician for a home rewire.
3. No Earth Conductors in Lighting Circuits
Many homes built in the 1960s and earlier were wired without earth conductors in the lighting circuits. This makes it unsafe to install metal light fittings or accessories, as they require an earth connection to prevent potential electric shock risks. If your home has outdated wiring without earth conductors, rewiring would be necessary to meet current safety regulations.
4. Old Cloth-Insulated and VRI Cabling
Homes built before the 1960s may still have cloth-insulated cables or Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VRI) cabling. These older wiring types are particularly hazardous as the insulation deteriorates over time, leaving exposed live wires that can pose a serious fire and electrocution risk. If your home still contains these types of wiring, it is strongly advised to arrange for a full rewire to modern, safer wiring standards.
5. Old Consumer Units with Rewireable Fuses
If your consumer unit (fuse box) has traditional rewireable fuses rather than modern circuit breakers or RCD protection, this is a strong indicator that your home’s wiring is outdated. Rewireable fuses do not offer the same level of protection against electrical faults as modern consumer units, which can detect faults instantly and shut off power to prevent damage or fire hazards.
6. Frequent Fuse Tripping or Partial Circuit Failures
Are your fuses tripping regularly, or do certain sockets or lights stop working intermittently? These are classic signs of an overloaded or deteriorating electrical system. Wiring that is unable to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances can become a serious fire risk and should be inspected by a qualified, registered electrician.
7. Old, Cracked, or Perished Wiring
If your wiring is visibly damaged, cracked, or perished, it is no longer safe for use. Over time, insulation around wires can deteriorate, exposing live conductors and increasing the risk of short circuits and electric shocks. If you see any exposed or brittle wiring, contact a NIC EIC registered electrician immediately.
What to Do Next – Contact Your Local Electrician for a Home Rewire
If you recognise any of these warning signs in your property, it may be time for a full or partial house rewire. At Precision Electrical Services Ltd, we specialise in:
- Full house rewires – Upgrading your entire electrical system to modern standards.
- Partial rewires – Updating specific sections of your home’s wiring.
- Kitchen rewires – Ensuring your kitchen’s electrical supply meets current safety regulations.
- Fuse box replacements – Installing modern consumer units with RCD protection.
We are a trusted, registered electrician service in Walton-on-Thames, providing professional and reliable electrical rewiring services. Don’t take risks with outdated wiring – contact Precision Electrical Services Ltd today to arrange an inspection and ensure your home is safe for years to come.
