DIY Electrics Isn't Illegal, But Is There More To It Than That?
Asking the Professional Electrician if you need new wiring may be like asking the car salesmen if its time for a new car
But that is exactly what I am asked and the answer might just surprise you.
And the fact is
I dont know...
So, that's a little unhelpful, but thats because its the same as going to the doctor and asking for a cure before you have told them what's wrong.
The same is true for your homes wiring: Does it need rewiring? Well, Yes.. at least, one day it will. But its my job to discover whether that day is today, next week, next month, next year and so on...
With that being the answer, I want to unpack this question and see what it means for you.
Rewiring shouldn't be considered lightly; its a big task and comes with its own set of consequences. It has both plusses and minuses. It can add value, it can offer peace of mind, and it can also mean you spend the next month or two putting everything back together.
That said, if your wiring is over 60 years old, then you must know that the wiring is reaching its end of life and with it comes increased fail rates and breakdowns, declining electrical safety, and also the fact that an outdated system is likely unfit for purpose in todays high electrical consumption society.
Where To Start If A Rewire Might Be Needed?
In the first instance I would suggest I come over and take a look at it. The electric box and homes wiring are intrinsically linked, so I will start by establishing how old the fusebox is to help me gauge the age of the wiring. If the electric box is new, then I will drop a socket front off or a light switch and see what the wiring is like.
Based on those checks, we can either conclude, or we can escalate.
Next, we look at doing an EICR. This may be because the wiring doesn't appear to be old enough to be written off, but is still young enough to have some life left in it based on your plans for the home: house for life? - Rewire. Just passing through? Test and ensure safety.
Whilst the EICR is being done, we'll either conclude shortly after we start if there are obvious signs that the wiring will fail: either because of DIY disasters, a high presence of junction boxes, or if old wiring has been extended to look like new.
If the wiring is however ok, we will conclude with an electrical report that will provide the following:
A good idea on the condition of the homes wiring: what the insulation is like, what the conductors are doing, and whether the wiring is in a fit state.
Repairs: (these are the antibiotics and operations of the electrical industry). Depending on what has been found, we will carryout a number of tasks that will either repair the wiring, or update the circuit controls to ensure the wiring is safe and functional.
Repairs could take from 5 minuets to 5 days, either way, if we follow the course, you will have enough information to know how long a repair should take. Board changes can take around a day on average with wiring repairs adding significant time if some sections of wire are needed to be replaced.
If the wiring is good, and the electric box is suitable, then its only the components on the electrical system that we will then look at last. Do you have enough sockets? Is there enough light? are the switches and sockets worn or are they still operational?
This would be the cherry on the cake of an electrical repair, as it may not be needed, but can still provide benefit.
Remember: You don't always need a rewire, But We will always build a case for a rewire so that you can make an informed decision.
If you have decided that you want to rewire regardless of what the electrics are doing (this happens when you want a clean slate) then great! Call today and we can help you along the way
Call now - 01603 334 007
Meet Benjamin Grant, a career electrician with two decades of experience in the field. Benjamin is not your typical tradesman; he's a consumer-focused visionary who understands that your home is more than just a structure; it's an expression of your unique lifestyle and personality.
With a passion for helping customers realize their vision for the perfect home environment, Benjamin is committed to harnessing the power of electricity in smart and thoughtful ways. His goal is to make your home not just functional but a haven that reflects your dreams and aspirations. Whether it's creating ambient lighting, integrating cutting-edge technology, or optimizing energy efficiency, Benjamin brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to every project.
So, when you embark on your next home renovation journey, remember that Benjamin Grant is your trusted partner, ready to turn your electrical dreams into reality. With his expertise and dedication, your vision for the perfect home is closer than you think.
