Does My House Need Rewiring? 7 Key Signs
- Sam Punter
- Jul 20
- 5 min read
Ensuring your home is safe with up-to-date electrical wiring is essential - especially if you're buying a property in Milton Keynes. As technology evolves and regulations tighten, recognising the warning signs of outdated or unsafe wiring can help you avoid serious risks and costly repairs. If you’re a homeowner in Milton Keynes, understanding your electrical system and recognising when it needs attention is a good skill to have. Spotting these signs early can help prevent hazards and ultimately save you money. Here are seven clear signs that suggest it's time to consider rewiring your home.
1. Verdigris (Greenish Corrosion) Seeping Out of Sockets and Switches
Seeing greenish corrosion, or verdigris, around your sockets or switches is a warning sign of deteriorating cables. Older cables, especially rubber or early PVC cables, can chemically break down, releasing acidic vapours that speed up the corrosion of the copper. Left unattended, this corrosion can lead to electrical shorts and increase the risk of fire hazards.
Inspect your sockets and switches regularly, particularly in damp areas like kitchens or basements. If you notice this corrosion, contacting a qualified electrician in Milton Keynes for an assessment is crucial.
2. Black Rubber Cabling Inside the Walls
If your home is older, it might have black rubber cabling, which was commonly used until the late 1960s. Unlike today's PVC wiring, black rubber cabling degrades over time, it becomes brittle and prone to cracking, leading to increased risks of electrical faults and potential fires.
For homes built before modern wiring standards, such as a Victorian-era property, it’s important to have a professional inspect the cabling. Homes with black rubber cabling can have a significantly higher risk of electrical faults due to degradation over time.
3. Evidence of DIY Electrical Work
Until Part-P was introduced in 2005 DIY electrical work was surprisingly common - and we still come across shocking examples to this day, even 20 years later.
Keep an eye out for bodges like grey internal PVC cable used for outdoor lighting - this is a red flag.
Look for exposed coloured insulation at junction boxes and bare terminal strip in lofts. If you spot anything suspicious, don't touch it, consult a qualified electrician. Proper installations by a professional are far safer and compliant with today's modern electrical standards.
4. Presence of an Old Rewirable Fusebox
Relying on an old rewirable fusebox is a clear indication that your home’s wiring may be outdated and unsafe. This type of fusebox does not meet today’s electrical safety standards, which require fire rated consumer units with circuit breakers and RCD protection.
If your home still has a rewirable fusebox, the underlying wiring could well be rubber. However even if you don't need a full rewire upgrading to a modern consumer unit is absolutely crucial to enhance safety and reduce the risks of electrical problems.
If you're unsure whether you have a rewirable fusebox, lookout for black or brown fuse carriers with coloured spots and the brand name "wylex" - commonplace in older installations throughout Milton Keynes (pictured below).
5. Cracked or Deteriorating PVC Cabling Visible in Accessible Areas
Accessible areas like attics or basements should be checked for visible PVC cabling. Look for cracks or signs of wear and tear, which can lead to insulation breakdown and expose wires, increasing the risk of electric shocks and electrical fires.
It's quite often to find rodent damage too, especially in a house where the electrics have been tripping frequently.
If you find any damage, contact an experienced electrician to evaluate the condition and recommend the necessary actions for a rewire.
6. Lack of Sufficient Sockets and Other Services
In this technology-driven era, having an insufficient number of electrical sockets points to an outdated system. We often hear from clients in Milton Keynes frustrated by extension leads everywhere. If you have to rely on extension cords or multi gang adaptors to plug multiple devices into the same outlet, that’s a sign your electrical installation isn’t keeping up with modern life.
Additionally, as technology advances, having adequate data points, TV ports, and USB charging points in your home is essential. Consider rewiring to ensure an abundant supply of outlets and connectivity options.
7. The Best Way to Confirm is to Have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
One of the most reliable ways to determine if your home needs rewiring is by scheduling an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with a qualified electrician, such as MK Sparks in Milton Keynes. This report helps assess the safety and condition of your home’s wiring, ensuring it meets current standards.
If you haven't had an EICR in the last few years or are thinking of buying a property, getting this report is highly advisable. It can help you avoid any future electrical issues.
EICRs are recommended at a maximum of 10-year intervals for owner-occupied homes, and every 5 years for rental properties.
Understanding the Benefits of a Full House Rewire
While it’s essential to recognize the signs of needing a rewire, understanding the advantages can motivate your decision. Below are some key benefits of rewiring your home:
Improved Safety and Compliance with IET BS7671 Wiring Regulations
One major reason to rewire is the enhanced safety it provides. By upgrading your wiring systems to modern standards, you significantly reduce the risk of shocks and fires. All installations carried out by qualified Part-P Approved electricians will be installed in accordance with BS7671, we are currently working under 18th edition amendment 3 of the wiring regs.
The Freedom to Redesign the Electrical Layout
Rewiring gives you the chance to shape the electrical layout according to your lifestyle. From more efficient lighting to extra sockets for your home office, a rewire allows for the customization needed to better fit your day to day use.
Increased Property Value and Peace of Mind
Investing in your home’s wiring can raise its market value. Prospective buyers typically pay more for homes with modern wiring, as it implies fewer immediate repairs need addressing. Moreover, knowing your home's electrical system is reliable reduces stress, which is invaluable for any homeowner.
What to Expect During the Rewiring Process
If you’re considering a rewire, understanding the process can help ease concerns. Here's what to expect:
When is the Best Time to Rewire a Home?
The best time to rewire is during renovations or after buying a new home. This provides easy access to walls and ceilings, making installation simpler. While rewiring can be disruptive, planning it during renovations or a home purchase minimizes inconvenience.
What a Typical Rewire Involves
Rewiring involves removing old wiring and installing new cables with sockets and switches positioned exactly where they're needed. After the installation work is complete your electrician will conduct thorough testing and provide both an Electrical Installation Certificate and a Part-P Building Control notification. Hiring a qualified electrician ensures that the installation complies with the current wiring regulations and Part-P notification is issued.
How MK Sparks Approaches Rewires
At MK Sparks, we know that homeowners may worry about disruption during the rewire. Our approach minimizes disruption while maintaining high workmanship standards. We aim to complete the job effectively, making your home safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Take Action for a Safer Home
Recognising the signs that your home needs rewiring can protect your family and enhance your property's functionality. If you’ve noticed any of these signs or it has been several years since your last EICR in Milton Keynes, now is the time to think about rewiring your home.
Get in touch with MK Sparks for expert rewiring services in Milton Keynes. With our experience, trustworthiness, and local knowledge, you can be assured that your home will meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
As a homeowner, acting on these signs of necessary rewiring can save you from headaches and create a safer, more functional living space for you and your family. Remember, prioritizing your home's electrical safety is essential and can lead to lasting peace of mind.
Get in touch with MK Sparks today for expert advice and free quotes on house rewires in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
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