New consumer unit with old wiring⚡

1) Are my electrics new?🤔

This is a question we are often asked by customers, potential customers, new home buyers and landlords. Often, we will be sent a photograph of a consumer unit / fuse box or other electrical equipment and asked to guess the age of the electrical system from this. In some cases, there may be a NEW CONSUMER UNIT WITH OLD WIRING which can cause confusion over the age of the electrical installation. When there is a new consumer unit in a property, there is often the assumption made that the electrical system is brand new or in great condition and this is sometimes far from the truth. 

2) What does old wiring mean for electrical systems?⚡

Electrical cabling does not last forever and like nearly everything, it has a lifespan. This lifespan is highly dependent on the quality of the cabling, the quality and workmanship of the installation, the wear and tear it has suffered and likely to suffer in the future and any additions that are planned to the electrical installation. 

Modern electrical cabling installed professionally using high quality accessories and looked after well is likely to see many decades of service. The same installation subject to a rushed installation, poor quality workmanship and lots of heavy use may start to deteriorate much quicker. 

I have tested installations that are thirty years old that have returned test results I would expect from a new electrical installation. I have tested installations at 50 years old that, should they be left alone and not interfered with, may well return several more years of useful service. 

In general, old wiring should be regularly tested and inspected by a professional electrician to monitor its safety, look for any faults before they become a big problem and to ensure the safety and suitability for continued use. Every ten years is normally recommended for an inspection interval for wiring systems in our homes. 

3) Should old wiring be replaced?⚠️

Certain types of older cabling should be replaced almost without question. Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) cabling has now served its useful lifespan and in many cases is actually dangerous to leave in service. This type of cabling should be replaced ideally or monitored professionally, regularly as a minimum. Rubber cables ceased being installed in the 1960s. This means that an electrical installation with this type of cable still in use is likely to be at least 60 years old.

Lead Sheathed cables, should also be replaced. The age of these cables would indicate that they need to be replaced. These cables were last used before the 1960's. 

4) My wiring is red and black, does it need replacing?💭

If you have wiring that is red and black it does not necessarily mean it needs replacing. Red and black wiring was last installed in 2003-2004 approximately. This means that your wiring system is at least 20 years old (as of 2023) and possibly older. As a minimum, your electrical system should be tested and inspected by a professional electrician if you have not had this carried out in the last 10 years. 

5) We had an electrician take a look, is this a proper test?👨‍🔧

A thorough and proper periodic electrical inspection takes around 3 – 6 hours. The document produced following the inspection is typically 6-8 pages long. Make no mistake, a thorough inspection takes time, costs money, and produces valuable information at the end. This Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a useful document to prove the state of the electrical wiring to prospective home buyers, insurance companies and for your peace of mind. 

6) What is a visual inspection?🔎

A visual inspection and report is a much quicker and less in-depth inspection carried out on an electrical installation. Such an inspection would typically involve a 1- or 2-page document containing commentary about the mains equipment, meter equipment and incoming power cables. The condition and age of the existing consumer unit / fuse box and the commentary about the condition and suitability of electrical equipment in the home such as sockets, switches, and bathroom electrical equipment. 

7) Can you rewire a house & leave an old consumer unit?🏠

No. When a full rewire is being undertaken, this is considered a new electrical installation and as such, the consumer unit should meet current wiring regulations and safety standards. New consumer units offer much more protection over older ones or fuse boxes and leaving an old unit in place with brand new wiring should not really even be a consideration. 

If cost is the primary issue regarding a rewire then funds should be saved by avoiding items such as downlights and instead opting for a single pendant. Downlights can be added at a later stage once more funds are available. Opting for plain white electrical accessories over chrome or metal can also save money. 

8) Can an old wiring system be upgraded?⚡

If you have a NEW CONSUMER UNIT WITH OLD WIRING then this is a sign that someone has chosen to upgrade the electrical system at some point. Changing a consumer unit does not give any extra life to the electrical system but it does offer more protection to the cabling, electrical accessories, and occupants of the property. It also means that if anything breaks on the consumer unit that parts will generally be easier to source. 

9) Can a new consumer unit be installed on to old wiring?💡

It is vital to have an electrical inspection carried out before installing a new consumer unit onto old wiring. At best it will protect the aging installation from various electrical faults and at worst, the new consumer unit will not even work correctly if there are existing faults on the system. 

If you have questions that have not been answered here, then feel free to use our live chat function, contact form or call us and we will do our best to answer your questions regarding electrics. 

If you have purchased a property and are unsure of the condition of the wiring system then call us for a quote for a thorough electrical inspection. We are always happy to bring peace of mind to homeowners regarding their electrics. 😊