Rewiring,,,,

samanthaf

Hi all, we bought our 1st home in june last year and was aware of the elctrics being old and more than likely needing rewiring. nothing came up on the survey about them so we have left them and havelived with them. all of a sudden they are playing up and we are getting electric shocks from 2 light switches.
Weve had some quotes and just cant afford it yet.
Would we be able to claim on our buildngs insurance to cover the cost????

look forward to some replies!!!

craig777

samanthaf wrote: »

we are getting electric shocks from 2 light switches

I'd get the two light switches replaced first before getting the house rewired, maybe all that's needed.

What makes you think the house needs rewiring? How old is the house?

Cozworth806

Problem is that if you get an electrician in and the light switches are in a room with electric then they should by rights do a test and inspect and give you a building regs cert. If the rest of the house isn't up to scratch then they may not do so.

You could buy two light switches and swap them yourself. Or you could wait till you get properly electrocuted

ormus

you wont be able to claim on the insurance. they will say (correctly) that its due wear & tear.
you have a duty under the insurance contract, to maintain the property in good order.

Alias_Omega

Why do you get shocks,

How, when, why, what do you do.?

Are they metal switches, plastic, is it a good shock or just a little tingle.

matbe

Cozworth806 wrote: »

Problem is that if you get an electrician in and the light switches are in a room with electric then they should by rights do a test and inspect and give you a building regs cert. If the rest of the house isn't up to scratch then they may not do so.

You could buy two light switches and swap them yourself. Or you could wait till you get properly electrocuted

This isn't correct,any electrician could repair whatever the fault is that is giving you these shocks even if the rest of the installation is not upto standard.
Ask people you know to recomend someone and tell him you cant afford a rewire but need this sorting out.

The electrician can always write on the certificate what They have done and why. and as for building regs (part p) this is outside the scope.

Fire_Fox

Have you recently replaced the carpets in the room where you get shocks? It might be just static?

Avoriaz

samanthaf wrote: »

...Weve had some quotes and just cant afford it yet....

Can you afford to die from an electric shock or in a fire caused by faulty wiring?

Get your wiring checked by a competent person and get any essential safety work done immediately.

Your electricity board may offer free safety checks.

It may cost very little to fix a faulty switch or two if that is all that is wrong..

Do you not have a friend or relative who knows enough about electricity to check and repair or replace your switches? That is very easy diy stuff and legal to do if you are competent and not charging for the work. ( I think that is correct regarding the legality)

Moneymaker

Isn't it annoying when everyone chips in with suggestions and the OP doesn't bother to come back and answer the questions? :mad:

baldelectrician

Avoriaz wrote: »

Can you afford to die from an electric shock or in a fire caused by faulty wiring?
I agree

Get your wiring checked by a competent person and get any essential safety work done immediately.
Get a Periodic Inspection Report

Your electricity board may offer free safety checks. (free SCARE checks more like)
Do you not have a friend or relative who knows enough about electricity to check and repair or replace your switches? That is very easy diy stuff and legal to do if you are competent and not charging for the work. ( I think that is correct regarding the legality)
If they were remotley compotent they would either fix it or run a mile. Money changing hands makes little difference the last person working on a circuit is responsable. They would (if a bad event were to happen) either have to prove their lack of competence or how they took action as a skilled individual to make the situation safer and / or notify you

If the wiring is that bad then your house insurance may be void- you know the wiring is at least sub standard and you have not carried out any action.