What's considered "old" for electrical wiring?

girl_withno_name

Hi all,

The title just about sums up my question I guess - at what point would house electrics generally be considered "old" and potentially need replacing?

Thanks

fluffpot

It all depends.... on how well the cables were installed in the first place, if they were good quality and the amount of usage they have had. I remember seeing a table somewhere on an engineering forum that said that in optimum condition's PVC cables could last 80 years!

However, many people decide to rewire because the number of sockets demanded by al our appliances in recent years has sky rocketed.

The only sure fire way to know is to get them all tested - I've tested cables that were 30 years old and in perfect condition.

Owain_Moneysaver

Pre 1950s almost certainly needs rewiring or immediate attention.

Pre 1970s is likely to have potentially dangerous shortcomings, such as undersized earth wiring on power circuits, or lack of earthing on lighting circuits, as well as an inadequate number of sockets and circuits leading to using unsafe extension leads etc.

1970s-1980s likely to be in good condition but not to have RCD protection on any circuits. Main earth bonding may need to be updated, RCDs should be added urgently to power circuits supplying sockets for outdoor appliances, and shower circuits.

There's a big difference between 'old and unsafe' and 'old and not compliant to current regulations, but probably safe enough'

girl_withno_name

Thanks both! We've had an offer accepted on a property which is 29 years old, with a 20 year old extension... so sounds like it might be worth getting the wiring checked out (for peace of mind, if nothing else).

Ectophile

If it's 29 years old, then it will have PVC wiring. Provided it's not chewed by vermin, overheated or exposed to bright sunlight, PVC seems to last forever.

So your real questions will be on the general state of the installation, and how much it has been mucked about with since it was installed. That's where a condition report from a qualified electrician would be useful.