Boiler or rewire first

HappyMJ

Risteard wrote: »

Typical life expectency of PVC wiring is 40 years, so rewiring at this point isn't as silly as some are suggesting.

Where do you get the figure of 40 years from?

I'm not even going to consider full rewiring until it's 100 years old as that's what I've been led to expect.

The only wire that would probably be replaced before then is the one running the electric shower but I'm quite sure the shower won't last that long and when a new shower is installed that run will be replaced too.

cyclonebri1

HappyMJ wrote: »

Where do you get the figure of 40 years from?

I'm not even going to consider full rewiring until it's 100 years old as that's what I've been led to expect.

The only wire that would probably be replaced before then is the one running the electric shower but I'm quite sure the shower won't last that long and when a new shower is installed that run will be replaced too.

I would expect more than 40 years too given that almost all wiring will be protected from the effects of UV light.

The exception will be circuits that are overloaded or undersized cable has been used and at terminations where the cable fixing screws are loose, which will lead to local over heating.

Full inspection of all cable ends from board to switch etc is essential in my view if max longevity is to be retained.

Risteard

40 years is generally accepted as the life cycle of PVC cables. This doesn't mean that they cannot last longer.

All electrical installations deteriorate with age.

Certainly the installation should be periodically inspected and tested, and a report on its condition obtained. However if major work is being done then it is obviously a sensible time to be considering a rewire.

The OP is being responsible - frankly others on this thread are being irresponsible with their advice.

Silver-Surfer_2

Risteard wrote: »

40 years is generally accepted as the life cycle of PVC cables. This doesn't mean that they cannot last longer.

All electrical installations deteriorate with age.

Certainly the installation should be periodically inspected and tested, and a report on its condition obtained. However if major work is being done then it is obviously a sensible time to be considering a rewire.

The OP is being responsible - frankly others on this thread are being irresponsible with their advice.

You've said it twice, where are you getting that from?

Risteard

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

You've said it twice, where are you getting that from?

Many sources, but here is one from BASEC which shows that it can be as low as around 20 years. The loading is a key factor in all of this. This is why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this.

BASEC: "There are no requirements for life expectancy set out in cable standards and specifications. However, reputable cable manufacturers will state a probable life expectancy for their products, which for building wiring is usually 20 years when run at the rated temperature. However, under ideal circumstances, with lower loadings and minimal heating, it has been observed that cables can remain safely in operation for up to 50 years."

Silver-Surfer_2

Risteard wrote: »

Many sources, but here is one from BASEC which shows that it can be as low as around 20 years. The loading is a key factor in all of this. This is why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this.

BASEC: "There are no requirements for life expectancy set out in cable standards and specifications. However, reputable cable manufacturers will state a probable life expectancy for their products, which for building wiring is usually 20 years when run at the rated temperature. However, under ideal circumstances, with lower loadings and minimal heating, it has been observed that cables can remain safely in operation for up to 50 years."

No mention of 40 years there.

Dan-Dan

well its somewhere between 20 and 50 and my house is 33 years old so i think its just a case of get the installation tested and take it from there

Dan-Dan

and thanks for all posts , much appreciated to read differing views

Risteard

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

No mention of 40 years there.

It says in absolutely ideal conditions it could last for 50 years - so saying that the typical life expectancy is 40 years does not contradict that actually smarta**.

It also states that it could be only 20 years (or even a matter of weeks or months depending) on loading.

So if you don't know what you are talking about then cease and desist.

brightontraveller

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

You've said it twice, where are you getting that from?

Its Generally excepted eg. IEEE for domestic cable as 40 years with sufficient safety margin also plenty of other sources
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4081445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D4081445

You also need to take into account when/ where the cable itself was made and to what regulations? also the standard to which it was tested CENELEC etc, Its insulation material, number of additions accessory changes e.g. changing face plates (socket) frequency , exposure to sunlight, water, dust, dirt, copper content cable material e.g copper aluminum etc type of cable XLPE etc also it use adding excessive loads, high temperatures etc to cable can deteriorate its life expectancy down to 7 years

http://www.basec.org.uk/News/Basec-News/Life-Expectancy-of-Cables