Rewire just the lighting?

saajan_12

tudorfan39 said:

I think the electrics for the plug sockets have been updated but I’m basing that purely on seeing that the plug sockets are new. So it’s just the lighting I’d like to update. 

This is very unlikely to be true. People update the sockets as its visible and newer ones may provide more convenience eg replacing singles with doubles, moving them up off the skirting board etc. That does not mean its any more likely that any wire was changed beyond the few centimetres around the socket. 

You may not need a full rewire, but I wouldn't look at the sockets any differently to the lighting. As to how much damage and how necessary it is, I'd get an electrician or two around as it'll depend on how your property is wired. 

tudorfan39

Thanks for your advice, the issue is it ISNT necessary currently. The lights work fine. I could leave them as they are. But I know they’re old, I can’t have metal wall lights cause there’s no earth and I’m planning a redecoration soon. Common sense suggests that I rewire before I redecorate otherwise if/when they do fail I’ll have to redecorate anyway. 

I’m just getting some ideas as to whether the lights can be done solo, and if so what kind of a mess is it going to create.
thanks again

tudorfan39

Risteard said:

tudorfan39 said:

but there’s nothing wrong with the electrics, bar wanting a few more sockets (2 sockets per room was the norm it seems in the 1960’s!)

How can you possibly know that? Your first step should probably be periodic inspection and testing of the electrical installation, upon which an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued. It may be the case that far more than the lighting is problematic.

I’ve had the plugs and sockets off the walls for minor repairs and Tbh the fact that’s there’s 3 wires there instead of 2 is all I need to know! Having the 3 standard coloured wiring is a reassurance

Ectophile

Albermarle said:

Ectophile said:

Whether or not it needs doing may depend on which end of the 1960's it was wired.

Early 60's could be vulcanised rubber insulated, with no earth.  Beware that the insulation may crumble if you pull off a light switch to look behind it.  Rubber insulated cables are best replaced.

Mid 60's onwards could be PVC insulated.  There's still plenty of PVC cable that old that's still in fine condition.  It seems to last forever unless something damages it.  But mid 60's still may have no earth wires, which is a problem if you want to use metal switches or many metal light fittings.  Earth wires in lighting circuits became standard at the end of the 60's.

Is it possible that a house wired at that time, could have earth wires to the sockets, but not to the lighting ?

Yes.  The house I grew up in was built mid-60's and had earths on all the sockets, but none on the lighting circuits.  Back then, all the light fittings and switches were plastic, so they saw no need.