Homeowner question - how do I tell if I should rewire my home?

[Brixnmorta]

Consumer question here - my property has the old style pull out fuses (property built in the late '80s) and has no significant alterations or extensions to the wiring. Are there any simple tests I should do to establish if the property should be rewired or is safe, especially if I consider letting it out for which it is good practice to obtain an electrical safety cert. Electrical Safety in Rental Property - England & Wales or is the only recourse to instruct an electrician to do a periodic inspection? Visually the wiring appears to be in good condition however I appreciate that there can be more going on 'beneath the surface' and that a visual inspection does not tell the whole story.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

get an electrician in to confirm....
it depends on how much adding on theres been.....
but as i says you will get a better opinion from someone who has had a look at it...
i`m sure there will be an electrician in here whoos near you....

- - - Updated - - -

post up where you are....

 

[Thefailsafe2012]

Consumer question here - my property has the old style pull out fuses (property built in the late '80s) and has no significant alterations or extensions to the wiring. Are there any simple tests I should do to establish if the property should be rewired or is safe, especially if I consider letting it out for which it is good practice to obtain an electrical safety cert. Electrical Safety in Rental Property - England & Wales or is the only recourse to instruct an electrician to do a periodic inspection? Visually the wiring appears to be in good condition however I appreciate that there can be more going on 'beneath the surface' and that a visual inspection does not tell the whole story.

Exactly that mate, a visual inspection is only a part of a report and tests will be carried out with meters which only a competent spark can do.

Depending on the outcome of those tests and a thorough visual, you'll be advised the best course of action to take should any issues come up!

beaten by lightning fingers Glenn

 

[Darkwood]

If it was built in the late 80's it will have been wired to the 15th edition of the regs but as we are now on the 17th edition the installation will not meet new regulation although this doesn't mean its not safe, your wiring will be in pvc cabling and most likely still in good condition but only an inspection can assess that, a recommendation for a Consumer unit upgrade will almost be a given which will afford your circuits RCD earth leakage protection which in the position of been a landlord will be in your interest to cover your back if a tenant was to receive a shock, although as it stands you do not have to provide a conditioning Certificate of the electrics you are legally obliged to ensure the electrics are safe (which will only satisfy a court of law if you provide proof i.e. an Electrical report) so always recommend you have an inspection done to cover your ---... the conclusion of the inspection will answer your opening post.
Most posts in reply will and can only be guess work ... a potential danger may exist within your wiring which really needs a competent person to inspect and find ...there are no quick tests you can do.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

If it was built in the late 80's it will have been wired to the 15th edition of the regs but as we are now on the 17th edition the installation will not meet new regulation although this doesn't mean its not safe, your wiring will be in pvc cabling and most likely still in good condition but only an inspection can assess that, a recommendation for a Consumer unit upgrade will almost be a given which will afford your circuits RCD earth leakage protection which in the position of been a landlord will be in your interest to cover your back if a tenant was to receive a shock, although as it stands you do not have to provide a conditioning Certificate of the electrics you are legally obliged to ensure the electrics are safe (which will only satisfy a court of law if you provide proof i.e. an Electrical report) so always recommend you have an inspection done to cover your ---... the conclusion of the inspection will answer your opening post.
Most posts in reply will and can only be guess work ... a potential danger may exist within your wiring which really needs a competent person to inspect and find ...there are no quick tests you can do.

hmm....well theres always the `bang` test dark....
if it goes bang you can be rest assured its gone quick...

 

[Bij Lee]

As darkwood says you need a certificate anyway, so you'll kill two birds with one stone.

 

[Brixnmorta]

Thanks for all your comments, appreciated, I'll get a inspection done as you suggest, better safe than sorry.

 

[Brixnmorta]

BTW, postcode is SE2 9**. Abbey Wood/Erith area. If anyone covers that patch and wants to PM me, please get in touch with an idea of price for the inspection and typical lead time. Thanks.

 

[trev]

Isn't Malcolm down that neck of the woods? I shall Pm him.