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Cable cannot really be 'illegal' but defective cable would lead to an unsatisfactory EICR.
The problem now with TRS is that so much has deteriorated badly, that when you do find a good bit (and there are some) it is difficult to trust the rest of it that you can't see. Small differences in temperature or airflow can make the difference between one section that is supple and strong and another that is brittle and disintegrating. Then you reach the commercial decision that once you've uncovered enough cable to be convinced that it is safe now and would last another two years, you're halfway to being able to replace it and being good for many decades.
 
Cable cannot really be 'illegal' but defective cable would lead to an unsatisfactory EICR.
The problem now with TRS is that so much has deteriorated badly, that when you do find a good bit (and there are some) it is difficult to trust the rest of it that you can't see. Small differences in temperature or airflow can make the difference between one section that is supple and strong and another that is brittle and disintegrating. Then you reach the commercial decision that once you've uncovered enough cable to be convinced that it is safe now and would last another two years, you're halfway to being able to replace it and being good for many decades.
Thank you so much for your help. Im 83 and a bit out of the loop with regulations. I wired my self catering property in 1955. It seems likely that all self catering properties will have to pass the EICR you mentioned in 2023/24. Im concerned that i will have to rewire. The TRS is in good condition though.

Other concerns are 1) no earth in light cables and 2) wooden back boxes to light switches.

It is going to be such a nightmare if i have to change everything but understand importance of compliance.

Grateful for your advice. Thank you. In essence if Trs is in good condition i could still pass eicr?
 
Thank you so much for your help. Im 83 and a bit out of the loop with regulations. I wired my self catering property in 1955. It seems likely that all self catering properties will have to pass the EICR you mentioned in 2023/24. Im concerned that i will have to rewire. The TRS is in good condition though.

Other concerns are 1) no earth in light cables and 2) wooden back boxes to light switches.

It is going to be such a nightmare if i have to change everything but understand importance of compliance.

Grateful for your advice. Thank you. In essence if Trs is in good condition i could still pass eicr?
Possibly. Most good EICR inspections follow the guidance in the "best practice guide #4" which is available as a free download from here:

Most likely "failure" (i.e. unsatisfactory due to codes C1, C2 or FI) for an old but otherwise sound to original regulations installation is going to be lack of RCD protection on any sockets likely to be used outside, but metal light fittings without a CPC (earth connection) is another possible one here. Lack of fire rating on the fusebox/CU, or accessories, in most likely a C2 if it is a high risk area or flammable building.

Other unpleasant surprises are low IR for some reason, possibly condemning the cable, and immersion heaters without the safety cut-out to prevent boiling:
  • Immersion heater does not comply with BS EN 60335-2-73 (that is, it does not have a built-in cut-out that will operate if the stored water temperature reaches 98C if the thermostat fails), and the cold water storage tank is plastic
 
Well things have changed over the past sixty years quite radically. Seems like you are likely going to have to re-wire. Happy to be proved wrong on that with the EICR. I am sure that any property rented out by a private Landlord has to have an EICR now anyway under the ESPRS regulations that came out in 2020 (may not apply in holiday rentals). Looking on the bright side, if you have been renting out the property for self-catering stays then at least you have made loads of money from it over sixty years. I suppose you would consider yourself lucky that you haven't had any major spend like this, so all in all you are in profit.
 
Possibly. Most good EICR inspections follow the guidance in the "best practice guide #4" which is available as a free download from here:

Most likely "failure" (i.e. unsatisfactory due to codes C1, C2 or FI) for an old but otherwise sound to original regulations installation is going to be lack of RCD protection on any sockets likely to be used outside, but metal light fittings without a CPC (earth connection) is another possible one here. Lack of fire rating on the fusebox/CU, or accessories, in most likely a C2 if it is a high risk area or flammable building.

Other unpleasant surprises are low IR for some reason, possibly condemning the cable, and immersion heaters without the safety cut-out to prevent boiling:
  • Immersion heater does not comply with BS EN 60335-2-73 (that is, it does not have a built-in cut-out that will operate if the stored water temperature reaches 98C if the thermostat fails), and the cold water storage tank is plastic
Thanks for this and thank you for your time, the links are especially useful.
 
I wired my self catering property in 1955.
Other concerns are 1) no earth in light cables
I think to be fair you have had reasonable value out of that investment. 67 years usage isn't bad especially if you work out the cost per day it's worked!

I particularly don't like the idea of no earth on a lighting circuit in a property that is rented out. It isn't all that unlikely that someone staying there will try and change a bulb. Is the consumer unit still from that era too? I can't see how anyone can declare the installation satisfactory on an EICR on this point alone. (BPG4 has other ideas which I don't subscribe to!)

It is going to be such a nightmare if i have to change everything but understand importance of compliance.
I presume that a self-catering property could easily be unoccupied for the duration, and un-occupied rewires are SO much easier.
 

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