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Morning ,
Just seeing what peoples thoughts are. Been to look at a kitchen extension and there is going to be quite a bit of remedial work. The existing cable was fitted 20 yrs ago white t/e and looks in pretty good condition. IR values 770mohm @500v

I am led to believe that cable has a shelf life of 25yrs.The exsisting stuff is getting on a bit but still passes with flying colours. At what point would you rewire or in this instance would you be happy to use exsisting even though it is £20 yrs old .
Thanks
 
I would change it.
don’t want the hassle of a call back 6months later because there is a problem that could have been avoided.

if it feeds other parts of the house, leave it alone and install all new for the kitchen and your part is separate and easy to distinguish who’s problem any faults may be.
 
Morning ,
Just seeing what peoples thoughts are. Been to look at a kitchen extension and there is going to be quite a bit of remedial work. The existing cable was fitted 20 yrs ago white t/e and looks in pretty good condition. IR values 770mohm @500v

I am led to believe that cable has a shelf life of 25yrs.The exsisting stuff is getting on a bit but still passes with flying colours. At what point would you rewire or in this instance would you be happy to use exsisting even though it is £20 yrs old .
Thanks
The choice, as they say, is yours. You've tested the cable and it all looks good so it could be utilised. But then again it depends what it's already feeding and what you want to use it for. If it's easy enough to get to the CU and there's a spare way I'd probably install a new circuit. Cutting into and extending circuits can take just as long, also once you've touched it your responsible for anything else that circuit supplies.
 
20 year old modern pvc pvc cable is fine so long as it looks okay and tests up okay

It it were old imperial cable I would re-wire it but modern pvc pvc is probably good for 100+ years if installed correctly and doesn't get wet or eaten by pests
 
I have some full rolls of 20 year old red black twin and earth in my garage , just waiting for it to hit £150 a drum then it goes staright on Ebay
 
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I have a fair bit of red/black t&e both grey and white sheathed. All the flats here are the same age and wired in red/black...I wonder if my stash might come in handy for adding "timeless" extensions and alterations...
Not that I would ever condone such a camouflage exercise!
 

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