When does a domestic property need a rewire ???

[Dozer 73]

see a lot of different threads on here , where people asking for advice on old installations , one tonight even about moving sockets installed in the70’s in metal conduit and 2 core cable
It’s a funny game where not every one thinks the same , know wiring lasts a long time but the accessories get worn , make bad connections to plugs , lamps , switches etc
Personally I’m quite quick to advice a rewire , not for my personal gain tbh
Just wanted to know at what point other people advice a rewire

 

[John Guy]

This is an interesting read. It's been suggested that I rewire my property. The original part of the property is old colour wires on a not at all modern CU. I was under the impression that old colour wires were fine as long as old colour wires were used for any additional sockets i.e. not mixing and matching
I was sold on the idea/fear after hearing my property has no earth.
Now, how does this fit in with the discussion? Apart from don't touch anything metal and connected to electricity...

 

[John Guy]

P.S. if I'm hijacking the thread, tell me, I've got thick skin!

 

[telectrix]

This is an interesting read. It's been suggested that I rewire my property. The original part of the property is old colour wires on a not at all modern CU. I was under the impression that old colour wires were fine as long as old colour wires were used for any additional sockets i.e. not mixing and matching
I was sold on the idea/fear after hearing my property has no earth.
Now, how does this fit in with the discussion? Apart from don't touch anything metal and connected to electricity...

it's perfectly fine to mix old and new colour cables. in fact, we're not allowed to use red/black anymore. a sticker is placed on the CU indicating 2 versions of colours used.

the only way to determine if a rewire is needed is to get the installation inspected and tested. you would then receive a consition report (EICR) with recommendations for any improvements required.

 

[John Guy]

I'm getting the report done Wednesday. I'll, erm, report back

 

[John Guy]

Here's the report, which doesn't look that bad...
There's some stuff that obviously needs doing, but I'm not so sure on a rewire now
P1

P2

P3

P4

P5

P6

 

[Andy78]

Most of those codes I would take issue with. Also they have recorded no main earth yet recorded Zs values for each circuit. Something is a bit odd there.

 

[KEV 1 N]

Also, the type of system has not being ticked.

 

[plugsandsparks]

The readings for ZS are high though. Photo of service head might give a clue to system type or he didn't know what it was supposed to be. Pretty impressive though to have no earth or bonding.... wonder what happened to it..

 

[Dozer 73]

Mmm some thing doesn’t add up there with the earths and loop readings , also ins res to earth
Some of his comments are hard to make out , writing should be a bit clearer
I’d also guess installation older than 25 years , but it is a rough estimation

 

[Dozer 73]

Also no ring results on sockets but wired in 2.5 t and e on 30A fuse

 

[Dozer 73]

Personally looks like a rewire to me , safety , investment , that’s my personal opinion
But hey it could also have a few improvements and be fine for years to come , that’s why I started this thread
Perfect example for the thread

 

[Octopus]

Here's the report, which doesn't look that bad...
There's some stuff that obviously needs doing, but I'm not so sure on a rewire now
P1

P2

P3

P4

P5

P6

You should seek a 2nd opinion regarding those codes ...

How big is the home and how long was the "inspector" in it?

 

[Andy78]

He's in my neck of the woods. I would not be surprised at a lack of earthing conductor. Most service heads never had the facility and there are plenty still without.

Still, the wrong codings ring alarm bells as to the legitimacy of the report.

 

[Dozer 73]

I’ve heard of lead water pipes being used as earths and when properties get upgraded water supplies they loose main earth

 

[Octopus]

Maximum demand @ 100 Amps looks very fishy too.

 

[John Guy]

Andy78, I see you are in Hull!

He's in my neck of the woods. I would not be surprised at a lack of earthing conductor. Most service heads never had the facility and there are plenty still without.

Still, the wrong codings ring alarm bells as to the legitimacy of the report.

I am in your neck of the woods. Are you busy tomorrow morning or next Wednesday morning for a second opinion?

 

[John Guy]

...How big is the home and how long was the "inspector" in it?[/QUOTE]
It's a small two bed, with extended kitchen.
He was about 10-15 minutes under the stairs. I don't know if this is usual

 

[Dozer 73]

Why no r1 r2 when he’s stated earth sizes of cables also why no ins res between L and N , looks more of a visual test he’s carried out here

 

[Dozer 73]

Why no r1 r2 when he’s stated earth sizes of cables also why no ins res between L and N , looks more of a visual test he’s carried out here

 

[Dozer 73]

Why no r1 r2 when he’s stated earth sizes of cables also why no ins res between L and N , looks more of a visual test he’s carried out here

 

[John Guy]

My feelings are, if it's dangerous, then rewire. But as the point of this thread is about why rewire when the installation is in good condition, and the points raised in the EICR are an easy fix, is there really a need. As stated above, this is a good case study.
Anyway, I've asked for a second opinion from Andy78 and we'll go from there

 

[Andy78]

Sent you a message John

 

[Dozer 73]

Is this your house John
Is the house going to have refurb , kitchen , boiler , outside lights , electric smokes , extra sockets ( 8 doesn’t seem a lot this day and age ) , shower
Our demand for electric appliances has massively changed in the last 30 years and is changing at a fast rate
Just a bit of food for thought

 

[John Guy]

It is my house, I moved in a few weeks ago. Although to look at it you wouldn't guess!
I am having CH fitted within the week and then the usual decorating and updating of the kitchen. Having the CH fitted would be an ideal opportunity to put in additional sockets and you mentioning outside lighting has got me thinking

 

[Dozer 73]

So already your into new DB (mains ) upgrade bonding , new kitchen (separate ring ) extra sockets in every room , new boiler supply and stat , outside lights , smokes ( pending on how much you value yours and family’s life )
While your ripping house apart and full redecoration and plastering i’d Bite the bullet and do full rewire

 

[Dozer 73]

Whatever you decide good luck with the house

 

[John Guy]

So already your into new DB (mains ) upgrade bonding , new kitchen (separate ring ) extra sockets in every room , new boiler supply and stat , outside lights , smokes ( pending on how much you value yours and family’s life )
While your ripping house apart and full redecoration and plastering i’d Bite the bullet and do full rewire

I have one wired and two battery smokes
It's interesting how this thread is unfolding

 

[Dozer 73]

Yeh interesting one this and no one can force you either way , so final decision will be yours
Unlike a car MOT electricians can only really advice you on what they personally think best obviously highlighting potential dangers ( if you have chosen a good electrician )

 

[Dozer 73]

I have one wired and two battery smokes
It's interesting how this thread is unfolding

I’m presuming you have a budget for your house and ultimately this will sway your decision either way

 

[John Guy]

I thought it would be a bit more cut and dry with electrical work, but there is a lot of room for debate, which is the point of starting the thread I suppose!