How Old Is Your Home's Wiring?

If your home was built before 1980 and hasn't been rewired, there's a good chance the electrical system needs attention. Older wiring doesn't meet modern safety standards and can pose serious fire and shock risks.

Warning Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring

1. Frequent Tripping of Fuse Board

If your RCD or MCBs trip regularly, it could indicate deteriorating wiring insulation or circuits that can't handle modern electrical demands.

2. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks

A burning smell near sockets or switches is a serious warning sign. This indicates overheating connections that could cause an electrical fire.

3. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Occasional flickers can be normal, but persistent flickering throughout the house suggests loose connections or deteriorating wiring.

4. Discoloured Sockets and Switches

Brown or yellow staining around sockets indicates overheating. This is a fire hazard requiring immediate attention.

5. Aluminium or Fabric-Covered Wiring

Homes from the 1960s and earlier may have aluminium wiring or rubber-insulated cables wrapped in fabric. These are significant fire risks.

6. Two-Pin Sockets or No Earth Connection

If your home still has two-pin sockets, the wiring predates earth safety requirements. This is extremely dangerous.

7. Sparks or Electric Shocks

Any sparking from outlets or shocks when touching appliances requires immediate professional attention.

What Does Rewiring Involve?

A full rewire typically includes:

Removing old cables from walls and ceilings
Installing new twin and earth cables to current standards
Upgrading the consumer unit with RCD protection
Installing new sockets and switches throughout
Testing and certification to BS 7671

Duration and Disruption

Property Size	Typical Duration
3-bed semi	5-7 days
4-bed detached	7-10 days

We minimise disruption by working room by room and always leave your home clean and tidy.

Rewiring Costs in Devon

As premium electricians, rewires start from £4,000+VAT minimum for any property:

Any property (minimum): From £4,000+VAT
2-4 bedroom house: £6,000 - £7,000+VAT
4+ bedroom house: £7,500 - £10,000+VAT

All quotes include making good, testing, and certification

Can You Rewire in Stages?

Yes. If budget is a concern, we can prioritise the most dangerous areas first:

Consumer unit upgrade with RCD protection
High-use areas (kitchen, bathroom)
Remaining rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to move out during rewiring?

Not usually. We work room by room, ensuring you always have power to essential areas.

Will rewiring damage my walls?

Some chasing is required for cables. We make good all areas and leave them ready for decoration.

How long is rewiring certification valid?

Your Electrical Installation Certificate is permanent. We recommend an EICR every 10 years.

Concerned about your home's wiring in Devon? Call Grant's Electrical Solutions on 01626 374 059 for a free assessment.

7 Warning Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring