Essential checklist - Is it time to Rewire your Home?
9 Tell-tale signs your Home may be ready for a Rewire!
Essential check list for Home movers or Buyers, if you’re renovating a Property or doing building work here are 9 points you must consider, you may find its time to rewire your home, bring it up to date and keep your property safe and secure.
1. Number of sockets in each room
If there are only 1 or 2 single sockets within each room this could be an indication that the electrical installation is quite old and therefore may have signs of deterioration.
2. Sockets and switches mounted within skirting boards
If sockets are mounted within the skirting board this is a potential fire hazard and a sign of dated electrical installation.
3. Overheating
Are there any signs of overheating at the socket outlets or are they warm to touch?
4. Lighting pendants
* Do the lighting pendants look dated?
* Is the cable that hangs down from the ceiling to the cables twisted round each other (Braided)? Another sign of old dated wiring.
* When removing the pendant cap can you see a green/ yellow (earth) cable? Earth cables are essential to the safety of electrical circuits.
5. Fuse box
* Does the fuse box look aged or deteriorated? If the fuse box looks new there is also a possibility that it has just had a fuse box change and not a full electrical rewire. Your Fuse Box must also now be RCD Protected (Residual Current Device) to protect you from serious electrical shocks.
* If the fuse box has rewired fuses, and is Dark brown or is mounted on a wooden base this is usually a sign that the house has not been re wired since the 1960's.
6. Switches and plug sockets
* Are the switches and plug sockets badly fitted, Damaged or showing exposed cables?
* Are sockets and switches in awkward positions, behind doors?
7. Cable Installation
Have any cables been installed incorrectly?
All cables should be vertical or horizontal from switches and plug sockets and should never be diagonal.
8. Earth bonding.
Check the Water & Gas stop tap to see if there is a green/ yellow cable attached to the pipe work via a clamp with a label that reads "WARNING ELECTRICAL SAFETY CONNECTION. DO NOT REMOVE" These cables are a fundament item when it comes to electrical safety.
9. Operation of switches and sockets
* Do the sockets or switches operate correctly?
* Do the switches operate the light fittings that you would expect them too?
* Do the light fittings work?
Call Smart Electricians to book an appointment 0330 043 2031