Guide · Updated October 2026
Signs of old or unsafe wiring
Wiring has a working life. If you see any of these signs, book an inspection before the next scheduled date.
Visible warning signs
- Rubber or fabric-covered cable. Common before the 1960s. The insulation crumbles with age.
- Round-pin sockets or sockets on skirting boards. Usually a sign of pre-1960s wiring.
- A fuse box with rewireable fuses and no RCD.
- Scorch marks, warm sockets or a burning smell. Stop using the outlet and get it checked.
- Lights that flicker or dim when appliances switch on.
- Black and red insulation. Used before 2004. Not unsafe by itself, but tells you the age of that part of the installation.
Age is not the whole story
PVC-insulated cable from the 1970s can still test well. The only way to know is to test it. An EICR measures insulation resistance on every circuit and tells you whether the installation is safe to keep using or due for a rewire.
FAQ
Questions
How long does wiring last?
PVC-insulated wiring often lasts 25 years or more, but heat, damage and alterations shorten it. Testing is the only reliable check.
Does old wiring mean a full rewire?
Not always. Often a consumer unit upgrade and a few repairs are enough. An EICR tells you which.
Get started
Book your inspection
Send the property details and we will reply with a fixed price and available dates, normally within one working day.
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