Modern consumer unit, but old and modern sockets - how is safety tested?
Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 2.50 PM
Hi,
We have just bought a 1970s house which on the face of it, seemed quite well maintained, but on closer inspection, it has some 'quirks'.
The consumer unit is relatively modern, however the sockets and lightswitches around the house are a real mixture of modern and super old (there is a socket with an integrated extension lead thing in the hallway which I can only assume was installed when the house was built).
There is a distinct lack of sockets in useful places, which would need to be added, so really my question is, what should my first step be? Is coming round to have a look to tell me whether a full/partial rewire is required considered 'a job'?
The few carpets that are in there will be coming up, the only problem I can see is the tiled floor in the hallway, but other than that we won't be doing any work on the house until we're happy this bit is safe and sound so can handle as much mess as it takes!
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
By far and away the best course of action is to get a full Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out. This will take about 2 to 3 hours to do and is a full test and examination of the wiring. You will get a report detailing the approximate age and what if anything can be re-used/save and what needs updating/rewiring etc.
I would advise you to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) done on your property. Type in your postcode on the NICEIC.com website for a local registered firm to undertake the works. Or equally you could post the job on MyBuilder.com.
In a nutshell, the EICR is in effect an 'MOT' for the electrics within your property. Recommended frequency of a domestic EICR is every 5 years. All the circuits will be visually inspected and tested in accordance with BS7671. This report will flag any underlying issues and the property will be classified as 'Satisfactory' or 'Unsatisfactory' for continued use. Coding is as follows C1 - C2 - C3.
C1 = Danger present immediate rectification required,
C2 = Potentially dangerous - urgent remedial action required,
C3 = Improvement recommended.
This will give you an in depth view on the state of your existing electrics. You can then make your decisions from an informed stand point. Typically charged by how many circuits present - you could pay between £100 - £160 dependant on the size of the property obviously, where you are in the country, and the electrician who you hires hourly rate.
Regards, Rob
It sounds like the way to go is to have a registered electrician (you can confirm registration if in doubt on the electric safe register on line) perform an EICR electrical installation condition report. From this you will know if its feasible to do a partial rewire or have a full rewire.
Answered17 July 2014
1
Anonymous user
Ask an electrician to call out and test for you. they will pick up any faults
