It is recommended that a periodic inspection is carried out by a registered electrician at least every 10 years.
Answered by Sarah, Electrical Safety Expert
Rewiring a home is a major job and expense. But because of the safety hazards of damaged or deteriorated wiring, it may be essential.
It is recommended that a periodic inspection is carried out by a registered electrician at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied dwelling and it is a legal requirement that one is carried out every five years for a rental property in England and Scotland (and recommended for Wales and Northern Ireland).
A qualified electrician will say if your home needs rewiring and what can be achieved within a specific budget See our Electrical Installation Condition Reports page.
If a property is more than 30 years old and has the original wiring, it is likely to need updating, at least in part, to meet modern standards, including replacing the fuse box. Signs that a rewire is necessary include dated rubber, fabric or lead-insulated cabling. Modern wiring is PVCu coated, coloured grey or white, and twin-earthed.
Old and faulty wiring can cause the entire electrical system to trip frequently or blow fuses or, at worst ,lead to a potentially lethal house fire or electrical shock risk.