Does my home need rewiring?

If you have wiring that looks anything like the pictures shown here, then its worth asking a qualified electrician take a closer look.

Many houses in the UK still have old wiring. This is not only unsafe and a potential fire hazard but is also less efficient than modern systems. It can also affect the resale value of your house, as old wiring almost certainly is highlighted as a major problem during a survey.

The first thing to check is the colour of the cables - if you find black coloured cables entering the consumer unit, this is an immediate sign that the wiring needs checking. Modern electrical cables are either grey or white and are insulated by a coating of PVC - the old black cables were insulated with rubber, which perishes and decays with age.
Black, rubber coated wires could be up to 40 years old, and over the time the deterioration allows the conductors inside the cable to meet. This will manifest itself as a blown fuse, but if you replace the fuse it will simply blow again. The only solution is to replace the

10 tell tale signs your home may need a rewire:

1. Does your fuse box have replaceable fuse wire?
2. Do your plugs or sockets get hot or have scorch marks?
3. Do fuses blow regularly?
4. Do you have to use extension leads and adaptors?
5. Do you have lights that use the old, twisted type flex?
6. Do you have rubber covered flex?
7. Do you have round pin plugs and sockets?
8. Are your cables missing an earth cable?
9. Do you use electrical equipment outdoors?
10. Has your wiring been checked in the last 10 years?

If you have answered yes to any of the above you could require a rewire.