How Long Does Electrical Wiring Last?

Unless you have been experiencing any electrical issues, you probably haven’t given it much thought. But exactly how long does electrical wiring last? And how do you know when it’s time to rewire? Thames Valley Electricians are based in Bracknell and are your local, specialist rewire electricians. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand how long electrical wiring can last and when rewiring is the best idea.

What affects the life expectancy of electrical wiring?

For most homes we would expect their electrical wiring to last at least 25 years. However, if the electrical system was poorly installed initially, or if it has been modified by an amateur, then it may need replacing sooner. Some homes wiring will still be in good, serviceable condition for up to 50 years but this is not the norm. Rewiring would ordinarily be recommended far sooner. Regular inspections will help determine any issues and keep your home safe. What else can affect how long wiring lasts?

• Material used: What your electrical wiring is made of has an impact on its longevity. Some parts of your wiring will degrade sooner than others. For example, the copper inside your wiring can be safely used for 100 years. The outer casing will degrade far sooner.
• Installation: The standard of the original installation has an impact on the lifespan of your electrical wiring. Exposure to water from either leaks or poorly chosen routing can cause damage over the time. Poor quality fittings will also be more prone to wear and tear.
• External factors: Has your electrical wiring been exposed to any extreme conditions? These can damage the protective insulation, leaving the wiring exposed. Are there any repetitive stress points caused by movement? If rodents gain access, they can also cause considerable damage.
• Performance Demands: Current passing through an electrical cable generates heat. If the wiring is carrying an excessive load, then it will degrade and become dangerous. This is a common problem in homes with older wiring as it is not designed to withstand the electrical demands of modern life.

This are all areas an electrician will look at when examining your wiring and deciding if rewiring would be advised.

Signs your home needs rewiring

There are several things you can look at yourself to help you decide whether your home needs rewiring. If you are in any doubt of the age and condition of your wiring, it is best to call in an experienced electrician who can advise if you would benefit from a rewire.

• Fuse Box: If you have an older fuse box with removable fuses that need rewiring in the event of an electrical fault, your wiring is probably out of date, and you will need to have your home rewired. A modern fuse box, also known as a consumer unit, is much safer and will have a row of small switches that toggle on and off during a fault.
• Existing Wiring: Look at the wiring around your fuse box and in any exposed areas. If it is grey or white PVCU insulated, then it is a more recent addition. Older wiring that is wrapped in fabric or rubber indicates an elderly system that should be inspected by an electrician.
• Sockets and switches: Where are your sockets located? If they are low on skirting boards and of multiple styles, then they have been in place for some time and should be checked out. Sockets that are recent additions will be in more practical and easier to reach spots.
• Electrical problems: If you are suffering from flickering lights or other intermittent faults then your wiring should be checked by an electrician as soon as possible. These faults often indicate deeper issues with your wiring. Any fault can lead to a serious issue if left unchecked.

If you are a homeowner in the Bracknell area and you would like to discuss your electrical wiring and find out if your property would benefit from rewiring, call Thames valley Electricians today. Our experienced, fully qualified and NICEIC registered electricians are on hand to help keep you and your home safe.