Rewiring and fuse board upgrades in Broxbourne and East Hertfordshire

When does a property need rewiring?

There is no fixed age at which wiring must be replaced, but many older installations reach a point where an electrician recommends it. Signs that a rewire may be due include:

• old cables with black rubber or lead sheathing, or fabric-covered flex on light fittings
• a fuse box with rewireable fuses, the type with fuse wire held in ceramic carriers
• no RCD protection on the fuse board
• round-pin sockets, or so few sockets that you rely on extension leads
• sockets set into skirting boards, or light circuits with no earth
• scorch marks, a burning smell or lights that flicker for no clear reason

Wiring that has been altered many times by different people can also be a concern, even if it is not especially old. An electrical safety test (EICR) is often a sensible first step, because it records the condition of the installation in writing and helps you decide between a full rewire, a partial rewire or smaller repairs.

What is the difference between a fuse board upgrade and a full rewire?

A fuse board upgrade replaces the consumer unit, the box that holds your main switch and circuit protection, but keeps the existing cables. A full rewire replaces the cables, and usually the sockets, switches and fuse board as well.

A new consumer unit can only be as safe as the circuits connected to it. Before fitting one, an electrician tests the existing wiring, and faults that an old fuse box was masking sometimes come to light at that stage. They may need fixing before the new board can be connected.

Why are RCDs important?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a safety switch that cuts the power very quickly if it detects current leaking to earth, for example through a person touching a live part. It greatly reduces the risk of a fatal electric shock. Many older fuse boxes have no RCD protection at all, which is one of the most common reasons people upgrade. Current wiring regulations also call for consumer units in homes to be housed in non-combustible material, which in practice usually means a metal enclosure.

Are there rules about this work?

Yes. In England, replacing a consumer unit and adding new circuits in a home are notifiable under Part P of the building regulations, and a rewire involves both. The work must either be done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, who notifies building control on your behalf, or be notified to local authority building control before it starts.

When the work is finished you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate, plus confirmation that the work meets building regulations: a compliance certificate from the electrician's scheme, or a completion certificate from building control. Keep these safely, as buyers' solicitors often ask for them.

You can check whether an electrician is registered on the NICEIC or NAPIT registers, or search the government's Competent Person Register.

What does a rewire involve?

A rewire usually happens in two stages. The first fix means lifting some floorboards and cutting channels into walls to run new cables. The second fix, after any plastering, is fitting sockets, switches, lights and the new fuse board, then testing everything. It is disruptive in an occupied home, so many people plan it alongside other work, such as a new kitchen, an extension or redecorating, to avoid making good the walls twice. The electrician can tell you how long your property is likely to take and whether you can stay in while the work happens.

What should I tell the electrician?

• the type and size of property, such as a three-bedroom house, a flat or a shop
• roughly when it was last rewired, if you know
• what prompted the enquiry, such as an old fuse box, regular tripping or no RCDs
• whether you have a recent EICR, and any codes it recorded
• any plans for building work, a new kitchen or extra sockets
• for business premises, any equipment that needs its own supply

What happens after I send an enquiry?

We pass your details, with your consent, to one electrician who covers your postcode in Broxbourne, Hertford, Enfield, Harlow or the surrounding area. It goes to that electrician only, not to a list. They get in touch to talk about your property, usually arrange to look at the installation, and give you a quote directly. Whether to go ahead is your decision.

It costs nothing to ask and you are under no obligation. We are an independent enquiry service rather than an electrical firm, and the electrician may pay us a fee for the introduction.