SarahBeenySpringIssue2017 - 216
▲ SLUG SLUG GOING LIVE: HOW SAFE IS YOUR WIRING? T here's no getting away from it - rewiring your home can be expensive and messy. But faulty electrics can be a serious fire hazard and may cause electrocution, so it's important to consider upgrading your current system if it isn't up to scratch. If you're thinking of buying a property that's more than 25 years old, check the wiring is up to date before you buy. An electrician will typically charge £100 to £150 for a survey and verbal report. For a full electrical survey with a written report, expect to pay between £250 and £350. HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO REWIRE? If your property hasn't been rewired in the past 25-30 years, the chances are it will need at least some work to bring it in line with current standards. An old-fashioned fuse box, or consumer unit, with large, ceramicstyle fuses is a good indicator that a property may need to be completely rewired. Old round-pin sockets or original dolly switches are also signs. A mix of different socket and switch types could indicate that a partial rewire has taken place, especially 216 | MAY 2017 if there is surface-mounted wiring running along the skirting boards and up walls. This usually means some upgrade works will be required. Another clue is the colour and style of the cabling, which should be visible at light fittings and around the consumer unit. Modern electrical installations are wired in grey or white PVCu-insulated cable, so if your cabling has a different kind of insulation, it is likely to be old. A full rewire can be avoided if the existing cabling is sound and able to carry extra loads. It may be possible to upgrade your system by adding a modern consumer unit and installing proper earthing arrangements. WHAT'S INVOLVED? Rewiring is undertaken in two stages: the first fix, when cables and wiring are installed, and second fix, when everything is joined up and made 'live'. The second fix is also when the front faces of socket boxes, switches and lights are fitted. The first fix is best done without furniture and carpets, so floorboards can be lifted and ceilings cut into more easily. To position new sockets and switches in optimal places, plaster generally needs to be cut into, so cables can be buried. WARNING SIGNS Fabric, lead or rubberinsulated cabling indicates a house needs to be rewired, as all three are fire hazards. WORDS: TRISH LESSLIE, IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES SPARKS MIGHT FLY IF YOU NEGLECT OLD OR POOR-QUALITY ELECTRICAL WORK, SO DON'T PUT COST BEFORE YOUR HEALTH