Signs that old electrical wiring needs checking or replacing

Signs you should not ignore

• breakers trip often, especially when large appliances are switched on;
• sockets or switches get warm, have blackened marks or smell of burning;
• lights flicker when a powerful appliance starts;
• sockets have no earth contact, especially in the bathroom and kitchen;
• the installation has aluminium wiring, common in older apartment blocks;
• the panel has old fuses and no residual current protection;
• you rely permanently on extension leads because there are not enough sockets.

If you smell burning or see smoke at a socket, switch off the power at the panel and call an electrician. If there is a fire, call 112.

Why today's demand matters

Old installations were designed for a few light bulbs, a fridge and a television. Today, the hob, oven, washing machine, air conditioning and water heater can all run at the same time. Undersized circuits overheat and the breakers trip.

What an inspection involves

An authorised electrician checks the condition of the wiring and connections, the electrical panel, the protective devices and the earthing. Based on the inspection, they tell you what can be kept and what must be redone.

Partial or complete rewiring

Sometimes a new panel, residual current protection and a few dedicated circuits for large appliances are enough. When the wiring is old or damaged, the right solution is a complete rewire.

Rewiring is coordinated with the finishes, so the walls are only opened once. Ideally, it is done as part of a renovation.

Frequently asked questions