Is It Time to Upgrade Your Home's Wiring?
Your home’s electrical wiring is something you don’t see—but it’s working hard behind the walls every day. Faulty or outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in UK homes. So, how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade?
Whether you're dealing with flickering lights, overloaded sockets, or an old fuse box, recognising the signs of outdated wiring can help prevent serious safety risks. Let’s take a look at when and why you should consider rewiring your home.
1. How Old Is Your Wiring?
One of the first things to check is the age of your home’s electrical system. If your house was built more than 30-40 years ago and hasn’t been rewired, it could be outdated and unsafe.
🔎 Quick check: does your home still have old-fashioned fuse boxes with rewireable fuses instead of modern consumer units with RCD protection? If so, it’s time for an upgrade.
⚡ Homes built before the 1980s may have wiring that is no longer compliant with modern safety standards.
✅ Tip: if you’re unsure about the age of your wiring, book an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to get a professional assessment.
2. Are Your Sockets Overloaded?
Do you find yourself relying on extension leads and multi-plug adaptors in every room? Older homes weren’t designed to handle the number of electrical devices we use today—from smart home gadgets to high-power kitchen appliances.
🚨 Overloaded sockets increase the risk of electrical fires. If your home doesn't have enough plug points, upgrading the wiring can help by adding extra sockets with built-in USB ports for convenience.
✅ Tip: modern electrical installations can include dedicated circuits for high-energy appliances like ovens, electric showers, and EV chargers—reducing strain on your system.
3. Do You Notice Any of These Warning Signs?
Certain electrical problems could indicate serious wiring issues that need urgent attention.
Look out for:
⚡ Flickering or dimming lights
⚡ Burning smells near sockets or switches
⚡ Buzzing or crackling noises in the walls
⚡ Warm or discoloured plug sockets
⚡ Frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses
🚨 If you notice any of these issues, call a qualified electrician immediately. Faulty wiring can pose a serious fire and electrocution risk if left unchecked.
✅ Tip: never ignore a burning smell from an outlet—it could mean that wires are overheating and need urgent repairs.
4. Are You Planning Renovations?
If you're planning a home renovation, loft conversion, or extension, your existing electrical system might not be able to cope with the additional demand.
✔️ Does your home have an outdated fuse box? Upgrade to a modern consumer unit with RCD protection
✔️ Adding new rooms? Ensure wiring is properly installed and compliant with UK Building Regulations (Part P)
✔️ Switching to electric heating or an EV charger? You may need upgraded wiring and additional circuits
✅ Tip: if you're renovating, rewiring at the same time is easier and cheaper than upgrading later.
The cost of rewiring depends on the size of your home and the complexity of the job.
💰 Estimated Costs for Rewiring in 2025:
🏠 1-2 bedroom house: £2,500 - £4,500
🏡 3-4 bedroom house: £4,500 - £7,000
🏘️ Larger homes: £7,000+
Why it’s worth it: while rewiring is a big investment, it improves safety, reduces the risk of fires, and adds value to your property.
✅ Tip: always use a NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electrician for any major electrical work to ensure compliance with UK regulations. For more information on this, see our blog post Why Use An NICEIC Registered Electrician.
If your home’s wiring is old, unsafe, or struggling to keep up with modern demands, it’s time to consider an upgrade. A professional inspection can identify issues before they become dangerous, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe and compliant.
📞 Thinking about a wiring upgrade? Crannis Technology Services Ltd provides expert electrical rewiring across Swindon and surrounding areas. Get in touch today for professional advice and a free quote!
