When to Replace Electrical Wiring in an Old House. The electrical systems in older homes can pose serious safety issues, and knowing when to replace outdated electrical wiring is important for protecting your family and property from potential problems including the risk of electrical fires. Whether you're in the UK or the United States, the principles of electrical safety remain the same, though the specific codes and current standards may differ. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key warning signs that suggest it's time to rewire your entire house, examine different types of old wiring materials, and help you understand when a full rewire becomes a necessity rather than an option for your home's electrical system.

How many plug socket outlets can one circuit take? I get this question almost daily from homeowners planning renovations or simply trying to figure out why their circuit breaker keeps tripping. The short answer? It depends on whether you're in the UK or US, and what you're planning to plug in.

How Long Does House Wiring Last: When To Replace. Electrical wiring in your home, if installed by professional Electricians and maintained correctly will last a minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years, depending upon use. We will discuss what different factors affecting the lifespan of wiring in this article and you will see that the answer is not always as straightforward as you may imagine.

Open Circuit vs Closed Circuit: What's The Difference - An electrical circuit effectively has just two states; open and closed. An open circuit will not allow electrical current to flow, no lights will turn on, no socket outlets will work, no equipment will function. A closed circuit will enable electrical current to flow around the circuit meaning that equipment, lamps, appliances and other electrical equipment will work. What is a Closed Circuit? A closed circuit provides a complete circuit with a continuous path for electrical current to flow from the power source back to itself. In this normal condition, electrons can move freely through conductors, creating a continuous current flow that powers electrical devices.

As a qualified electrician with decades of experience in the electrical industry and as an electrical tutor, I've seen my fair share of electrical hazards that could have been prevented. The question "Are my electrics safe?" isn't always as straightforward as it seems. While some electrical problems are glaringly obvious, many electrical hazards lurk behind walls, in breaker panels, and within seemingly normal electrical devices, waiting to cause electrical fires, electric shock, or worse.

Extension cord or Power Strip: Are They Safe to Use? Extension leads, also known as power strips or electrical extension cords, are pretty much the unsung heroes of modern life. Whether you’re plugging in your laptop, your phone, or your third coffee machine (no judgment), they give you extra outlets where and when you need them. But—and this is a big one—misuse of these handy devices can lead to some serious consequences, including electrical fire risks and electrical shock dangers. As a qualified electrician and electrical industry instructor, I’ve seen what can go wrong when extension cords are used improperly. We’re talking everything from minor singes to major house fires. So, in this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to use extension cords safely—whether you’re at home, at work, or somewhere in between.

Top 10 Reasons for an EICR fail - Expert Insight. Every property that contains an electrical system should be tested and inspected from time to time. Every property that contains an electrical system should be tested and inspected from time to time. The frequency of testing recommended or required will depend upon the type of property, its use, and risks to the users of the electrical systems. Additionally, the local authority in the area within the which the property is situated may have additional requirements as is often the case with rental property. The best way to check the electrical system is safe, limit the risk of electric shocks and faulty wiring is to have the property professionally inspected to compare its condition with modern electrical safety standards. This is done through a periodic electrical inspection that produces a document called an EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report. ​The report will often contain several classification codes and each classification code reflects the severity of the situation discovered by the inspector. In this article we will look at the 10 most common reasons why an EICR would be returned as UNSATISFACTORY or FAIL.

Bonding Earthing Grounding - Do my pipes need earthing? It is a common misconception that all pipework should be earthed. In many cases, metallic pipework WILL require a connection to earth in order to avoid a dangerous voltage appearing during an electrical fault but in some cases, pipework will NOT need to be connected to the earthing. Let me explain...

Shower pull cord switch stuck, light on. How to fix? If you find that your shower pull cord switch is stuck, the best solution is to have it replaced with a new switch. An electric shower circuit is a powerful electrical circuit that can cause issues if there are faulty components installed. Shower switches are prone to failure on electric shower circuits and are not generally repairable. If the light is still on then it’s showing that there is power to the pull cord switch. There is NOT an easy fix and the switch will usually require replacement.

Sparking Outlet: Is it Dangerous? Why are there sparks? A sparking outlet can be dangerous under many circumstances. If the spark only occurs when you plug in a piece of equipment that begins to run immediately then the spark is likely to be caused by the electricity jumping the gap as the pins connect into the socket. If the sparking occurs under normal operation with or without equipment connected then there is definitely something to be worried about.