Rim fixed our under kitchen cabinet lighting that was not working.
When was the last time you considered the age and condition of the electrical wiring in your home?
Unless you have been experiencing any electrical issues, you probably haven’t given it much thought. But exactly how long does electrical wiring last? And how do we determine if it's past its best? If your home has not had an electrical inspection in the last 10 years, then it is time to call your electrician. If you are based in the Milton Keynes area, Safe Check Electrical are your local, qualified electricians. Our friendly and professional electricians will be happy to come and assess the safety of your home’s electrical wiring.
What affects the life expectancy of electrical wiring?
In general terms, a homes electrical wiring would be expected to last at least 25 years. However, if the electrical system has had amateur modifications or been poorly installed initially, then it may need replacing well before that. Some homes wiring will still be in good, serviceable condition up to 50 years. Regular inspections will help determine any issues and keep your home safe. What else can affect how long wiring lasts?
• Material used: The materials your electrical wiring is made of have an impact on its longevity. Parts of the wiring will degrade sooner than others. For example, the copper inside your wiring can be effective for around 100 years. The outer casing, however, will not last as long.
• Installation: How well the original installation was performed has an impact on lifespan of your electrical wiring. Exposure to water and poor fittings can cause damage over the long term.
• External factors: Has the electrical wiring been exposed to any extreme conditions? These can degrade the sheathing and insulation, leaving the wiring exposed. Are there any repetitive stress points caused by movement? Can rodents access the wiring and potentially damage it?
• Performance Demands: Current passing through an electrical cable generates heat. If the wiring is carrying an excessive load then it will degrade and become dangerous.
Should you have your wiring checked?
The recommended interval for electrical inspection for private homes is at least every 10 years. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can only be carried out by a qualified and competent person, such as a registered electrician. If your electrical wiring has not been tested by a registered and qualified electrician within that time frame, then we would recommend you arrange for an EICR to be carried out. The electrician will look at all elements of your fixed electrical system as well as your wiring and ensure you and your home are safe.
If you are a homeowner in the Milton Keynes area and you would like to discuss your electrical wiring or organise an Electrical Installation Condition Report, call Safe Check Electrical today. Our experienced, fully qualified and NICEIC registered electricians are on hand to help keep you and your home safe.
