A faulty electrical system can be a serious safety risk in your home. An outdated or damaged system may need an electrical rewire to prevent fire hazards and ensure compliance with modern standards. 

 

If you’re buying a new home, a property survey can help identify potential electrical issues. 

 

Signs you need an electrical rewire 

• • Frequent tripping circuits: If your fuses or circuit breakers trip often, your wiring may be struggling to handle the load. 

• • Flickering or dimming lights: This can indicate outdated or loose wiring connections. 

• • Burning smells or scorch marks: A burning smell from sockets or switches suggests overheating and is a fire hazard. 

• • Buzzing noises from outlets: Electricity should run silently. Buzzing sounds signal faulty wiring. 

• • Old rubber, lead, or fabric wiring: Homes built before the 1980s may have unsafe materials that must be replaced. 

 

A property survey can reveal hidden issues, ensuring your home’s electrics are safe. 

 

How often should a home be rewired? 

• • Every 25-30 years: If your home is over 30 years old, it likely needs an electrical rewire. 

• • After major renovations: Upgrades like extensions or loft conversions may require rewiring to handle extra electrical demand. 
  • If wiring fails an electrical inspection: A professional Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will assess the system’s safety. 

The importance of a safe electrical system 

Old or faulty wiring can cause: 

• • Electrical fires: One of the leading causes of house fires in Ireland. 

• • Electric shocks: Outdated systems increase the risk of electrocution. 

• • Power failures: Poor wiring can lead to blackouts or appliance damage. 

 

A certified electrician can inspect your home and recommend if a full or partial electrical rewire is necessary. 

 

What happens during an electrical rewire? 

An electrical rewire involves: 

• • Replacing outdated wiring: Ensuring compliance with Irish electrical safety regulations. 

• • Installing modern consumer units: Upgrading fuse boxes for better safety and efficiency. 

• • Adding new sockets and switches: Meeting modern power demands with safer, better-positioned outlets. 

• • Improving energy efficiency: Upgraded wiring can reduce energy waste and lower electricity bills. 

 

A home survey can highlight potential issues, helping you plan and budget for any required rewiring work. 

 

Do you need a compliance certificate? 

If you have had an electrical rewire, you will need a certificate of compliance. This proves that the work meets current Irish safety regulations. Selling or buying a home? A recent electrical compliance certificate can reassure buyers and mortgage lenders that the property is safe. 

 

Book a property survey with our expert team today!