Most homeowners only think about their electrics when something stops working. But wiring degrades quietly over decades, and by the time you notice a problem, the underlying issue is often far more widespread than a single faulty socket. Here are the signs we look for — and what they usually mean.
1. Your fuse box still uses fuse wire or an old plastic consumer unit
If your consumer unit (fuse box) is an old grey plastic box with rewireable fuses, or it doesn't have RCD protection on every circuit, it's overdue an upgrade at minimum — and it's often a sign the wiring behind it is just as old. Modern consumer units use RCBOs which cut power far faster in a fault, which matters far more than most people realise.
2. Flickering or dimming lights
Occasional flickering when a large appliance switches on can be normal. Lights that flicker constantly, dim across the whole house, or buzz, usually point to loose connections, an overloaded circuit, or ageing wiring that's lost some of its integrity.
3. Warm sockets, scorch marks or a burning smell
This one needs immediate attention — don't wait for a scheduled visit. A warm faceplate, discolouration around a socket, or any smell of burning plastic can indicate a loose connection arcing inside the wall. Turn off the circuit if you can safely do so and call us straight away.
4. Frequent trips or blown fuses
An RCD or breaker that trips repeatedly is doing its job — but it's telling you something is wrong. It could be a faulty appliance, but if it happens across multiple circuits or with nothing obviously plugged in, it's worth an inspection.
5. Rubber or fabric-insulated cables
If your property hasn't been rewired since before the 1970s, the cables themselves may use rubber or fabric insulation rather than modern PVC. This insulation becomes brittle with age and can crack, exposing live conductors. This is one of the clearest indicators that a full rewire is needed, regardless of how the system is currently performing.
6. You're buying, selling or letting the property
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is now a legal requirement for rental properties in England, and a smart step before buying or selling. It gives you an independent, categorised report of exactly what state the electrics are in — from minor recommendations up to items requiring immediate attention.
How much does it cost?
See our detailed guide on how much a rewire costs in London for a full breakdown by property size.