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Ask your QuestionThe electrical wires in my fuseboard are red and black in colour, Is this old wiring? and do I need to have a rewire?
Asked by Joy on 18th Apr 2020Best Answer
"Lots of properties will have red and black insulation on the copper cables, this is not necessarily A problem, however what I would recommend is something called an electrical installation condition report.
This involves inspection and testing of the entire installation and any deficiencies or recommendations found or reported.
It depends on the size of your property to determine the cost of this, please contact me and I can give you some further information"
"You would probably need rewire . If it's black and red cables it's an old wiring system"
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Mar 2017 - report"They are old colour, I’d need to have a look and complete a few tests first. It doesn’t necessarily need a rewire it depends if there’s an earth and the condition of the wiring. Thanks Steven ST Electrical"
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Nov 2019 - report"Red and black coloured cables are pre harmonisation, the new colours being blue and brown.
This would likely date your installation to before 2005
An EICR (condition report) if you have concerns will tell you the condition of the cables and of the whole installation."
"Yes they are old I would suggest a rewire please call us to discuss thank you"
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Feb 2019 - report"No it’s not necessary all old wiring Needs a new rewire. It depends how safe they are. Does it have earthing and rcd protection extra. The best way to find it out is electrical installation condition report or need to visit the property to give you proper advise what is require.if you need any further assistance please call us
Singh electricals"
"Red and black cables predate 2004. So it could be fifteen years old or it could be fifty years old. It’s impossible to give advice beyond that, I have found fifty year old wiring in better condition than five year old wiring before. Wether or not you need a rewire is impossible to advise simply based on your visual inspection, you should hire an electrician to carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report to determine the suitability of your wiring for continued use."
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Sep 2017 - report"Red and black doew mean it's older wiring. But if the outer colour black this would mean that its rubber cable so would need replacing. If its grey PVC outer coat then it would depend on its age. Sorry can't fully tell unless you see it"
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Sep 2017 - report"Hi there,
In answer to your question, yes, if your wiring is in black and red instead of the current harmonised colours (Brown + Blue) then it is likely you would need a rewire to bring your electrics and working up to the current standard.
Hope this helps"
"If the insulation of the old wiring ( red & black ) is falling apart you do need rewire the wiring thats non. Insulated . Get it tested by an electrician."
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Feb 2020 - report"Firstly an EICR needs to be carried out to ascertain status of the electrics in your house. But the fact that you still have the reds and blacks in your fuse board is enough for a rewire"
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Dec 2019 - report"Not necessarily I would suggest getting a electrician to call in and have look for you."
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Nov 2018 - report"We wouldn't be able to tell you if you need a rewire based on the
Colours of the cable. Red and black are old harmonised
Colours but the condition of the cabling maybe be sound.
The best way to check if you need a rewire is to do a condition
Report which would cost you around £150. This will give you the answers your after.
Hope this helps"