Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myFind Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!
It's FREE and there are no obligations
How it works
Ask a trade
Cost guides
Categories
Red and black electrical wires
If I have red and black wires in my home electric circuits, does that mean the wiring is old?
Expert Trade Answers
"March 2004 saw amendment 2 to British Standard BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations). Probably the most significant change introduced for the diyer was the change of colour coding of electric cable red to brown is live and black to blue is neutral. The new coloured cables are referred to as harmonised cables - the colours are harmonised across the EU."
Answered on 30th Dec 2022 - Member since Dec 2022 -
report
"Red and Black is older type wiring but if it was installed correctly and regularly tested and inspected (EICR inspections) it should be OK.
If you have no records of testing I would getting your property EICR inspected by a qualified electrian."
If you have no records of testing I would getting your property EICR inspected by a qualified electrian."
Answered on 21st Dec 2022 - Member since Aug 2022 -
report
"Yes it's the old colours. Red is live black is neutral."
Answered on 21st Dec 2022 - Member since Apr 2020 -
report
"Hi
Red and black t@e cable was replaced with Brown And Blue to be more compliant with the EU
Ut also gives an age of when it was last rewired
Cheers Ian"
Red and black t@e cable was replaced with Brown And Blue to be more compliant with the EU
Ut also gives an age of when it was last rewired
Cheers Ian"
Answered on 21st Dec 2022 - Member since Aug 2022 -
report
"Mid 2000 was start of new blue and brown cable colours in the UK.
It also depends on the outer sheath colour of the cable. If this is black and rubber then the wiring is old and may need replacing.
If the outer sheath is grey then the wiring is probably from the 1970s While this is old the grey coloured cable does last considerably longer.
It is recommended to have your house electrics checked every ten years by having an eicr report carried out. This will identify any issues of safety and make recommendations as to what requires upgrading."
It also depends on the outer sheath colour of the cable. If this is black and rubber then the wiring is old and may need replacing.
If the outer sheath is grey then the wiring is probably from the 1970s While this is old the grey coloured cable does last considerably longer.
It is recommended to have your house electrics checked every ten years by having an eicr report carried out. This will identify any issues of safety and make recommendations as to what requires upgrading."
Answered on 21st Dec 2022 - Member since Apr 2017 -
report
"Brown and blue cabling started in 2004 so the wiring is pre 2004."
Answered on 21st Dec 2022 - Member since Dec 2022 -
report
"Yes, the new colours are brown and blue and have been around for 20+ years, it doesn’t mean your wiring is dangerous though and a test can verify this.
Pete"
Pete"
Answered on 1st Jan 2023 - Member since Feb 2022 -
report
"Yes this was wired before the regs are changed in 2004"
Answered on 3rd Feb 2023 - Member since Jan 2023 -
report
"Yes! The wiring is old under new requlation the live is BROWN and the neutral is BLUE."
Answered on 13th Jan 2023 - Member since Jan 2023 -
report
"Yes 2006 new colour code, providing it is on/in any supply on final circuits or the main fuse box/consumer unit"
Answered on 19th Jan 2023 - Member since Jan 2023 -
report
Related questions
Search other questions
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Other categories
- Aerial Specialists
- Architects
- Bathroom Specialists
- Bricklayers
- Builders
- Joiners
- Cleaners
- Drainage Specialists
- Driveway Specialists
- Electricians
- Flooring Specialists
- Gardeners
- Handymen
- Heating Engineers
- Kitchen Fitters
- Locksmiths
- Loft Specialists
- Metalworkers
- Painters & Decorators
- Pest Controllers
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Removal Companies
- Roofers
- Security Specialists
- Specialists
- Stoneworkers
- Swimming Pool Specialists
- Tilers
- Traditional Craftsman
- Tree Surgeons
- Window Specialists
See all questions
Ask a Trade
Are you looking for advice on a DIY project or have a question for our tradespeople?
We'll email your question to tradespeople who are skilled in your chosen category.
Your question will be made public - please do not include any personal details.
{{ first(ask.errors)[0] }}
Report Content
{{ first(reportForm.errors) }}
Thank you
Your report has been created and will be investigated shortly.
Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year