Rewiring Services Essex

TM Hughes & Son offers domestic and commercial rewiring to the residents and business owners of Essex.
We rewire houses of all sizes, flats, apartments and all types of commercial properties, such as retail outlets and industrial units.

• NICEIC registered Electricians
• Fully insured
• Free quotes

Call – 01245 830560

As a general rule of thumb, properties should have the wiring checked every ten years (as part of an electrical inspection) and rewired every 25-30 years.

Modern Properties

If your property is under thirty years old, it’s unlikely it requires rewiring. An inspection is recommended if one hasn’t been undertaken in the last ten years. We’ll be happy to inspect your property’s electrical system.
(Please note if you’re a landlord renting a property, you must have your property inspected at the start of every tenancy or every five years)

Older Properties

An older property more than 30 years old probably has old wiring. If the wiring is over 30 years old, it doesn’t necessarily need replacing. Old wiring can deteriorate rapidly under certain circumstances (for example, damp walls). An inspection with testing will establish if the old wiring is safe. If old and damaged wiring is found, a full or partial rewiring me be needed.

When To Consider A Rewire

If you have any of the following components in your existing electrical system, are experiencing certain issues or are planning an extensive refurbishment. It’s time to consider the rewiring of your property.

Old Fuse Boxes

Safe, modern-day electrical systems use modern consumer units with RCD fuses. Modern consumer units are incredibly safe and meet the latest building regulations. In the event of a fault, the fuses trip and cut power instantaneously, preventing electrocution, fires and damage to the electrical system.

Many older homes in Essex still include old fuse boxes which cut power by melting wire (contained inside fuses). While old fuse boxes work and are legal, they are nowhere near as safe as modern consumer units. If you have an old fuse box, you have old wiring as well. You need a new consumer unit and, most likely, a full or partial rewire.

Wire Colours

The colour of your wiring helps establish the age of your electrical system. Over the years, wiring has changed. The latest colours are in line with European wiring and adhere to the latest BS7671 Wiring Regulations.
The latest wire colours are

• Brown (Live)
• Blue (Neutral)
• Green & Yellow (Earth)

If you have the latest wiring colours in your home, then it’s unlikely you need a rewire. However, have an inspection if you have any concerns or suspect a fault with your wiring.

Pre 2006, the wire colours were

• Red – (Live)
• Black – (Neutral)
• Green & Yellow (Earth)

If you have the pre-2006 wiring in your home, then it’s possible a rewire’s required, and an inspection will establish the condition of your wiring and electrical system.

Pre 1977, the wire colours were

• Red – (Live)
• Black – (Neutral)
• Green (Earth)

If you have pre-1977 wire colours, you will likely need your property rewired. An inspection is essential to establish if the wiring’s safe. Wiring installed before 1960 was coated in rubber, which deteriorates and can leave exposed cables in dangerous places.

Electrical Issues

If you suffer any of the following issues with your electrical system, it could be down to faulty wiring.

• Tripping fuses
• Electric shocks from light switches, sockets and appliances
• Arching sockets or switches (crackling sound)
• Discoloured sockets and switches
• Burning smells
• Frequently failing light bulbs
• Refurbishment

All new building work undertaken in homes (such as extensions) must adhere to the latest Part P Electrical Safety Regulations. Your existing wiring may need upgrading to conform to these regulations. 

Any major refurbishments will have to be accompanied by new wiring or full and partial rewiring of the existing system. One of our electricians will give you a free survey and tell you exactly what wiring is required.  

Rewiring Benefits

• Rewiring your home has many benefits, include
• A safe electrical system that doesn’t pose an electrocution or fire risk
• Your electrical system complies with the latest regulations
• Old sockets and switches can be upgraded
• New sockets and switches can be positioned in convenient areas
• Increased energy efficiency
• Rewires are attractive to home buyers
• If you’re a landlord, your properties safe and legal, complying with insurers’ terms
• We can fit the latest lighting and smart system solutions

The Rewiring Procedure

TM Hughes & Son Electricians have undertaken many full and partial rewires in Essex over the years. While rewiring is extensive work and disruptive, we plan the rewire, so there’s as little disruption to you and your family as possible.

We’ll establish exactly what you want from your electrical system beforehand and go through the possible options, such as sockets, switches, lighting etc. Careful planning allows for smooth rewiring.

Before work starts, the local building control must be notified of the new electrical installation. We’ll arrange this and make sure your local authorities are informed, and everything’s in order.

Old wiring is removed along with old fuse boxes, sockets, switches etc.

The wiring will run inside walls and under floors. There are various ways to achieve this, which will depend on your property. We’ll go through this during the survey.

Wiring is run around your home. All necessary components such as the consumer unit, back box switches and sockets are fitted also. Once all components are fitted together with other external appliances, such as the boiler, oven etc., are connected. Once the new wiring’s in place, all the necessary work, such as boarding/filling in walls, plastering, decorating, etc., can occur the works are completed. You’re provided with the necessary certification to show the installations have been undertaken by a qualified electrician.