Over the past 50 years, the colours of UK wiring had changed once in 1977 and then again in 2006 when the UK wires were changed to match those on the continent.
The new colour wires adhere to Amendment 2 of 17th Edition BS7671 Wiring Regulations. The UK standard for electrical installations and safety all electrical installations in domestic, commercial, industrial properties and even other locations must follow this standard.
The latest UK while colours are as follows
- Live – Brown
- Neutral – Blue
- Earth – Green & Yellow
Many properties will still have older wiring, which is ok as in most homes the wiring is still in good shape and hasn’t yet deteriorated. This will depend mainly on the age of the wiring (more on this below)
Wiring installed between 1977 and 2006 is as follows
- Live – Red
- Neutral – Black
- Earth – Green & Yellow
You should have your home checked every ten years to see if it needs rewiring. The copper inside wire can last over 100 years while the plastic can last up to 70 years (this will depend on a number of factors wire will deteriorate at a rate depending on the conditions of the home and the type of wire installed). Typically electrical wire will last up to 30 years.
Wiring installed before 1977 is as follows
- Live – Red
- Neutral – Black
- Earth – Green
If you have green Earth wire in your home then it’s likely you’ll need your home rewired, get your electrical system checked by an electrician.
If you have any exposed copper cables with no plastic anywhere in your electrical system, then your wiring is dangerous it should be looked at by an electrician ASAP.
For the past 50 years or so cables have been covered in tough PVC Style sheathing which lasts for a very long time. Before PVC came into popularity, rubber was used, which deteriorates much faster than PVC. If your home was built before 1960, there’s a chance you’ll have rubber cabling which will have definitely deteriorated in places.
If you suspect you have rubber cabling calling an electrician to come and check your property out.
Lead covered cables are the oldest of all and are still sometimes found in properties (built in the first half of the last century or earlier) Again if you suspect lead cabling get your property inspected.
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