10 Signs Your Home Needs an Electrical Rewire

As a homeowner, it’s easy to overlook what’s going on behind your walls—especially when everything seems to be working fine. But your home’s electrical system is like its central nervous system. If it’s outdated or faulty, it can lead to everything from minor annoyances to serious safety hazards. That’s why recognising the signs that your property needs a rewire is essential.

At Domelec, we specialise in both partial and full house rewires across the UK. In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 telltale signs your home might be due for an electrical overhaul.

1. Frequent Blown Fuses or Tripped Circuit Breakers

If you’re constantly resetting breakers or replacing fuses, that’s a red flag. Modern circuit breakers are designed to trip when there’s an overload or fault, so if it’s happening often, it’s not just a fluke—it’s your home telling you something’s wrong.

A rewire can replace overloaded circuits and ensure the entire system is safely configured to handle today’s electrical demands.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Do your lights flicker or dim when you turn on the kettle or plug in the hoover? That’s not normal. This usually means your current wiring can’t handle high-powered appliances or there’s a loose connection somewhere in the system.

This is especially common in older homes where wiring wasn’t designed for modern usage. A professional rewire resolves these issues and ensures a steady, safe power supply.

3. Discoloured or Scorched Plug Sockets

Any signs of burning—such as discolouration, scorch marks or melted plastic—should be taken seriously. This often points to overheating, faulty wiring, or short circuits behind the walls.

These types of faults can lead to electrical fires if left untreated. If you notice this in your home, call an electrician immediately and consider a full inspection of your system.

4. Buzzing Sounds from Sockets or Switches

Electricity should be silent. If you hear buzzing, sizzling, or crackling from sockets, switches, or inside the walls, it’s a clear sign of something going wrong.

Buzzing usually means there’s a loose wire or faulty component, both of which can be dangerous. Rewiring eliminates these hazards and brings your system up to code.

5. Outdated or Fabric-Sheathed Wiring

Homes built before the 1960s often have outdated wiring types such as **rubber**, **lead**, or **fabric-insulated cables**. These materials degrade over time, increasing the risk of faults and fire.

You might not see these wires directly, but if your fuse box is ancient or you suspect your home hasn’t been rewired in decades, it’s time to have it checked. Modern PVC wiring is safer, longer-lasting, and compliant with current standards.

6. Lack of RCD Protection (Residual Current Device)

Modern electrical installations should include RCDs that shut off the power in milliseconds if a fault is detected. They’re a life-saving technology that protects against electric shock and fire.

If your fuse box doesn’t have RCD protection—or if you still have a traditional fuse board—it’s time for an upgrade. A full or partial rewire often includes installing a modern consumer unit that meets all current safety regulations.

7. Too Few Power Outlets

Are you constantly relying on extension leads or multi-plug adapters to power all your devices? That’s a sign your home wasn’t wired to accommodate today’s lifestyle.

A rewire allows for a more logical layout of power outlets, reducing your dependence on potentially unsafe extensions. It also provides an opportunity to add USB charging points, outdoor sockets, and other modern conveniences.

8. Electric Shocks from Appliances or Switches

If you experience even the mildest shock when plugging in or touching an appliance or switch, something is seriously wrong. These shocks indicate faulty grounding or deteriorated wiring and should never be ignored.

An inspection from a qualified electrician will determine whether your home needs rewiring, and immediate action can prevent far worse outcomes.

9. A Very Old Fuse Box or Consumer Unit

If your fuse box still has ceramic fuses or wooden components, it’s well past its expiration date. These systems offer minimal protection compared to modern consumer units, which include breakers, RCDs, and surge protection.

Replacing your fuse box is often part of a larger rewire, ensuring the entire system is safe, efficient, and up to the latest regulations (like the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations).

10. No Record of a Recent Electrical Inspection

When was your last EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)? If you don’t know—or if it’s been more than 10 years—it’s time to schedule one.

Landlords are legally required to have these done every 5 years, but homeowners often forget. An EICR will give you a clear picture of your wiring’s condition and whether a rewire is recommended.

So, How Often Should a Home Be Rewired?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but as a general guide:
– Homes over 30 years old with no record of a rewire are likely overdue.
– Homes built between the 1960s–1980s may still have outdated materials and should be inspected.
– Modern homes with proper maintenance may not need a rewire for 25–30 years.

The best way to know for sure is to book a professional inspection.

What’s Involved in a House Rewire?

A rewire involves replacing all electrical cabling, sockets, switches, and the consumer unit. It can also include adding new outlets, lighting points, and modern features like data ports or smart home systems.

Rewires are typically done in two stages:
1. First fix – Removing old wiring, laying new cables.
2. Second fix – Installing sockets, switches, and final fittings.

The process can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of the property. Yes, it’s a disruption—but it’s also one of the best investments you can make for safety and peace of mind.

Why Choose Domelec?

At Domelec, we’re NICEIC-approved, fully insured, and experienced in all aspects of domestic and commercial electrical work. Whether you need a full house rewire or just an inspection, we’ll guide you through every step with honest advice, transparent pricing, and top-quality workmanship.

We operate in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire and offer:
– Free, no-obligation quotes
– Expert diagnostics and reports
– Compliance with all latest electrical regulations
– A friendly, professional team that puts safety first

Final Thoughts

If you’ve spotted any of the signs above—or if you’re unsure about the state of your home’s wiring—don’t wait for a serious problem to strike. Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK, and prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure.

Get in touch with Domelec today to schedule an electrical inspection or discuss your rewire options. We’re here to keep your home safe, efficient, and future-ready.