Electrical wiring in Coventry

One of the questions my team of electricians and I encounter on a regular basis is “how long does electrical wiring last?”

For most of our Coventry customers it isn’t until they are looking to buy a new property, or they start experiencing electrical issues, that they give the subject of their electrical wiring much thought. So, how do we determine if it is time to rewire your home? The answer is with a thorough inspection known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Based in Coventry, my team and I at Electrical Experts are your local, trusted electrician. We are on hand to help make sure your wiring, and your home, is safe with an EICR inspection. 

Electrical Wiring Inspection  

In most cases, the electrical wiring in a property would be expected to be in good condition for around 25 years, with some wiring remaining in serviceable condition for up to 40 years.  Modifications to the wiring by an untrained person, or a poor initial installation, can mean that your wiring will need replacing much sooner than that. Wiring that is in poor condition leaves you at an increased risk of electrical shock and fire. Regular EICR inspections by a trained electrician will identify any issues and keep your home safe.  

What can affect how long your electrical wiring lasts? 

  • What material was used: The longevity of your electrical wiring is affected by the material it is made of. Some parts of electrical wiring can degrade sooner than others. For example, the material of the outer casing will not last as long as the copper within. 
  • How it was installed: The quality of the initial wiring installation has a major impact on the lifespan of your wiring. Poor planning of cable routes and the use of low-quality fittings can cause excess wear and tear to occur. 
  • External factors it has been exposed to: Exposure to extreme conditions can degrade the sheathing and insulation, leaving the wiring exposed. Repetitive stress points caused by movement will create weak points. If rodents have accessed areas of wiring at any point, they will likely have caused damage too. 
  • Performance Demands: The electrical current passing through your wiring generates heat. If the wiring is carrying an excessive load, then excess heat will be generated. This will damage the wiring and can quickly become dangerous. Excessive loads are a common problem in Coventry properties with older wiring. It is simply not designed to cope with the high power demands of modern life. 

Should you have your wiring checked?   

It is recommended that an EICR electrical inspection is carried out at least every 10 years in private homes. For rented accommodation, landlords are required to have an EICR carried out every 5 years. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be carried out by a qualified and competent person. In practice, this is an electrician who is registered with one of the governing bodies for the electrical industry, NAPIT or NICEIC. At Electrical Experts we are proud to be registered with NICEIC. If the electrical wiring in your property has not been inspected in that time frame, or if you have any concerns, then we would recommend you arrange an EICR inspection as soon as possible. During the EICR, your electrician will look at all elements of your fixed electrical system, including your wiring, to ensure you and your home are safe.  

If you are a homeowner or landlord in Coventry and would like to discuss your electrical wiring and organise an Electrical Installation Condition Report, call my team and I at Electrical Experts. As your local experienced, fully qualified and NICEIC registered electricians we will be happy to assess your home’s electrical wiring and keep you safe. Contact us today.