How to Tell If a House Needs Rewiring – 8 Warning Signs
If you live in an older property in Bristol or nearby areas like Hanham, Kingswood, or Downend, you might be wondering whether your house needs rewiring. Old or outdated wiring can pose a serious fire risk and may not be up to modern standards.
Here are 8 common signs that your home may need a rewire—plus what to do if you spot them.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker, dim randomly, or buzz when switched on, this can be a sign of poor connections or overloaded circuits. It’s often an early warning that your electrical system needs attention.
2. Regularly Tripping Circuit Breakers
Does your fuse board trip often, especially when using appliances? This could point to faulty wiring or circuits not designed to handle modern loads.
Check out our fuse board upgrade service if you’re still using an older unit.
3. Outdated Fuse Box
If your home has a fuse box with rewireable fuses (the ones with coloured wires inside), it’s time to consider a rewire or at least a major upgrade.
Modern consumer units offer RCD protection and safer circuit management.
4. Sockets That Spark, Smell or Feel Hot
Any socket that gives off heat, a burning smell, or visible sparks is a major red flag. Turn off the power and call an electrician immediately.
5. Not Enough Sockets
Using lots of extension cords? That’s a sign your system wasn’t built for today’s tech-heavy lifestyles. A rewire can help you add more outlets where you need them.
6. Rubber, Fabric or Aluminium Wiring
Homes built before the 1970s often used materials that are now considered unsafe. If your property still has rubber or cloth-insulated wiring, it’s definitely time for a rewire.
This is common in older homes across Kingswood, Hanham, Warmley, and even some central Bristol terraces.
7. Lights or Plugs Stop Working
If you’ve got sockets or switches that no longer work—or you hear a buzzing or popping sound from them—it may not be the switch itself, but a deeper issue in the wiring.
8. No Record of an Electrical Inspection
If it’s been 10+ years since your last electrical inspection (or you’ve never had one), it’s a good idea to get one done—especially if you've just moved in.