Your home’s electrical system is one of its most important — and potentially dangerous — components. Over time, wiring can become outdated, damaged, or overloaded, especially in older London properties. Knowing when it’s time for a rewire can prevent serious safety hazards and keep your home running smoothly.
At Cole Electric, we’ve been rewiring homes and businesses across London since 2007. Here are the top five warning signs that it might be time to rewire your property.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker or dim unexpectedly — particularly when using appliances like kettles or microwaves — this could be a sign of loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated electrical infrastructure. It may also indicate a need for a new consumer unit (fuse board). A qualified electrician can carry out a safety inspection to identify the issue and advise on whether a rewire is necessary.
2. Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses
Do your circuit breakers trip regularly, or do your fuses blow more than they should? This often points to electrical circuits struggling to cope with modern demand. If your consumer unit hasn’t been updated in decades, it’s time to call in an expert.
3. Discoloured Sockets or Burning Smells
Brown or black marks around plug sockets, a burning smell near outlets, or warm switches are all signs of overheating and potentially faulty wiring. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored — they can lead to electrical fires if left untreated.
4. Outdated Wiring Systems
If your home still has old rubber, lead, or fabric-insulated wiring (common in houses built before the 1970s), it’s time for an upgrade. These materials degrade over time and no longer meet modern safety standards. Modern PVC wiring is safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient.
5. Over-Reliance on Extension Leads
If you find yourself relying on extension leads and multi-plug adapters in every room, it likely means your home doesn’t have enough sockets for modern usage. Overloading sockets can cause overheating and trip your system — a rewire can allow for a smarter, safer layout.
Do I Need a Full or Partial Rewire?
Not every property needs a full rewire. In some cases, a partial rewire or targeted upgrade may be all that’s required. At Cole Electric, we carry out a full assessment and provide honest, expert recommendations based on your home’s condition, age, and usage.
Serving SE11 and Beyond
Based in SE11, we serve customers across Central and South London, including Kennington, Oval, Vauxhall, Brixton, Clapham, Camberwell, and beyond. All work is completed to current IEE wiring regulations by fully qualified, insured electricians.
Get Peace of Mind — Book a Safety Inspection
If you’re unsure whether your home needs a rewire or simply want a professional opinion, we’re here to help.
If there’s something you need, please contact us for a swift reply.
We’ll arrange a visit, carry out a full assessment, and advise on the safest, most cost-effective solution for your property.