ELECTRAGUARD.UK

If you’ve been told your property needs a rewire, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. Rewiring is a major but essential job that ensures your home’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and able to handle modern appliances.

This guide explains exactly what happens during a rewire, what to expect, and how to prepare — in simple, stress-free terms.
Why Homes Need Rewiring
A rewire is usually recommended when:
-Wiring is old or unsafe (rubber, fabric, lead-sheathed, no earth)
-Circuits fail an EICR
-You’re renovating or extending
-You’re upgrading your consumer unit
-You’re adding high-load equipment (EV charger, electric shower, heat pump)
Rewiring brings your home up to modern BS 7671 standards and greatly reduces the risk of fire or electric shock.

What Happens During a Full Rewire?
✔️ 1. Initial Survey and Planning
Before any work begins, the electrician will:
-Inspect your wiring
-Discuss your needs (socket numbers, lighting, EV charger, etc.)
-Plan cable routes
-Agree locations for sockets, switches, and lights
-Give you a clear quote and schedule
This is a good time to mention future upgrades — it’s cheaper to plan ahead.

✔️ 2. Power Is Turned Off
For safety, the power will usually be turned off during parts of the rewire. In some cases, the entire house may be off for a day or two, depending on the scale of work.
You may still be able to stay in the house, but expect some disruption.

✔️ 3. First Fix (Chasing & Cable Installation)
This is the most disruptive stage.
The electrician will:
-Lift floorboards
-Chase walls (cut narrow channels for cables)
-Install new cables for:
Sockets
Lighting circuits
Kitchen appliances
Cooker circuits
EV chargers
Extractor fans
Smoke alarms
Outdoor power
-Remove unsafe or redundant wiring
-Install back boxes for switches and sockets
🔨 Does it create dust?
Yes — a lot. This is the messiest part of a rewire.
🧹 Can it be contained?
Good electricians will use dust sheets and extraction tools, but expect disruption.

✔️ 4. Consumer Unit Upgrade
Most rewires include installing a new consumer unit with:
-RCBOs or RCDs
-SPD (Surge Protection Device)
-Main isolator
-Modern labelling
This dramatically improves electrical safety and fault protection.

✔️ 5. Second Fix (Fitting Accessories)
Once the wiring is in and walls are patched:
-Sockets and switches are fitted
-Light fittings are installed
-Cookers, hobs and appliances connected
-Extractor fans mounted
-Outdoor lights and sockets connected
-Smoke/heat alarms installed
-Any smart systems are set up
This stage is cleaner and quicker.

✔️ 6. Testing & Certification
A full test of the installation is carried out, including:
-Continuity tests
-Insulation resistance
-RCD/RCBO testing
-Earth fault loop impedance
-Polarity checks
-Functional testing of alarms and equipment
After testing, you’ll receive:
-Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
-Building Control Notification (Part P) if required
-Updated circuit chart
These documents should be kept safe — they’re essential when selling your home.

✔️ 7. Final Clean-Up
Good electricians will:
-Remove waste
-Vacuum where work was carried out
-Leave the property tidy
Walls will usually need a decorator to skim or repaint after the rewire unless you requested plastering included.

How Long Does a Rewire Take?
Typical durations:
-1–2 bedroom house: 2–4 days
-3 bedroom house: 4–6 days
-4+ bedroom house: 5–10 days
-Occupied rewire: Slightly longer due to working around furniture and residents
A vacant house is always faster.

Can You Live in the Property During a Rewire?
Yes — but expect:
-Dust
-Limited power at times
-Noise
-Rooms inaccessible at certain points
If you’re renovating, it’s ideal to rewire before plastering, painting, floor fitting, or a new kitchen.

Final Thoughts
A rewire may seem daunting, but it vastly improves your home’s safety and functionality. With a good electrician and proper planning, the process is smooth and the long-term benefits are well worth the temporary disruption.

Our customers choose us because we’re:
-Trusted and recommended
-Local and responsive
-Qualified and insured

Call today for a free, no-obligation estimate and see why so many homeowners and businesses rate us as their go-to electrician.

14/11/2025

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