Across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, thousands of homes were built long before today’s electrical regulations existed. While character properties and older builds can be charming, their electrical systems usually tell a different story. Worn cables, insufficient protection and outdated fuse boards make these homes more vulnerable to electrical hazards than modern properties.

If your home is more than 30 years old and hasn’t been inspected recently, it is essential to understand the risks and the upgrades required to keep you safe.

Why Electrical Safety Declines as Homes Age

Electricity is safe when systems are maintained. However, as properties age, components degrade and standards change. Older homes typically show electrical issues because:

  • Original wiring was never designed for modern appliances
  • Materials like rubber and lead cables degrade over time
  • Older fuse boards lack RCD protection
  • Extensions or DIY additions may have been done without compliance
  • Circuit loads increase with technology

The average household now uses far more high powered appliances, smart devices and electronics than properties built in the 1980s or earlier. Without proper upgrades, your system may be overloaded.

To find out whether your home is at risk, you can book an Electrical Health Check through First Call Electrical Services.

Common Electrical Problems Found in Older Homes

Older properties often experience similar issues. Knowing the warning signs helps you understand when professional help is needed.

1. Outdated or Perished Wiring

Homes built before the 1970s may still contain:

  • Rubber insulated wiring that becomes brittle
  • Fabric sheathed cable that breaks down
  • Lead insulated wiring no longer compliant

Even if your wiring looks intact on the surface, internal cables may be deteriorating, which increases shock and fire risks.

2. Old Style Fuse Boards

Traditional fuse boards with rewireable fuses cannot offer the level of protection required today. They typically lack:

  • Residual Current Devices
  • Surge protection
  • Proper circuit separation

Modern consumer units are essential for safety. If your fuse board is old or still uses ceramic fuses, upgrading should be a priority.

3. No RCD Protection

RCDs are life saving devices that cut power instantly when a fault is detected. They significantly reduce the risk of electrocution.

Older homes usually do not have them, which means a dangerous fault could go undetected until damage occurs.

4. Overloaded Circuits

Older properties were not designed for:

  • Dishwashers
  • Tumble dryers
  • Air fryers
  • Electric showers
  • EV chargers
  • High use entertainment systems

This leads to tripping circuits, overheated sockets and even melted wiring.

5. DIY or Non Compliant Work

Many older homes have had decades of modifications, not all done correctly. Common problems include:

  • Incorrectly extended circuits
  • Oversized fuses
  • Loose connections
  • Unsafe junction boxes in hidden areas
  • No certification for past work

A professional inspection identifies where previous work has created hazards.

Why Wiring Standards Have Changed

Safety standards in the UK evolve continuously. BS 7671 Wiring Regulations reflect new knowledge, technology and safety research. A home built in 1965 may have complied with the standards of the time, but those standards are no longer safe today.

Modern regulations require:

  • RCD protection
  • Smoke free wiring materials
  • Proper circuit labelling
  • Surge protection in most homes
  • Correct earthing
  • Adequate cable sizing

If your home is older, it is likely missing several of these requirements. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the best way to assess compliance. Landlords must obtain an EICR regularly, but homeowners benefit just as much.

Dangers of Neglected Electrical Systems in Older Properties

Ignoring electrical degradation can result in serious risks.

Electrical Fires

Old wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Cracked insulation, loose connections and overloaded circuits create heat and sparks.

Electric Shock Hazards

Without RCD protection, live faults can cause severe electric shocks.

Power Outages and Equipment Damage

Voltage fluctuations and overloaded circuits damage appliances and cause frequent trips.

Failed Sales or Rentals

Properties with unsafe wiring or old fuse boards often fail surveys or EICR inspections. This delays sales and prevents landlords from legally renting their homes.

Insurance Issues

Some insurers refuse claims if the cause of the incident relates to outdated electrics.

How to Know If Your Older Home Needs Electrical Upgrades

You may need professional help if you notice:

  • Flickering lights
  • Warm or buzzing sockets
  • Scorch marks around outlets
  • Repeated fuse trips
  • Burning smells
  • Mixed wiring materials
  • A fuse board with rewireable fuses
  • No labelling on circuits

Even without visible signs, any home over 30 years old should be inspected if it has not been checked in the last decade.

Key Upgrades Recommended for Older Homes

To bring older properties up to modern safety standards, electricians typically recommend a combination of the following improvements.

Full or Partial Rewiring

If the wiring is outdated, deteriorated or non compliant, rewiring is essential. A partial rewire may be possible if some wiring is still suitable.

This usually includes upgrading sockets, switches, lighting circuits and earthing systems.

Consumer Unit Upgrade

Replacing an old fuse board with a modern consumer unit improves safety and reliability. Modern units include:

  • RCDs
  • RCBOs
  • Surge protection
  • Proper circuit separation

Earthing and Bonding Upgrades

Older homes often have poor earthing which increases the risk of electric shock. Upgrading this is essential during rewiring or consumer unit replacement.

Additional Circuits

If your home has outgrown its electrical capacity, adding new circuits prevents overloads. For example:

  • A dedicated cooker circuit
  • A circuit for an EV charger
  • An electric shower circuit
  • Outdoor lighting circuits

Smoke Alarms and Safety Devices

Modern safety systems, including hardwired smoke alarms, can be installed during electrical upgrades to enhance protection.

Why Professional Inspections Are Essential

Older homes should never be assessed informally or through DIY testing. A certified electrician performs:

  • Full system testing
  • Circuit mapping
  • Load assessment
  • Inspection of concealed wiring
  • Fuse board evaluation
  • Safety grading according to EICR standards

This provides a clear breakdown of what is safe, what needs improvement and what requires urgent work. To schedule an inspection, homeowners can request an Electrical Health Check or an EICR directly through the First Call Electrical Services online page.

How First Call Electrical Services Helps Protect Older Homes

First Call Electrical Services are experienced in working with older properties and period homes. Their team provides:

  • Qualified, DBS checked electricians
  • Clear recommendations based on testing
  • Modern and compliant installations
  • Transparent pricing
  • Full certification after work is completed

They also offer reliable support for homeowners, landlords and property buyers across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and nearby areas.

Keep Your Older Home Safe with a Professional Electrical Inspection

Electrical safety is not something to take lightly, especially in older properties. If your home has not been inspected recently or still uses outdated wiring or fuse boards, now is the time to act.

Book an Electrical Health Check or Consumer Unit Upgrade with First Call Electrical Services today. For fast support, homeowners can also fill out the enquiry form on the website or call the team directly.