Full rewire needed? First time home owner

[brianmoooore]

This is one of those cases where the wiring appears to be absolutely fine, but you will regret if if you don't rewire before the extensive redecoration you intend to do.
It's not that there's anything particularly wrong with the existing system, more that there's likely to be a lack of it, an some of what there is could well be DIY mods.

 

[steph-tux]

@Matthewd29
I just checked my wiring diagram. In fact, it will be only 32 circuit breakers... I've got electric heaters, with a circuit breaker for each one (not compulsory), and a lot of specific circuits with 1 circuit breaker for each one (compulsory) : fridge, oven, washing machine, ...
And also, there will be a big communication panel (TV, ethernet,...). This will be a huge wiring for a small flat.
As this flat will be considered as a new flat (I have no electricity at the moment), I need to respect the rules to pass the control. And in France, it's compulsory and very strict !

 

[brianmoooore]

@Matthewd29
I just checked my wiring diagram. In fact, it will be only 32 circuit breakers... I've got electric heaters, with a circuit breaker for each one (not compulsory), and a lot of specific circuits with 1 circuit breaker for each one (compulsory) : fridge, oven, washing machine, ...
And also, there will be a big communication panel (TV, ethernet,...). This will be a huge wiring for a small flat.
As this flat will be considered as a new flat (I have no electricity at the moment), I need to respect the rules to pass the control. And in France, it's compulsory and very strict !

In the UK, all fixed appliances over 2kW, such as your heaters and oven, will have their own circuit breakers, but all the rest of your sockets will probably be on just two breakers, and all the lights on two breakers.

 

[UNG]

So you have 1970's wiring and you are going to replaster anyway, I think you have answered your own question
From what you have said you are doing some serious renovation work so why not rewire and bring your installation up to date if you have a look around your property have you got sockets everywhere you want them back in the 70's some rooms at best had a couple of sockets an not always twin sockets.
If you need more sockets which is more than likely then the best option is a rewire

 

[SJD]

And while rewiring, get the consumer unit sorted out, as mentioned, what you've got doesn't match the test sheet, and almost looks as if there could have been issues with circuits tripping, so someone rejigged it to remove RCD protection from some circuits.

 

[bd1777]

Thanks all! Very useful. We are planning on a likely full replaster for a few reasons. First, there are some ceilings that could use a make-over, some rooms with plaster that sounds blown, and the added peace of mind by getting everything redone in breathable lime plaster to match the solid wall construction. The current state of the house doesn't require a full replaster - likely a partial one would be ok. However, if the benefits of the rewire are big enough, then certainly it would tip the balance to just replastering everything. It's one of those issues, though, that snowballs...if we replaster, we would likely also replace the central heating pipework to make sure everything that is very invasive is done at the same time. A damp survey highlighted that some areas likely had past leaks that were subsequently fixed, so probably not a bad idea to update everything. The downside is that it takes away from the budget we were planning on using to replace a very dated and ready to replace conservatory with a nice orangery or back extension. So it's a bunch of trade-offs. I'm generally of the the mindset to not fall for the sexy visual ones, instead prioritising ones that make sense for creating a well-put together house that minimises future maintenance.

 

[Baddegg]

You’d be foolish to renovate without at least getting another report done, and as above if you are renovating now is the time for a rewire to your specs for now and the future

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Can anyone explain what my eyes are seeing here:

 

[buzzlightyear]

Can anyone explain what my eyes are seeing here

Figment ov your imagination.

 

[James]

Heat damage?