House Not Up To Electrical Regulations

What's happening?

UK electrical installations must comply with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), which is updated periodically. A home may not meet current regulations because it was wired to an older edition of the regulations, because of unauthorised alterations, or because components have deteriorated. It is important to note that an installation does not automatically become non-compliant when regulations change: it only needs to meet the regulations that were in force when it was installed, unless modifications are made.

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What usually causes it?

• Installation wired to older editions of the Wiring Regulations and never upgraded
• DIY electrical work carried out without professional oversight or notification
• Extensions or alterations that were not properly integrated with the existing installation
• Lack of RCD protection, which has been required for certain circuits since the 17th Edition
• Outdated consumer unit with rewirable fuses instead of MCBs

Is it dangerous?

An installation that does not meet current regulations is not necessarily immediately dangerous, but it may lack important safety features. Older installations without RCD protection, proper earthing, or modern circuit breakers carry a higher risk of electric shock and fire. An EICR will identify any actual dangers versus areas that simply do not meet the latest standards.

Can I fix it myself?

Electrical compliance work requires competent inspection and testing. In England, a new circuit or consumer unit replacement is notifiable; an earthing repair is not automatically notifiable. An EICR can identify what work is actually needed.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician to carry out an EICR if you are concerned about your home's electrics, if you are buying or selling a property, if you are a landlord with rental obligations, or if any electrical work is being planned. The EICR will identify all defects and prioritise them by severity.

What will the electrician actually do?

• Carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Explain the findings and prioritise remedial work by safety risk
• Upgrade the consumer unit to a modern unit with RCD protection and MCBs
• Improve earthing and bonding to current standards
• Replace any deteriorated wiring or damaged components
• Issue appropriate certificates and notify Building Control for notifiable work

Who fixes this

• EICR
• Consumer unit replacement

What it usually costs

EICR Cost

£100–£330

Fuse Box Replacement Cost

£350–£800

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. BS 7671: IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition)
2. Building Regulations Part P: Electrical Safety in Dwellings
3. HM Government: Approved Document P (Electrical Safety)
4. NICEIC: Householder Guidance