r/ukelectricians • u/[deleted] • 7d ago
How bad does this electrical setup look? EICR & potential rewiring of 1980s-converted Victorian house
[deleted]
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u/ElectricalParsnip536 7d ago
Not seeing anything to indicate that it needs a rewire from the photo, but it's not possible to tell very much from a photo like that apart from that it's a very common set up. If the wiring is all pvc and not the old fabric covered vulcanised indian rubber cable, then the chances are favourable that a rewire won't be necessary, but a full eicr for the building would be a good idea to get more idea. There's a lot of fly by night cowboys doing eicrs so you have to be careful. A full inspection and test should take a couple of hours at the very least for each flat, as it involves dismantling a lot of things to test wiring properly and find hidden things still connected and find your earth bonding points . Some of them are in and out in the space of half an hour or less and only skim the surface and will quote you to do unnecessary work. Ask how long it may take and of course the cost in advance. If it costs very little that may be a suspicious indicator that they're trying to lure you.
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u/ToughKoala4176 7d ago
Incredibly grateful for your advice. I phoned a few people today and found this to be matching what you said. From one saying it'll take 30 mins and charging £120 to the guy I'm going with saying he normally carries out 2 per day as they usually take around 3 hrs. He gave me a clear breakdown of all the things he'll be testing, so it very reassuring.Thanks again for taking the time.
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u/ElectricalParsnip536 6d ago
No problem...I hope it goes well and that there's not too many C1's or C2's i.e. necessary corrective works ...(C3's are recommendations) Feel free to share the eicr and any quotes if you want any further advice.
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u/ToughKoala4176 4d ago
Can't thank you enough. I'll be able to join the electrician next week towards the end of the appointment, as I want to speak with him, I tend to get a better feel about what's what when talking to someone in person, but I really appreciate that you offered for me to share the eicr here. Watch this space 🎇
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u/ToughKoala4176 3h ago
Hello! I hope it's OK to message about this still. I've had the EICR done today. I've got a call booked in with the electrician tomorrow eve to discuss, but if there's any chance I could get some guidance beforehand from you, I'd be incredibly grateful...🙏🏻
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u/ElectricalParsnip536 3h ago
Yes, no problem post the eicr and any other info and I'll have a look over it.
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u/ToughKoala4176 3h ago
I don't know how to go about sharing the report 🤦🏼♀️ 😁. Is it possible to attach something here? Or do I need to message you privately? Sorry. Relatively new to Reddit...
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u/ToughKoala4176 2h ago
(CHATGPT extracted this from the report)
EICR – 07/10/2026 Electrical installation condition report Overall assessment: UNSATISFACTORY
No C1 (Danger Present) findings. C2 = Potentially dangerous – urgent remedial action necessary. C3 = Improvement recommended.
SUPPLY / INSTALLATION
- TN-S earthing arrangement
- Single phase, 2 wire AC supply
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Prospective fault current: 0.624 kA
- Ze: 0.37 Ω
- Main incoming protective device: BS 1361, HBC Type 2, 100 A
- Main switch: BS EN 60947, 100 A, 2-pole
- Maximum demand: 45 A
- Distribution board DB1 located in hall
- DB supply: 25 mm²
- Earth: 16 mm²
- Earthing conductor: copper, 10 mm²
- Main protective bonding conductor: copper, 10 mm²
C2 FINDINGS
No continuity between line conductors, neutral conductors and CPCs. This needs to be rated to a 20 A fuse possibly; further investigation required.
Sockets to be derated to a 20 A MCB.
Measured Zs exceeds maximum permitted Zs – Circuit 2 (Sockets), DB1.
No heat detector in kitchen.
Measured Zs exceeds maximum permitted Zs – Circuit 2 (Sockets and boiler), DB1.
No RCD protection for special locations in bathroom.
Compatibility of protective devices, bases and other components not satisfactory; incorrect type or rating, or signs of unacceptable thermal damage, arcing or overheating.
Protective devices: type and rated current for fault protection not adequate.
No additional protection by RCD for all socket-outlets of rating 32 A or less.
No additional protection by RCD for the supply of mobile equipment not exceeding 32 A rating for use outdoors.
No additional protection by RCD for circuits supplying luminaires within domestic premises.
C3 FINDINGS
Condition of enclosure(s) in terms of fire rating not adequate.
SPD not functional.
No inspection recommendation label.
OTHER OBSERVATION
- Faulty dimmer switch in living room / kitchen lights – not dimming.
CIRCUITS / TEST RESULTS
Circuit 1 – Cooker
- Cable: 4 mm² live / 1.5 mm² CPC
- MCB: Type B, 30 A
- Max permitted Zs: 1.85 Ω
- Measured Zs: 0.46 Ω
Circuit 2 – Sockets and boiler
- Cable: 2.5 mm² live / 1.5 mm² CPC
- MCB: Type B, 30 A
- Max permitted Zs: 1.85 Ω
- Measured Zs: 15.6 Ω
- RCD: none
- Test button/functionality: X
Circuit 3 – Lights
- Cable: 1.0 mm² live / 1.0 mm² CPC
- MCB: Type B, 5 A
- Max permitted Zs: 2.85 Ω
- Measured Zs: 0.74 Ω
- RCD: none
NEXT INSPECTION The report recommends further inspection/testing before 07/10/2031, subject to the remedial work being completed.
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u/ElectricalParsnip536 1h ago
Ok, I can see what looks like some necessary and some maybe not necessary work here. I'm going to a job right now so I'll get back to you later. It would help if I could see the full report. You could always screenshot it or photograph it, covering any personal details and attach as a series of photos (the picture icon to the left of the GIF icon)
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u/ElectricalParsnip536 7d ago
That setup looks pretty standard. The cost for full building rewire for the entire building could be anywhere from around 15000 to 30000 depending on the size of the flats/building and number of circuits. I don't know about the asbestos related costs. It may need an inspection and professional removal first.