What This Requirement Covers
A full rewire replaces all the electrical cables, accessories, and the consumer unit in an existing dwelling. It is notifiable work under Part P and must comply with BS 7671.
Key Requirements
When a Rewire Is Needed
- Properties with original wiring from the 1950s-1970s or earlier
- Rubber or lead-sheathed cables (pre-1960s)
- Fabric-covered cables (1960s-1970s)
- Aluminium wiring (1960s-1970s)
- An unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Major renovation where access to wiring is available
Key Requirements
- Full rewire must comply with BS 7671 (18th Edition Amendment 2)
- A metal consumer unit is required (non-combustible enclosure)
- All circuits must have RCD protection (30 mA)
- Modern cable types: Twin and earth (6242Y) for power and lighting circuits; SWA for external runs
- Minimum circuit provision: Separate circuits for lighting (upstairs/downstairs), ring finals or radials for sockets, cooker circuit, immersion heater, smoke alarm circuit
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) must be issued on completion
Practical Compliance Tips
- Use a competent person scheme registered electrician (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) for automatic Building Regulations compliance notification
- Plan the rewire before plastering and decorating; first-fix wiring goes in before plaster
- Consider future needs: additional sockets, EV charging circuit, heat pump circuit, data cabling
- The consumer unit should be located near the meter in an accessible position
- Request the EIC and keep it with the property documents
- A rewire in a typical 3-bedroom house takes 5-7 days and costs GBP 3,000-5,000 (2024 prices)
- An EICR every 10 years (5 years for rental properties) will identify when rewiring is needed