Moving Into an Older London House: An Electrical Checklist

Buying or moving into an older London house is exciting, but the electrics are often the part nobody has looked at properly. A survey usually only glances at the consumer unit, and the sellers may not know when the wiring was last tested. This checklist covers what to look at in the first few weeks, and when to call an electrician.

1. Ask for any paperwork

Ask the sellers or agent for any EICR, Electrical Installation Certificates or Minor Works certificates, and building regulations sign-off for extensions and loft conversions. If there is nothing, that is a good reason to have the electrics tested. Our guide to EICR, EIC and Minor Works certificates explains what each one is.

2. Look at the consumer unit

An old board with rewireable fuses, a wooden back, or no RCD protection is a sign the installation has not been updated for many years. Check that the circuits are labelled. Our guide to consumer unit labelling explains why this matters.

3. Check the earthing and bonding

Look under the kitchen sink and near the gas meter for green and yellow bonding cables clamped to the pipes. Missing bonding is a common fault in older homes. Our guide to earth bonding explains what to look for.

4. Walk round every room

• Old round-pin sockets, cracked switches or sockets in skirting boards.
• Rubber or fabric covered cables at light fittings.
• Scorch marks, buzzing sockets or lights that flicker.
• Extension leads used as permanent wiring.

5. Test the smoke alarms

Press the test button on every alarm and check the date on the back. Alarms have a limited life and should be replaced when they reach their expiry date. Our guide to smoke and heat detectors explains which goes where.

6. Book an EICR before you start work

If you plan to renovate, an EICR at the start tells you whether the wiring can be kept, needs upgrading, or should be replaced before new kitchens and bathrooms go in. It is far cheaper to rewire before decorating than after. Our guide on signs your home needs a rewire covers the common warning signs.

Book a check

Energy North Ltd covers North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can usually attend within 48 hours. EICRs start from £100. See our EICR service.