HELP! I HAVE BLACK RUBBER CABLES; DO I NEED A REWIRE?
If your property is still wired in black rubber cables than more than likely your property is well overdue for an electrical rewire. Black rubber cables or VRI (Vulcanised Rubber Insulated Cables) were a popular electrical cable in the UK between 1910-1950 (source-Google) as you can see, these cables are very old.
ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE OF CABLE
- THE INSULATION RESSISTANCE OF THESE WILL BE VERY POOR
- THERE WILL BE NO EARTHING CONDUCTOR WITHIN LIGHTING CIRCUITS
- THEY WILL NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO MODERN WIRING REGULATIONS
- THERE WILL HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS ADDITIONS TO THE CIRCUITS MIXING NEW PVC CABLES WITH OLD RUBBER, THE PVC MAY BE OK AND THE RUBBER CABLE MAY HAVE DETERIAOTED LEAVING EXPOSED LIVE TERMINALS.
- POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD DUE TO POOR CABLE INSULATION CONDITIONS
If your property is wired in this style of cable, then it is advisable to have an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) carried out to obtain the condition of the insulation. This would give you an indication of the condition of the insulation of the cables, however, test results can vary between seasons meaning, if the weather id dry and warm, the insulation readings may be ok, if the weather is cold and damp/wet, you may get a very different reading.
At Fylde Coast rewires, our technicians will always recommend rewiring if they come across VRI rubber cables, this is because we will always put the safety of our clients and employees first, you never can be 100% sure what the cable conditions are in the loft spaces/voids and under floors of properties. Click here for a rewire we carried out that had black rubber cables and the problems they caused
Upgrading your wiring to a more modern PVC cable will correct all of the above problems and hazards encountered with the above rubber cables, they will also give you peace of mind that your property wiring is safe, secure and will last at least 40 years. Click here https://www.fcrelectrical.co.uk/why-do-i-need-to-rewire-my-home/ for an electrical rewire example we have completed in Cleveleys where Black rubber cables were installed
If you have found, or suspect you have the above type black rubber cables within your property then please fill in our free consultation form where we will be happy to visit your property and carry out a visual inspection and advise you further.