Safety, faults and protection

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Domestic Electrical Installation?

Modern PVC wiring can last 25–40 years or more. But different parts of an installation age at different rates – and age isn't the only thing that matters.

3 min read · Updated October 2026

Typical lifespans

Electrical installations don't have an expiry date, but components wear and standards change.

Typical lifespans of electrical components
Component	Typical lifespan
PVC-insulated cables	25 – 40+ years
Rubber-insulated cables (pre-1960s)	Past their safe life
Consumer unit	20 – 30 years
Sockets and switches	15 – 25 years
Smoke alarms	Around 10 years

Typical lifespans of electrical components

What affects lifespan

See signs your house needs rewiring.

Heat – overloaded circuits age cables faster
Damage – drilling, rodents, DIY alterations
Moisture
Quality of the original installation

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Testing

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) checks the condition of your installation. It's recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes and every 5 years for rented homes. See EICR electrical safety reports explained.

When to rewire

If your wiring is old, damaged or doesn't meet modern needs, a rewire may be needed. See how much does a rewire cost. Get quotes from local electricians.

Common questions

How long does house wiring last?

Modern PVC wiring typically lasts 25–40 years or more.

How often should a house be rewired?

There's no fixed interval. It depends on condition, which an EICR can assess.

How long does a consumer unit last?

Typically 20–30 years.

Is 30-year-old wiring safe?

It may be, if in good condition. An EICR will confirm.

How often should electrics be tested?

Every 10 years for homeowners and every 5 years for rented homes.

Keep reading

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Signs your house needs rewiring

Old wiring doesn't always announce itself. These are the signs worth acting on – and what to expect if you do need a rewire.

Electrical installation condition report on a clipboard beside a multifunction tester

EICRs explained

An EICR is a health check for your home's fixed wiring. Here's what happens, what the codes mean and when you need one.

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How much does it cost to rewire a house?

It's one of the first questions anyone asks after hearing the word 'rewire'. Here are honest, indicative figures – and the things that make the biggest difference.

Old fuse box with a separate main switch and rewireable fuse carriers on a wooden board

Consumer unit upgrades explained

Your consumer unit protects every circuit in the house. Here's when it's worth replacing and what to expect.

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