Old Cloth Or Rubber Wiring
- How urgent
- High risk
- Who fixes it
- An electrician
What's happening?
Cloth and rubber wiring was commonly used in UK homes built before the 1960s. The insulation on these cables degrades over time, becoming brittle and crumbling away. This exposes the live conductors and creates serious risks of electric shock and fire. If your home still has cloth or rubber wiring, it almost certainly does not meet current BS 7671 wiring regulations.
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What usually causes it?
- Property was built before the 1960s and has never been rewired
- Previous electricians ran new circuits but left old wiring in place
- Wiring is in a loft or underfloor void where insulation has degraded faster due to heat
- Rubber insulation has perished with age, leaving bare conductors
- Extensions or alterations were connected to the original wiring
Is it dangerous?
Yes, old cloth and rubber wiring is dangerous. The insulation breaks down over time and can crumble when touched, exposing live conductors. This creates a significant risk of electric shock and fire. The wiring will also lack an earth conductor (CPC), meaning there is no protection against earth faults. This is a serious safety concern that should be addressed urgently.
Can I fix it myself?
No. You should not attempt any work on old cloth or rubber wiring. Do not disturb it, pull it, or try to re-insulate it. Avoid overloading circuits on old wiring: do not use high-power appliances or multi-socket adapters. The only proper solution is a full or partial rewire by a qualified electrician.
When should you call an electrician?
Call an electrician as soon as you discover cloth or rubber wiring. If the insulation is visibly crumbling or you can see bare conductors, treat it as urgent. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will confirm the extent of the problem and what work is needed.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Carry out an EICR to assess the condition of all wiring in the property
- Identify which circuits still use old cloth or rubber-insulated cables
- Recommend a full or partial rewire depending on the extent of old wiring
- Install new PVC-insulated cables to current BS 7671 standards
- Fit a modern consumer unit with RCD protection
- Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate on completion
Who fixes this
What it usually costs
- House Rewiring Cost UK 2026
- £3,900–£10,000
Questions people ask
How do I know if my house has cloth wiring?
Can I just rewire part of the house?
Will I need to redecorate after a rewire?
Is an EICR legally required?
Sources & References
Before you book, read how to check an electrician is qualified.
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