Rewiring For Homes in Portsmouth

Electrical safety is something most people don’t think about until something goes wrong — a tripping circuit, a burning smell, or lights that flicker whenever an appliance turns on. But in many Portsmouth homes, especially older properties in Southsea, Fratton, North End and Old Portsmouth, outdated or damaged wiring is more common than people realise.

Whether you’ve recently moved house or have lived in the same property for years, knowing the signs of unsafe wiring is essential for protecting your home and family.

In this guide, we break down the key risks, warning signs and solutions every Portsmouth homeowner should be aware of.

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Why Wiring Safety Matters

Faulty or deteriorating wiring can lead to:

• • Electrical shocks

• • Power outages

• • Appliance damage

• • Overheated cables

• • Electrical fires

Many of the electrical systems in Portsmouth’s older housing stock were never designed to handle today’s demand from EV chargers, electric heating, high-power appliances and multiple devices. As demand increases, so does the risk.

A small issue left untreated can quickly become a major hazard — so it pays to stay informed.

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Common Signs Your Wiring May Be Unsafe

1. Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses

If your fuse board trips regularly, it can indicate overloaded circuits, faulty wiring or a failing consumer unit. This is one of the most common issues we see in Portsmouth homes.

2. Flickering, Buzzing or Dimming Lights

Lighting changes are often caused by loose connections or deteriorating wiring — especially in older Southsea and Fratton properties.

3. Warm or Discoloured Sockets

A socket that feels hot to the touch or shows brown marks suggests overheating. This needs immediate attention.

4. Burning Smells or Crackling Sounds

These are major red flags. Switch off the power to the affected area and call an electrician right away.

5. Outdated Fuse Boxes

Old-style fuse boards without RCD protection do not meet modern safety standards. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit can dramatically improve safety.

6. Wiring Older Than 30–40 Years

Older wiring types — rubber, aluminium or fabric-coated — are no longer safe and should be replaced.

• • 1950s–1970s homes (Hilsea, Drayton, Cosham) — may have outdated fuse boards

• • Modern builds — safer wiring but still require regular testing

Understanding when your wiring was last updated can help you plan upgrades and avoid dangerous faults.

When Should You Get Your Wiring Tested?

The recommended testing intervals are:

• • Every 5–10 years for homeowners

• • Every 5 years for rental properties (legal requirement for landlords)

• • Before buying a property (homebuyer EICR)

• • After major renovation work

A qualified electrician can provide a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess safety and identify any issues.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Wiring

Updating old or unsafe wiring can:

• • Improve overall electrical safety

• • Reduce the risk of shocks and fires

• • Support modern appliances and EV chargers

• • Prevent nuisance tripping

• • Increase the value of your home

• • Ensure compliance with current UK regulations

It’s an investment that protects both your property and your family.

Portsmouth’s Most Common Wiring Fixes

Based on our work across Portsmouth, the top issues include:

• • Old fuse boards without RCD protection

• • Loose or damaged wiring behind sockets

• • Overloaded circuits in older kitchens

• • Unsafe DIY installations

• • Aged lighting circuits in older terraced homes

These problems are often easy to fix — once identified.

Need Your Wiring Checked in Portsmouth?

Our qualified electricians provide full wiring inspections, EICRs, repairs and rewiring services across Portsmouth, Southsea, Cosham, Hilsea, Drayton, Portchester, Fratton, North End, and surrounding areas.

Whether you’re unsure about the condition of your wiring or you’ve noticed one of the warning signs above, we can help.

Get in touch today for friendly advice and a free quote.