Does my house have to meet the latest electrical regulations?

Not necessarily. An installation only needs to comply with the regulations in force when it was installed or last modified. However, if any new work is done, that work must comply with the current 18th Edition. An EICR will assess safety rather than strict compliance.

Is it illegal to have old electrics?

Having old electrics is not illegal for homeowners. However, landlords have a legal obligation to ensure electrical safety in rental properties and must have a valid EICR. Sellers should disclose known electrical issues.

How do I know if my electrics are out of date?

Signs include: a consumer unit with rewirable fuses instead of MCBs, no RCD protection, round-pin sockets, fabric-insulated wiring visible at fittings, or no earth wire in lighting circuits. An EICR is the definitive way to find out.

Will I need a full rewire?

Not always. Many older installations can be brought up to a safe standard with a consumer unit upgrade, improved earthing, and targeted repairs. A full rewire is only needed when the cable insulation has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer safe.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

House Not Up To Electrical Regulations

Your home's electrics do not meet current electrical regulations and standards.

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What's happening?

UK electrical installations must comply with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), which is updated periodically. A home may not meet current regulations because it was wired to an older edition of the regulations, because of unauthorised alterations, or because components have deteriorated. It is important to note that an installation does not automatically become non-compliant when regulations change — it only needs to meet the regulations that were in force when it was installed, unless modifications are made.

What usually causes it?

Installation wired to older editions of the Wiring Regulations and never upgraded
DIY electrical work carried out without professional oversight or notification
Extensions or alterations that were not properly integrated with the existing installation
Lack of RCD protection, which has been required for certain circuits since the 17th Edition
Outdated consumer unit with rewirable fuses instead of MCBs

Is it dangerous?

An installation that does not meet current regulations is not necessarily immediately dangerous, but it may lack important safety features. Older installations without RCD protection, proper earthing, or modern circuit breakers carry a higher risk of electric shock and fire. An EICR will identify any actual dangers versus areas that simply do not meet the latest standards.

Can I fix it myself?

Electrical compliance work requires competent inspection and testing. In England, a new circuit or consumer unit replacement is notifiable; an earthing repair is not automatically notifiable. An EICR can identify what work is actually needed.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician to carry out an EICR if you are concerned about your home's electrics, if you are buying or selling a property, if you are a landlord with rental obligations, or if any electrical work is being planned. The EICR will identify all defects and prioritise them by severity.