I recently had an electrical problem where a short on a lightingcircuit in the loft caused my radiators and water taps to become live.Obviously the plumbing is inadequately earthed, which I will remedy.Additionally, a short-circuit tripped my (very old) trip switch. Icalled an electrician, who sucked air through his teeth and told methat all of the old rubber-insulated wiring in my house (both lightingcircuits and one ring main) would need to be rewired. He also took outthe fuses from the lighting circuits (which he said were reading verylow insulation levels), and fitted a 30mA RCB for the entire house.I am wondering whether he took the best course of action. Might my oldrubber-insulated wiring still be serviceable? If so, could I simplyrewire the shorted/failing sections (which are in the loft and easilyaccessible)? I'm worried that if I try to do this, my old lightingcircuit will not work with the newly fitted 30 mA RCB.Will such a repair be possible, and if so, what are the risksassociated with it? Will it be safe?Will a qualified electrician undertake repairs like I've described, orwill they require me to rewire the whole house!?Will a house with (functional) rubber insulated wiring pass anelectrical safety inspection for e.g. renting?Thanks for any help or advice.Best wishesHarry

Rubber Wiring - Safe or Unsafe?

Feb 02, 2006 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

Owain 20 years ago

Depends on whether it's CMA or Nonazo, surely.

I'll get my zimmer frame...

Owain

Vote

John Rumm 20 years ago

Yes sorry you are right. Its 250K @ 250V for SELV and PELV circuits,

500K @ 500V for ordinary LV (240V) ones.

To the OP, your 3x absolute minimum is still below the recommended minimum of 2M ohms.

Vote

Nigel Molesworth 20 years ago

Put it this way.

Rather than reading any more replies, get on the phone.

Vote

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Ask the community — no account required