Common Electrical Issues In Older Homes And How To Fix Them

If you live in an older property in Wandsworth or across London, chances are you’ve encountered some odd electrical quirks—flickering lights, sockets that no longer work, or an ancient fuse box that looks like it belongs in a museum.

This blog breaks down the common electrical issues we frequently encounter in older homes, explains their causes, and provides expert guidance on how to safely and effectively address them.

Looking for a trusted provider for electrical repairs in an older home? We’re here to help. Get in touch with Maintracts Services Ltd. today on 020 8682 2244 or email us at info@maintracts.co.uk.

Why Are Electrical Issues So Common In Older Homes?

Older homes have character, but they weren’t built with modern electrical needs in mind. Consider how many devices we plug in today compared to 40 or 50 years ago. Homes back then didn’t anticipate electric showers, smart devices, or even multiple kitchen appliances running simultaneously.

From outdated electrical wiring in old homes to ageing consumer units, the risks grow the longer they go unchecked. Let's take a closer look.

Also Read: What Is An EICR Report

Most Common Electrical Issues And Their Fixes

1. Outdated Electrical Wiring In Old Homes

One of the most serious problems we encounter is outdated electrical wiring in older homes, particularly in those with rubber, lead, or cloth-insulated wires, which deteriorate over time. These systems weren’t built to handle today’s electrical loads.

Signs to watch for:

• Discoloured switches or sockets
• Frequent tripping of breakers
• A burning smell near outlets
• Cracking or brittle cable insulation

How do we fix it?

We start with a thorough electrical inspection for old properties, often as part of an EICR. If the wiring poses a danger, we’ll advise a full or partial home rewiring.

2. Flickering Lights And Dimming Issues

Flickering lights and dimming issues aren’t just annoying—they can signal loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or even faulty connections within your lighting circuits.

What causes it?

• Loose or corroded connections
• Shared circuits with high load appliances
• Old light fittings or poor insulation

How do we fix it?

After pinpointing the cause using advanced diagnostic tools, we’ll either tighten connections, isolate overloaded circuits, or upgrade the wiring where needed.

3. Old Fuse Boxes And Circuit Breakers

Many older homes still rely on outdated fuse boxes instead of modern consumer units. These often lack essential safety features, such as RCD protection.

Why it matters:

• No overload protection
• Fire risk from manual fuses
• No compliance with updated regulations

How do we fix it?

We recommend consumer unit upgrades for old homes with modern circuit breakers and RCDs, ensuring the installation aligns with current fuse board regulations.

4. Inadequate Earthing

Older homes may have earth installations which are under sized, have deteriorated, or rely on old metal conduit systems that have been disconnected. This is dangerous, increases the risk of shock and offer no surge protection.

How do we fix it?

The earth cables may require upgrading or replacing, or in some circumstances the accessories and switches could be upgraded to double insulated fittings.

5. Lack Of Electrical Code Compliance For Older Homes

Older properties often fail to meet modern UK electrical safety regulations.

Common issues:

• Incorrectly rated fuses
• Improper wire sizes
• No RCD protection in bathrooms
• Faulty spurs and junction boxes

Solution:

Our team ensures full electrical code compliance for older homes, starting with a comprehensive EICR Report to highlight areas that require immediate attention.

6. Overloaded Circuits

More modern devices = more strain on old circuits. Overloaded circuits increase the risk of overheating and electrical fires.

Symptoms:

• Warm sockets
• Tripped breakers
• Buzzing or humming from outlets

Solution:

We redistribute loads across additional circuits or upgrade the existing system to achieve higher capacity, which is critical for homes with electric cookers, EV chargers, or electric heating.

7. Signs Your Home Needs Electrical Rewiring

Wondering if it’s time for a full rewire? Look out for:

• Frequent electrical faults
• Cracked or outdated sockets
• Lights dimming when appliances switch on
• No RCDs or consumer unit upgrades in the last 20 years

If you’re spotting these signs your home needs electrical rewiring, don’t delay. A proactive inspection can prevent serious hazards.

When To Call A Professional Electrician

DIY fixes might be tempting, but electrical work is not the place to experiment. If you’re ever unsure about a socket, breaker, or flickering light, call a professional electrician.

At Maintracts, we’re experts in identifying and resolving electrical problems in historic homes, with over 50 years of experience working with the electrical systems of old houses.

We’ll help you understand the problem, guide you through your options, and complete repairs in line with BS7671 Wiring Regulations.

Need an urgent fix? Our team is available for Electrical Services in London 24/7.

Conclusion

Living in an older property doesn’t mean you have to live with outdated and unsafe electrics. The key is recognising common electrical issues and taking steps to upgrade your system before problems escalate.

At Maintracts Services Ltd., we provide reliable electrical diagnostics, EICR certificate cost guidance, and complete rewiring solutions—always prioritising safety, efficiency, and compliance.

We’ve been proudly serving Wandsworth and surrounding areas since 1974, and our NAPIT-registered electricians are ready to help.

Contact us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to book your inspection or request a quote today.

FAQs

1. What are common electrical problems in older homes?

Frequent tripping breakers, flickering lights, old fuse boxes, and outdated wiring are among the most common issues in older homes.

2. Why do my lights flicker or dim unexpectedly?

This could be due to loose connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty switches. An inspection will reveal the exact cause.

3. What are the signs that my home's wiring is outdated?

Old cloth-insulated wires, the absence of RCD protection, ungrounded outlets, and a lack of modern switches or sockets are strong indicators.

4. Can I use modern appliances in an older home?

Yes, but your wiring must be able to support the load. Older systems may require upgrades to handle today’s electrical demands safely.

5. Should I replace a fuse box with a consumer unit?

Absolutely. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit with RCDs ensures greater protection and compliance with regulations.

6. How much does it cost to rewire an old house?

Costs vary depending on the property's size and complexity. We offer detailed quotes after an initial home electrical inspection.

7. Can I fix electrical problems myself?

Not recommended. In most cases, UK law requires a licensed electrician for repairs. DIY can be dangerous and non-compliant.

8. Do I need a professional electrician for minor faults?

Even minor faults can be signs of more significant issues. Always have them assessed by a professional electrician.

9. Can I get a free quote for electrical repairs?

Yes! Call us on 020 8682 2244 for a no-obligation quote.