by ericmark »
Wed Mar 20, 2019 2:02 pm
There are loads of boxes, but first question is what to do about the pre-1966 wiring with no earths connected.
Although there is no requirement to upgrade existing, any new bits must have an earth even if the fitting is class II the earth must be available.
I tried to connect earths once when working in the Falklands where some one had not connected them, it was a nightmare. There was it seemed a junction box in the roof space and I could not assess it.
You will need some test equipment, normal took is a loop impedance meter however rather expensive. There are lighting junction boxes designed in the main to replace ceiling roses which normally double as junction boxes, however if I as an electrician was asked to sort that out, it would have to be day rate, or sucking of air through teeth and quote for rewire.
Wiring like that is not permitted today, and any electrician would need to raise a minor works certificate to cover the work, so because of cable length likely that one box would be replaced with 4 or 5 but main problem is not under floor boards where one can gain some length, but at switches where cable is plastered into the wall, and main feed again likely plastered into the wall.
Personally I would replace cover and use battery smoke alarms. It could take longer to sort out than it would take for complete rewire of lighting circuits. Also likely you will also need a new consumer unit, as likely no RCD protection in old one.
I would get a quote for a rewire, then don't touch electrics until you have the money, as likely one thing will lead to another.
Sorry to be bringer of bad news, in 1966 the rules changed and all lights needed an earth, then from 2008 we have had a string of changes mainly to do with RCD protection and wires not being able to fall on fire fighters. You don't have to upgrade unless you want to rent out the house, but it means to add anything costs a lot of money as anything new does need to conform with BS7671:2018.
