Many of us live in homes built before the internet, smartphones, electric vehicles and, in some cases, even dishwashers. While your home may feel perfectly functional, there’s a high chance that its electrical system is working overtime just to keep up.

So, if your house was built before 1990, ask yourself this:

Can your electrics really cope with modern life?

Why Age Matters in Electrical Installations

Homes built in the ‘60s, ‘70s, or ‘80s were wired for a very different world. Back then, one TV, a kettle, and a few lights were the norm. Today, we’re charging devices in every room, running appliances around the clock, and installing high-powered tech like EV chargers and induction hobs.

Older electrical systems weren’t designed for this demand and the strain shows.

5 Telltale Signs Your Home’s Electrics Are Outdated

You don’t have to pull up floorboards to know something’s not right. Here are some red flags to watch for:

⚠️ 1. Fuse Box with Rewirable Fuses

Still got one of those old boxes with ceramic or wire fuses? Modern consumer units with RCD protection are far safer and now standard.

⚠️ 2. Limited or Overloaded Sockets

Using extension leads in every room? That’s a sign your home was never built to handle today’s tech-heavy lifestyle.

⚠️ 3. Lights That Flicker or Buzz

This isn’t just annoying, it can be a sign of loose wiring, bad connections, or overloading.

⚠️ 4. Regularly Tripping Circuits

If your breakers keep tripping, your system could be trying to protect you from an overload or fault.

⚠️ 5. No Earth on Lighting Circuits

Some pre-1990 homes still have lighting circuits without earth wiring, which means metal fittings are a safety hazard.

The Hidden Cost of “Just Putting Up With It”

Running an outdated electrical system isn’t just inconvenient, it could be:

• Risky (increased chance of electric shock or fire)

• Costly (inefficient systems waste energy)

• Non-compliant with modern safety standards

• A problem during home sales or insurance renewals

What Should You Do?

✅ Book an Electrical Safety Check

A professional EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) will tell you exactly what condition your wiring is in and what needs attention.

✅ Consider a Consumer Unit Upgrade

This one change dramatically improves safety and ensures RCD protection across your circuits.

✅ Plan for a Partial or Full Rewire (if needed)

We can help you phase this in room by room. No need to rip up the whole house in one go.

Make Your Home Ready for Modern Living

Whether you’re installing solar panels, upgrading your kitchen, or just tired of unplugging one thing to use another, modernising your electrics is an upgrade you’ll notice every single day.

At JCE Contracting Ltd, we specialise in modern electrical upgrades for older homes. We’ll assess your current system, explain your options clearly, and carry out the work safely with as minimal disruption possible.

📞 Get in touch today to book your home electrical survey or consumer unit upgrade.

Let’s bring your home’s electrics into the 21st century safely, efficiently, and future-ready.