⚡ Common Electrical Issues in Older Homes (And What You Can Do About Them)

Common Electrical Issues in Older Homes (And What You Can Do About Them)

If you live in a house built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance some part of the electrical system hasn’t kept up with modern demands. And while period features and solid walls can be charming, outdated electrics? Not so much.

At Bluerock Electrical, we’ve seen our fair share of vintage wiring, overloaded fuse boxes, and mystery switches that seem to control absolutely nothing. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common electrical problems in older properties, how to spot them, and what to do about them.

1. Old Fuse Boxes & Lack of RCD Protection

If your consumer unit (fuse box) has wooden backs, ceramic fuses, or looks like something from a museum, it’s time for an upgrade. One of the biggest safety gaps in older properties is the lack of RCD (Residual Current Device) protection — this shuts off the power quickly if there’s a fault, helping to prevent electric shocks or fire.

Look out for:
- Fuse wire instead of switches
- No labelling on circuits
- Power tripping often when using appliances

What to do:
A modern consumer unit with RCD/RCBOs will improve safety, help with insurance, and ensure you comply with current standards.

2. Too Few Sockets (and Too Many Extension Leads)

Older homes were never designed for today’s tech-filled lifestyles. If your living room only has one double socket and the kitchen's working overtime with adapters, you’re not alone. Relying too heavily on extension leads or overloaded multi-plugs increases the risk of overheating and fire.

Look out for:
- Extension cords in every room
- Sockets that spark, feel loose, or are hot to the touch
- Appliances sharing sockets with kettles, toasters, etc.

What to do:
Add extra sockets where you actually need them — and if the walls are being redecorated, it’s the perfect time to chase them in.

3. Outdated Wiring

Wiring installed before the 1970s may be unsafe by today’s standards — especially if it uses rubber or cloth insulation, which can perish over time. Even PVC wiring from the 1980s can deteriorate depending on how it was installed.

Look out for:
- Cables that are black, fabric-covered, or brittle
- Flickering lights or buzzing switches
- Aluminium wiring (common in the 1960s and 70s)

What to do:
A full or partial rewire might be needed. We always start with an inspection to assess the current condition.

4. Lights That Flicker, Buzz or Dim

Lights that flicker when another appliance is used or dim randomly are often seen as “quirky” old-house charm — but they’re often a sign of poor connections, old wiring, or overloaded circuits.

Look out for:
- Lights dimming when the kettle boils
- Buzzing sounds from switches or fittings
- Bulbs blowing too frequently

What to do:
Have a qualified electrician check your circuits and lighting points. We can often fix the problem without major disruption.

5. No Earth Bonding

Many older properties weren’t built with proper earthing and bonding — particularly around metal pipes, radiators, or bathrooms. Without this, any fault in the system can pose a much higher shock risk.

Look out for:
- No green/yellow earth cable visible in consumer unit
- Metal pipework that isn’t earthed
- Older fittings in bathrooms and kitchens

What to do:
We can inspect your earthing and bonding, then bring it up to standard if needed. It’s usually a straightforward upgrade — and vital for safety.

Bonus: Mystery Switches, Dead Sockets & DIY Disasters

If you’ve ever pressed a switch and nothing happened — or found a cable stuffed into a wall for no reason — you’re not alone. Over time, homes collect a patchwork of add-ons, DIY fixes, and half-finished “improvements.”

We always recommend an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for any home over 25 years old — especially if you’re buying, renovating, or simply want peace of mind.

How Bluerock Can Help

We’re NICEIC-approved electricians based in North London, specialising in making older properties safe, functional, and future-ready. Whether you need more sockets, a full rewire, or just someone to figure out what that rogue cable does — we’re here to help.

Want us to take a look?
📞 Book an inspection or quote today — we’ll give you honest advice, no jargon, and no pressure.