Is Rubber Wiring Dangerous? Old Cables Explained

August 2024

1) Is Rubber Wiring Dangerous?

Rubber wiring has not been used in the UK since approximately the mid-1950s. Other countries may have used rubber wiring for a longer or shorter period than this.

Whilst rubber wiring was ok when installed many decades ago, it was never intended to last until now and any black rubber cables that are still in use today are likely to be dangerous. As the rubber has aged it has become brittle and the slightest movement is likely to cause the rubber to fracture and fall away. This will leave bare metal wiring exposed, live to the touch, cables shorting out and a high risk of electrical fires. 

2) Is rubber insulation still available?

There are many types of wiring available that may be selected for particular wiring projects including rubber insulation wrapped wires. These new cables are fine to use in electrical installations so long as local and national wiring regulations are followed strictly. 

Rubber insulation has many applications for mobile and outdoor equipment for example. The rubber cabling can be a good choice where movement on the cables will occur as is the case for portable appliances and pond equipment. 

3) Should I have rubber wiring replaced?

In older homes, it is important to have the electrical system regularly checked by a qualified professional electrician to ensure that any Vulcanised Indian Rubber wires (VIR cables) are safe. The electrical system in a private domestic residence should be checked every ten years as a minimum by an electrician. 

Where you have an old-fashioned electrical system that contains old electrical wiring, your electrician may recommend that the system is checked more often. Rubber cables are no exception, following electrical testing and inspection a report is produced that details any electrical dangers, hazards and non-compliances with current regulations. 

The report will also contain test results which will indicate the quality of the cabling, its insulation and the resistances measured along the cable. 

4) Rubber Cables and Home Insurance

You should check with your home insurance policy that rubber cabling would be agreeable in obtaining cover for any electrical issues that arise or issues that arise following fires or damage due to the age of the wiring system. Some home insurance companies will not cover electrical problems so the policy documents should be checked carefully or at the point of obtaining cover. 

From an insurers point of view, they will take on risk as long as it is not unfair risk. Where wiring is 60 years or more old than the chances of failure are much higher than that of a new wiring system. Its important to mention the type of wiring that you have as old rubber wiring may introduce a fire hazard, lead to short circuits and increase the likelihood that electrical work will need to be carried out.

5) Rubber Wiring and Electric Shocks

Where electrical wire has a rubber sheath that has become degraded over time, the risk of electrical shocks will increase the more brittle as the wiring’s rubber-based insulation breaks down over time. It is also likely that the electrical panel, consumer unit or fuse box is out of date and has not been upgraded since installation.

Where old fuse box technology and rubber cables exist, live wires can become exposed leading to risk of electrical shock and the fuse box may not turn off under these circumstances. 

For your peace of mind, have an electrical inspection carried out by a licensed electrician. 

6) Replacing Rubber Wiring

Where rubber wiring has failed leading to bare wires, cracked insulation and electrical problems. The black rubber wiring will need to be replaced. 

Replacing cabling with modern wiring is not a DIY job, it is a skilled work that should be carried out by a trusted local electrician. Rewiring work should comply with all local and national building and wiring regulations, failure to do so may result in your homeowners insurance becoming invalidated. 

Along with replacing the wiring the old fuse box or electrical panel will need to be changed for a new control centre or consumer unit  to ensure that electrical regulations are met and the cables are protected.

7) Cloth Wiring 

Cloth wiring contained cloth insulating material to prevent access to the metal wires underneath. Cloth was often used over the top of rubber insulation to help insulate against live parts. 

Where there is still cloth wiring in use, it may have been acceptable when installed but this should undoubtedly be replaced for modern PVC wiring as it has served its useful purpose and could now be in a dangerous condition.

8) Modern Type of Electric Wiring

The modern type of PVC electrical wiring should last several decades if installed and maintained properly. Modern homes installed with up to date electrical systems should not need rewiring for at least 25 to 30 years. 

Energy efficiency has meant that lighting and appliances may place cables under less stress than in decades gone by and as a result, smaller cabling can be used and should last longer than its predecessor. This of course, does not apply to electrical circuits that are placed under large load or heavy demand such as electric showers, electric cookers and EV car charging equipment. 

9) How do I know if my home needs a rewire?

The best course of action is to have the old wiring, electrical cables and overall system of wiring checked by a trusted local electrician. 

There are signs that your home needs a rewire which should not be ignored but until an electrical check has been carried out, there is no certainty as to the condition of your residential electrical needs. 

10) Summary

Electric cables do not last forever and depending upon the type of electrical wiring you have, you may be at increased risk of home fires, there may be an electric shock hazard or other safety concerns that accompany wiring systems in old homes. 
Have your wiring checked regularly by a qualified professional electrician to ensure that safety standards are being met and have any repairs carried out promptly.