Many homeowners in Broxbourne know their electrical system could use an upgrade.
Maybe the fuseboard looks old, maybe the lights flicker occasionally, or maybe you just don’t have enough sockets for modern life. But unless there’s an obvious fault, it’s easy to put it off.
The problem? Outdated wiring is one of the most common causes of electrical fires in the UK. And in many homes across Broxbourne, especially those built between the 1950s and 1980s, the original wiring simply wasn’t designed for today’s demands.
If you’re unsure whether your home needs a rewire — or if you’ve been putting it off due to cost or disruption — this guide will help you understand the hidden dangers and how we help you avoid them safely and with minimal stress.
Why Broxbourne Homes Are at Risk
Areas like Wormley, Hoddesdon, Goffs Oak, and Broxbourne town centre are full of homes built before the year 2000 — often with original or heavily modified electrical systems. Back then:
- Fuseboards didn’t include RCD protection
- Wiring was often rubber or aluminium — both now obsolete
- Sockets were fewer and placed for very different lifestyles
- DIY additions over time have created unsafe setups
You might not notice anything wrong — until something goes wrong.
1. No RCD Protection = No Safety Cut-Off
One of the biggest risks we see in older Broxbourne properties is a lack of RCDs (Residual Current Devices).
These life-saving devices cut off power in milliseconds if there's a fault, reducing the risk of electric shock or fire. Without them, dangerous faults can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
What we do: Every full rewire includes a new 18th Edition consumer unit with built-in RCD and surge protection, so your home stays protected around the clock.
2. Fragile or Damaged Cable Insulation
Old wiring, especially rubber-sheathed or cloth-covered cable, becomes brittle over time. It can crack, expose live wires, or even crumble when touched.
This is particularly common in homes that haven’t been rewired since the 1960s or earlier — and we still see it often in Cheshunt and Turnford properties.
What we do: We safely remove all outdated cabling and replace it with modern PVC twin-and-earth cable — fully compliant, robust, and built for today’s loads.
3. Overloaded Circuits and Sockets
Today’s homes demand far more electricity than when many Broxbourne houses were built. TVs, phone chargers, smart devices, kitchen appliances — it all adds up.
We often see old ring circuits supporting too many devices, leading to overheating, tripping, or — in the worst cases — burning out.
What we do: We design your new layout around your actual needs, adding more sockets, dedicated kitchen circuits, and optional USB or smart points. We also load-balance the installation properly to prevent overloads.
4. DIY Wiring & Hidden Hazards
Over the years, many properties have had “a bit of work done” — by homeowners, unqualified handymen, or previous tenants. While intentions were good, we’ve seen:
Live cables hidden in walls
Sockets with reversed polarity
Junction boxes with no strain relief
Outdoor lighting spurred from unsafe circuits
You can’t see it — but it could be a major safety risk.
What we do: We carry out full testing and safe removal of all legacy DIY wiring. You’ll get a system that’s clean, traceable, and signed off to the latest regulations.
5. No Surge Protection
Increased use of sensitive electronics — from TVs to laptops to EV chargers — means surge protection is more important than ever.
A power surge caused by a grid fault or lightning strike could damage or destroy your appliances if your board isn’t protected.
What we do: We install Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) as standard with every rewire — giving you full peace of mind, especially in homes with expensive tech or solar systems.
But Isn’t a Rewire a Huge Job?
That’s one of the biggest misconceptions we hear. The truth is, with the right planning, a rewire can be smooth, respectful, and well-managed. Here’s how we make it easier:
- Room-by-room rewiring to minimise disruption
- Daily clean-up and dust protection
- Power maintained wherever possible during the job
- Full planning and scheduling before work starts
- Friendly, DBS-checked team you can trust in your home
We’ve rewired homes across Broxbourne, Hoddesdon, and Goffs Oak — from tidy bungalows to large family houses — and our goal is always the same: make it as stress-free as possible.
How to Tell If You Need a Rewire
If you’re not sure, here are some signs to look out for:
- A fuseboard with no RCDs or labelled circuits
- Sockets with burn marks or loose fittings
- Lights that flicker, dim unexpectedly, or trip the electrics
- Wiring in black rubber or grey PVC with no earth
- Plugs that spark or sockets that feel warm
Still unsure? Book an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — we’ll inspect your full system and give you honest, practical advice.
Real Customer Story – Rewire in Goffs Oak
We recently completed a rewire in a 4-bed detached house in Goffs Oak. The customer had recently bought the property and was concerned about old wiring hidden behind fresh décor. We found:
- No RCDs on the board
- Aluminium cabling in some sockets
- Mixed modern and 1970s wiring — poorly connected
Our team rewired the entire property in seven working days, kept the kitchen running throughout, and reinstated all sockets and lighting with a neat plaster finish.
"We didn’t expect the house to be in such bad shape behind the scenes. JJB were professional, tidy, and explained everything in a way that made sense. We feel so much safer now."
Final Thought: Safety Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
Outdated wiring might sound intimidating — but upgrading it doesn’t have to be.
With a trusted team, a clear plan, and respectful service, you can make your home safer and more functional for years to come.
Call JJB Electrical on 01992 276087
Or visit jjb-electrical.co.uk to book your free rewire quote in Broxbourne
Let’s make your home safer — without the stress.
