If your Cheshunt home was built before the 1960s and hasn’t been rewired in decades, there’s a chance it still contains VIR cabling. That might not sound alarming — but it should be.
VIR (Vulcanised India Rubber) cabling is not only dangerously outdated, it also poses a real fire and electric shock risk. As trusted, local electricians in Cheshunt, we’re seeing more and more homes where old wiring is hidden behind newly plastered walls or fresh paint — ticking time bombs waiting to go off.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what VIR wiring is, why it’s dangerous, how to spot it, and what to do (and not do) if it’s in your home. We’ll also explain how a full rewire gives you a blank canvas to make your home truly work for you and your family.
What Is VIR Cabling?
VIR stands for Vulcanised India Rubber — a type of insulation used on copper wires in homes between the 1900s and 1950s. VIR cables typically consist of:
- A copper conductor
- Rubber insulation
- A cotton braid that’s often soaked in tar-like material for protection
Over time, rubber insulation dries out, cracks and deteriorates, leaving the live copper inside exposed. That makes it a serious safety concern — especially in homes using modern appliances that put greater loads on circuits.
Why VIR Cabling Is Dangerous in 2025
Here’s why continuing to use VIR cabling is a risk no homeowner should ignore:
- Insulation is failing — it becomes brittle and crumbly with age
- Increased fire risk — exposed conductors can arc, overheat or short
- Shock hazard — it may appear safe until someone gets a nasty surprise
- No CPC (earth wire) — most VIR installations lack adequate earthing
- Not compliant with modern regulations — you won’t pass an EICR with it
VIR cabling simply wasn’t designed for the electrical demands of today’s households. If your Cheshunt home still has it, it’s time to take action.
How to Identify VIR Wiring in Your Cheshunt Property
Here are a few warning signs you might have VIR cabling in your home:
- Rubber-coated cables that are dark brown or black
- Frayed or cracked insulation
- Wires enclosed in metal conduits or wooden trunking
- Old-style accessories like round pin sockets or Bakelite switches
- Consumer units with ceramic rewireable fuses
If your electrics look like something out of the 1950s, they probably are. But often VIR cabling is hidden — the only way to know for sure is to have your system inspected by a qualified electrician.
What Not to Do If You Suspect VIR Cabling
We know rewiring sounds like a big job, but avoiding it is far riskier. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t try to repair or extend the circuit yourself – the insulation can fall apart in your hands
- Don’t just upgrade the fuseboard – that won’t make unsafe wiring any safer
- Don’t overload sockets or circuits – this wiring isn’t designed to power today’s high-load appliances
- Don’t ignore it – “It’s been fine so far” is not a safety plan
If you’re planning to renovate or sell your home, a failed EICR could halt everything — better to deal with it early.
What’s Involved in a Full House Rewire?
At JJB Electrical, we’ve completed full rewires across Cheshunt and the surrounding areas — safely, cleanly, and with as little disruption as possible. Here’s our step-by-step process:
Free Site Visit – We assess your current setup and determine if a full or partial rewire is needed.
Quote & Plan – You get a detailed quote, and we work with you to plan where you want sockets, lights, data points, and more.
The Rewire – We remove all dangerous cabling and install brand-new wiring, a modern 18th Edition consumer unit, and all-new accessories.
Testing & Certification – We carry out full testing, issue NAPIT-approved certification, and make sure your home meets all UK safety standards.
Aftercare – We’re local, trusted, and always just a call away if you need support.
A Blank Canvas for the Home You Want
Think of a rewire not just as a safety upgrade — but as a chance to tailor your home to your lifestyle. With a fresh slate, you can:
- Add more sockets where you need them (no more extension leads!)
- Install downlights or feature lighting
- Wire in outdoor power or security lighting
- Future-proof your home for smart tech or electric vehicles
- Run CAT6 or speaker cabling while the walls are open
- Position switches, lights, and sockets where they make sense for you
It’s a chance to build your dream setup — not just patch over problems.
Why Cheshunt Residents Choose JJB Electrical
We’re proud to be one of Cheshunt’s highest-rated local electricians. When it comes to rewires, people choose JJB because:
✅ We’re NAPIT Approved – your installation is guaranteed to meet current regs
✅ We’re Which? Trusted Traders – vetted and recommended for honesty and workmanship
✅ We have 5-star reviews on Google – check them out for peace of mind
✅ We’re fully insured - So you’re covered from start to finish
✅ We treat your home with respect — always clean, tidy, and careful
We don’t just turn up and pull cables — we work with you to deliver a rewire that makes your home safer, smarter, and better to live in.
Think You Have VIR Cabling in Cheshunt? Let’s Make It Right
If your Cheshunt home might have outdated or dangerous wiring, don’t leave it to chance. Get in touch for expert advice and a no-obligation quote.
We’ll help you modernise your home safely, cleanly, and with as little disruption as possible.
📞 Call JJB Electrical today on 01992 276087
🔗 Or visit 👉 www.jjb-electrical.co.uk
Let’s get your home rewired — and done right.
