Electrical Rewiring in Edinburgh
Rewiring is one of the most significant electrical projects a property can undergo. Whether you have an older Edinburgh tenement flat with original wiring, a Victorian townhouse in need of modernisation, or a property that has failed an EICR inspection, we provide full and partial rewiring services completed to current regulations with proper certification.
To discuss your rewiring project or arrange a survey, call 0131 358 9935 or email [email protected].
What is an Electrical Rewire?
An electrical rewire involves replacing all or part of the fixed wiring in a property. This includes the cables that run through walls, floors, and ceilings connecting the consumer unit (fuse box) to every socket, switch, and light fitting in the home.
Electrical wiring does not last forever. Cables degrade over time due to heat, movement, and environmental factors. Insulation becomes brittle, connections loosen, and the overall installation becomes less safe and less capable of meeting modern demands. Most electrical installations have an expected lifespan of around 25 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the original work and how the property has been used.
A rewire brings the entire electrical installation up to current standards, including proper earthing, RCD protection, and circuits designed for the way we use electricity today—with multiple appliances, home offices, and increased power demands that older wiring was never designed to handle.
Signs Your Property May Need Rewiring
The following signs may indicate that your property's electrical installation is due for replacement. Not all of these necessarily mean a full rewire is required, but they warrant investigation.
Old round-pin sockets or fabric-covered cables
These indicate wiring from the 1950s or earlier, which is well past its expected lifespan and lacks modern safety features.
Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses
This often indicates overloaded circuits that were not designed for modern electrical demands.
Discoloured or warm sockets and switches
Heat damage around electrical points can indicate loose connections or deteriorating wiring behind the walls.
A smell of burning with no obvious source
This may indicate overheating cables within walls and should be investigated.
Lights that flicker or dim unexpectedly
While sometimes caused by faulty fittings, persistent flickering can indicate wiring problems.
An old fuse box with rewirable fuses
Properties with original fuse boxes typically have wiring of a similar age that may need replacing.
No RCD protection
Older installations lack Residual Current Devices, which provide essential protection against electric shock.
Unsatisfactory EICR report
An Electrical Installation Condition Report may identify wiring that needs replacement to meet safety standards.
If you recognise several of these signs in your property, it may be worth arranging an inspection. We can assess your installation and provide honest advice on whether rewiring is necessary.
Rewiring Edinburgh Properties
Edinburgh's housing stock presents particular considerations when it comes to rewiring. The city has a high proportion of older properties—from Georgian townhouses in the New Town to Victorian and Edwardian tenement flats in areas like Marchmont, Bruntsfield, Morningside, and Leith. Many of these properties were built long before electricity was commonplace and were later wired to the standards of the time.
Tenement Flats
Edinburgh's tenement flats typically have shared stairwells with individual meters for each property. The main electrical supply enters from a meter cupboard on the landing, with the consumer unit usually located just inside the flat. Rewiring a tenement flat requires careful planning to work within these constraints, but the work itself takes place entirely within your property—there is no need to access communal areas beyond the meter cupboard.
Tenement flats often have high ceilings and lathe and plaster walls, which require a different approach compared to modern plasterboard. We take care to minimise damage to original features while still achieving a safe and compliant installation. Where possible, we route cables under floorboards and through ceiling voids rather than chasing into walls.
Victorian and Georgian Properties
Larger period properties—whether townhouses, villas, or converted flats—often have more complex layouts with multiple floors, basements, and extensions added over the years. The original wiring may have been added in stages, resulting in an installation that is difficult to trace and may not meet current standards.
We have experience working in properties throughout Edinburgh, from New Town townhouses to Stockbridge colonies, and understand the importance of respecting original features while delivering a modern, safe electrical installation.
Older Wiring in Edinburgh Homes
Many Edinburgh properties were rewired in the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s—meaning the wiring is now 50 to 70 years old. While some of these installations remain functional, they often lack features that are now considered essential, such as RCD protection, proper earthing to current standards, and sufficient circuits for modern use. They may also use cable types that are no longer considered acceptable.
Full Rewire vs Partial Rewire
Full Rewire
A full rewire replaces all the fixed wiring in the property, from the consumer unit to every socket, switch, and light fitting. This is typically recommended when:
- The existing wiring is more than 40 years old
- An EICR has identified multiple serious issues
- You are undertaking a major renovation
- The property has no RCD protection or inadequate earthing
- You want a completely fresh start with a modern installation
Partial Rewire
A partial rewire replaces only specific circuits or sections of the installation. This may be appropriate when:
- Only certain circuits are problematic (e.g., an old lighting circuit)
- A previous partial rewire left some circuits in acceptable condition
- You are renovating part of the property only
- Budget constraints require a phased approach
We always assess whether a partial rewire will achieve a safe and compliant installation, or whether a full rewire would be more appropriate.
The Rewiring Process
Here is what to expect when you arrange a rewire with us, from initial enquiry to completion.
Initial Inspection
We visit the property to assess the existing installation. This involves checking the consumer unit, inspecting accessible wiring, identifying the cable types in use, and understanding the layout of the property. We also discuss your requirements—for example, whether you want additional sockets, different switch positions, or specific provisions for a home office.
Detailed Quotation
Based on the inspection, we provide a written quotation that itemises the work to be carried out. This includes the scope of the rewire, the number and location of sockets, switches, and light fittings, the type of consumer unit, and any additional work such as fitting new back boxes. The quote is fixed—there are no hidden costs, and if anything unexpected arises during the work, we discuss it with you before proceeding.
Scheduling the Work
Once you accept the quote, we agree a start date that fits your schedule. We explain what preparation is needed—typically clearing furniture away from walls to allow access—and discuss any practical arrangements, such as which areas will be without power at different stages.
First Fix
The first phase involves running new cables throughout the property. We lift floorboards, access ceiling voids, and where necessary, make small openings in walls to route cables. We fit new back boxes for sockets and switches. At the end of each day, we make the installation safe so you can continue to use the property.
Second Fix
Once the cables are in place and any plastering or making good has been completed, we return to fit the sockets, switches, light fittings, and the new consumer unit. We connect everything and prepare the installation for testing.
Testing and Certification
Every circuit is tested to confirm it meets the requirements of BS 7671, the current wiring regulations. This includes insulation resistance tests, continuity tests, polarity checks, and RCD operation tests. You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming the installation is safe and compliant. The work is also registered with the appropriate building control body.
Typical Timescales
The following timescales are typical for properties in Edinburgh. Actual timescales depend on the size and complexity of the property, access arrangements, and whether any additional work is required.
One-Bedroom Flat
2–3 working days
Two-Bedroom Flat
3–5 working days
Three-Bedroom House
5–7 working days
Four-Bedroom House
7–10 working days
These timescales assume the property is occupied and we are working around your daily routine. If the property is empty or undergoing renovation, work can often be completed more quickly.
Safety, Compliance, and Certification
All rewiring work we carry out complies with BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations, which is the national standard for electrical installations in the UK. The work also meets the requirements of the Building (Scotland) Regulations, which apply to electrical work in Scottish properties.
Upon completion, you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This document confirms that the installation has been designed, constructed, inspected, and tested in accordance with BS 7671. It includes detailed test results for every circuit and is signed by the electrician who carried out the work.
The work is also registered with the relevant building control body, and you receive documentation confirming this registration. These certificates are important documents that you should retain—they may be required if you sell the property or take out a mortgage.
BS 7671 Compliant
Work meets current wiring regulations
Fully Certified
EIC provided with full test results
Building Control
Work registered as required by law
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electrical rewiring in Edinburgh properties.
How much does it cost to rewire a flat in Edinburgh?
The cost depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the work, and the condition of the existing installation. As a general guide, a two-bedroom tenement flat typically costs between £3,500 and £5,500 for a full rewire, including a new consumer unit. A three-bedroom house usually ranges from £5,000 to £8,000. We provide detailed written quotes after surveying the property, so you know exactly what to expect.
How long does a rewire take?
A typical two-bedroom flat takes three to five working days for a full rewire. A three-bedroom house usually takes five to seven days. Larger properties or those with particularly difficult access may take longer. We discuss realistic timescales during the quotation stage and keep you informed throughout the work.
Can I stay in my home during a rewire?
In most cases, yes. We work room by room to minimise disruption, ensuring you have power to essential areas such as the kitchen and bathroom throughout. We discuss practical arrangements during the planning stage. For larger properties or families with young children, some customers prefer to stay elsewhere for part of the work, but this is usually a matter of convenience rather than necessity.
Will a rewire damage my walls and ceilings?
Rewiring does require access to run new cables, which means some making good is needed afterwards. In properties with lathe and plaster walls—common in Edinburgh tenements—we take extra care to minimise damage. We typically lift floorboards and work from above where possible. Any holes or channels are made good before we leave, though you may need to arrange decoration afterwards. We can discuss what to expect for your specific property.
Do I need a full rewire or would a partial rewire be enough?
It depends on the condition of your existing wiring and what you want to achieve. If only certain circuits are problematic—for example, an old lighting circuit while the ring main is acceptable—a partial rewire may be appropriate. However, if the wiring is generally old, a full rewire is usually more cost-effective in the long term than addressing problems piecemeal. We can advise after inspecting the property.
Will I receive a certificate after the rewire?
Yes. All rewiring work is notifiable under Scottish Building Regulations. You will receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming the work has been tested and meets the current edition of BS 7671. The work is also registered with the relevant building control body, and you will receive documentation to confirm this. These certificates are important if you later sell the property.
Is rewiring covered by building regulations?
Yes. A full rewire or significant electrical work in Scotland must comply with the Building (Scotland) Regulations. The work must be carried out to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), tested, and certified. As a registered electrician, we handle the notification and certification process on your behalf.
How do I know if my Edinburgh flat needs rewiring?
Signs include old round-pin sockets, fabric-covered cables, a fuse box with rewirable fuses, frequent tripping, or an unsatisfactory EICR report. Many Edinburgh tenements were built in the late 1800s or early 1900s and rewired in the 1950s or 1960s—meaning the wiring may now be 60 to 70 years old. If you are unsure, we can carry out an inspection and provide honest advice.
Can you rewire a tenement flat without disrupting the stairwell?
Yes. In tenement buildings, the electrical supply typically enters your flat directly from the meter cupboard on the landing. The rewiring work takes place entirely within your property. We do not need to access shared areas beyond the meter cupboard, and we take care not to cause any disruption to neighbours.
What is included in a rewire?
A full rewire includes replacing all the fixed wiring in the property—from the consumer unit to every socket, switch, and light fitting. This typically includes a new consumer unit with RCD protection, new cables throughout, new sockets and switches (you can choose the style), and new ceiling roses or light fittings if required. We also test the completed installation and provide full certification.
Discuss Your Rewiring Project
If you are considering a rewire or would like advice on whether your property needs one, we are happy to discuss your situation.
Get in Touch
Helpful Information
- • Property type and approximate size
- • Age of the current wiring if known
- • Any specific concerns or issues
- • Your preferred timescales
We provide free, no-obligation quotations for rewiring work. After an initial discussion, we can arrange a convenient time to survey the property and provide a detailed written quote.
Note: This page covers planned rewiring work. If you have an electrical fault or safety concern that requires attention today, information is available on our emergency electrician page.