Electrical Rewire vs Partial Rewire — What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

🔌 What Is a Full Rewire?

A full electrical rewire involves removing all of the existing electrical cabling in your home and replacing it with new, up-to-standard wiring. It typically includes:

• Brand new consumer unit (fuse box) with RCD protection

• New circuits for sockets, lights, cooker, and any electric showers or heating

• New accessories like switches, sockets, and light fittings

• New earthing and bonding where required

• Full testing and NAPIT certification upon completion

This is the best option for homes with severely outdated, damaged, or unsafe wiring — or where no previous upgrades have taken place.

🧩 What Is a Partial Rewire?

A partial rewire updates only certain sections of the wiring system. This may include:

• Replacing one or two circuits (e.g. kitchen ring or lighting circuit)

• Adding a new circuit for an extension or kitchen refit

• Replacing the consumer unit only

• Updating lighting or sockets in selected rooms

• Replacing poor-quality or unsafe DIY additions

Partial rewires are often used when the rest of the house has already been upgraded — or when full rewiring isn’t feasible due to budget or timing.

⚖️ How Do I Know Which One I Need?

We always recommend a full electrical inspection first. Based on the condition of your current system, we’ll advise whether:

• The wiring is safe but needs minor upgrades

• Some circuits are safe but others require urgent replacement

• The entire system is outdated and needs a full rewire

Key factors we assess include:

• Age and type of existing cabling (e.g. rubber, PVC, twin & earth)

• Earthing quality

• Fuse box condition

• Sockets, switches and fittings

• Evidence of overheating, damage, or poor installations

🛡️ What If You Only Do a Partial Rewire When You Actually Need a Full One?

This is a common and dangerous mistake. Doing only a partial rewire in a property that clearly needs a full one may:

• Fail to meet BS 7671 safety regulations

• Void your home insurance

• Put your family at risk

• Lead to higher costs later when further faults appear

• Complicate property sales or surveys

At Quantum Electrical Services, we’ll never recommend more than you need — but we also won’t cut corners. Safety first.

🧰 Why Homeowners in Lincolnshire Trust Quantum Electrical Services

• NAPIT registered — all work is tested and certified

• Fully insured and experienced with older homes

• Hundreds of rewires completed in Lincolnshire

• Best dust extraction system available — cleaner rewires

• Plasterer and cleaner available if needed

• Furniture and carpet protection as standard

• 5-star Google reviews and trusted local reputation

📞 Unsure What You Need? Let’s Find Out.

If you’re not sure whether a full or partial rewire is the right choice, we’ll carry out a full assessment and talk you through your options in plain English — no jargon, no upselling.

📞 Contact us Quantum Electrical Services today on 01529 265060 to book your free, no-obligation quote anywhere in Sleaford or Lincolnshire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is a partial rewire cheaper than a full rewire?
Yes — but only if it’s suitable. We never recommend cutting costs at the expense of safety.

Q: Can I have new sockets or lighting added without a full rewire?
Yes, but we’ll check that the existing circuits are safe first.

Q: Is my consumer unit upgraded during a partial rewire?
Sometimes — if your current unit is out of date, we may still recommend replacing it for safety.

Q: Do you cover the mess and plasterwork?
We use top-end dust extraction, fully protect your furniture and flooring, and can bring in a professional plasterer and cleaner if needed.