VIR– Vulcanised Indian Rubber Electrical Cables

VIR&#; Vulcanised Indian Rubber Electrical Cables

Before the introduction of PVC, the majority of  Electrical cables used had Vulcanised India Rubber (VIR) for insulation and protection.

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The VIR cables were used in the majority of the wiring in properties, and on the whole did not have an earth wire attached (the Continuous Protective Conductor &#; CPC) .

Deteriorating VIR Cable

Even the mains cables coming from the electricity meter to the Fuse board were VIR.

These mains cables still continued to be installed until the early &#;s, and can often be found in converted blocks of flats where there is a switched isolator in the basement / hallway, and then the VIR cable goes up to the flat. It is often found that the flats have been more recently rewired, but the mains cable is VIR.

Unfortunately, rubber is perishable. The photo above shows a typical cotton braided VIR cable.  The cotton braid provided some mechanical protection to the rubber, these cables are now 60 + years old.

VIR Sheathed Cable where sheathing has just fallen away 

Just literally before the connections to this pendent light

At the end of the screwdriver the VIR sheathing is splitting away,
behind a socket outlet

VIR Cable deteriorating behind a light switch,

Note: there is NO Safety earthing circuit, and the light switch cabling is holding the deteriorating cables in a DRY WOODEN combustible back box.

The other photos show examples of wiring circuit VIR cables found in a local Tunbridge Wells property.

Once the rubber sheathing on the cable becomes brittle, just like an old elastic band, it starts to crack and break away. When this happens, the copper in the cable can become exposed, leading to a potential risk of electric shock, fire or an immediate loss of power due to a short circuit rupturing the protective fuses.

As electricians who carry out a lot of safety inspections these cables are easily spotted, and to  provide some concern when testing, as with the slighted of movement in opening up electrical outlets the sheathing, can and does fall away.

We can find at times PVC cables have been connected to the VIR cable just to hide its existence &#; but it is still there and does pose a risk to our customers.

VIR Cable deteriorating in an old Fuse Box

Note: the 2 large cables black & red cables on the right which are frayed blackened, and beginning to break down.

Also the 2x Red wires in the Front going into the Blue and Red receptacles, the rubber has hardened, and any movement here it will crumble away, to expose bare wires and potentially give rise to a Fire Risk or Electrocution.

What should I do?

Should you suspect your cabling is old, or you have seen / touched some cables where the sheathing has just crumbled away, or it has been highlighted in an electrical report.

Remember once you have been made aware, and should there be a problem in the future, where fire officers, or insurance companies are involved. It has been highlighted to you, then you could face a void insurance claim.

At Bright Spark Electrical we do offer payment by Credit Card so your costs can be spread over a longer period of time.

Just contact your local NICEIC Electrician, or call Karen to discuss the situation further.

Karen Smith

Bright Spark Electrical Services

You should take this electrical Safety Warning Seriously particularly if you have a property dating back at least 60+ years.

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Thank you for attending my &#;Emergency Call out&#; there was smoke coming out of my socket. I telephoned at least 15 electricians after 7:15pm ( in the evening) when we discovered the smoke coming out of the Socket. Their phones not even being answered. The next on my list was Bright Sparks, who were the only ones to answer the call - literally within a couple of rings, and was answered by a lovely lady who reassured me that help would be on the way. The Call was sent to your emergency electrician who called back within 15 minutes, and was able to attend within the hour, and fix the problem. Thank you. Excellent Service

Ben - Tunbridge Wells

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I had a number of light fittings that weren't working and, on a recommendation from a friend, called Bright Spark. Karen called in to evaluate and price the work the same day and sent one of her colleagues, to carry it out before the end of the week. It was a very impressive response and the work was done to an excellent standard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Bright Spark and it's reassuring to know such a reliable firm exists the next time I need an electrician.

Philip, Seal

My external security lights had failed and because they were over 20 years old, several electricians felt unable to help me. I then asked Karen from Bright Sparks to get involved. She promptly surveyed the problem, gave me a competitive quote and as soon as I accepted it, gave me a firm date for the work to be undertaken. Her electricians arrived on the due date, were very friendly and tidy and worked in difficult places without problem. I definitely intend to use Bright Sparks again.

John, Pembury

A rapid response An item of household electrical equipment decided to fail. As a result, many electrical circuits in my Home closed down. I contacted Bright Sparks, and an electrician quickly appeared. He calmly checked the circuits and solve the problems. Well done.

AH - Tonbridge

What is really great about Bright Spark Electrical is that they communicate well and get the job done precisely exactly as agreed and bang on time. The job is thoroughly discussed beforehand, you know who is coming and when and have a full list of the parts to be installed. They perform tasks efficiently with no mess. They have done jobs for me in Tunbridge Wells, both in the Culverden Down area and at High Brooms and I would recommend them

Elizabeth, Tunbridge Wells

New vs Old Wiring Colours

In , Amendment 2 of the 17th Edition BS Wiring Regulations saw a change to &#;harmonise&#; the UK colours with the European cable colours for consistency and to avoid confusion. It&#;s important that properties get their wiring checked, to see if the wiring colours are out of date, have deteriorated over time, and to check if they comply with the 18th Edition of BS Wiring Regulations.

Some properties across the UK still rely on the old cables, which can be dangerous if not tested. Old cable colours could be due to the age of the property or the wiring system, which simply hasn&#;t been monitored or tested as regularly.

Credit: Wikipedia

How have wiring colours changed in the UK?

• The neutral black has been replaced by blue.
• The line red and has been replaced by brown.
• The earth is still identified by green and yellow.

Condition of Wiring Cables

If you&#;re moving into a new home, or you are renovating your current one, make sure you carry out visual checks on the electrics, specifically looking at the colour  and condition of the wires.

If you have the previous colours, red, black and green earth (or bare earth &#; very dangerous!), we would recommend you have an electrician test to check the integrity of the cable as it could be more than 50 years old and unreliable.

You should also be looking at the condition of cables, as well as the sheathing of the cables. The average lifespan of electrical wiring is 30-40 years and will deteriorate over time, especially if your home uses one of the aged styles of cable sheathing, which are highlighted below.

Tough Rubber Sheathed cables

Before pvc-insulated cables became common in the s, most cables in the home were tough rubber sheathed (TRS). This type of sheathing is recognised by its black exterior.

Vulcanised rubber insulated cables (VRI) also grew in popularity during this time. With this cable type being over 55 years old, it has become obsolete in domestic dwellings. We recommend, if this applies to you, that you get an electrician immediately for a full rewire.

Insulation and sheathing can deteriorate with age, but also with excessive temperatures and overloading, as well as the rubber deteriorating if it has been exposed to direct sunlight.

When cables deteriorate, it means they lose their insulation and flexibility, becoming dry and more like to crumble away and break.

Lead Sheathed cables

Pre-s saw lead-sheathed cables (see above) being used more in domestic dwellings. They are rubber insulated, copper conductors, with an outer sheath of lead. Just like TRS cables, lead sheathed cables deteriorate over time as they are rubber insulated.

Lead sheathing is still used in some older properties and could be gradually deteriorating without you knowing. If you spot any lead sheathed cables, please be warned that these cables are past their expected working life and should be inspected by an electrician immediately for safety.

PVC-insulated Sheathing

PVC-insulated sheathing became popular from s onwards, and it is now the most common form of sheathing. However, you can still find TRS and lead sheathed cables in period properties today.

Make sure your home is safe and using sheathing that will not deteriorate over time. Ensure your cable colours comply with the current standard set by BS Wiring Regulations and that they are tested regularly for faults.

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