Should we change the wire?

[Shervan360]

Hello,

Suppose we have a building that is 30 years old. It is being overhauled.
Do the copper wires need to be replaced? Do electrical wires have a useful life?

Thank you

 

[James]

The copper will last forever if it is not overloaded or physically damaged.
HOWEVER
the insulation (plastic covering) will slowly deteriorate over time.
it may become brittle and inflexible when subjected to excess heat or sunlight, this can cause cracking and failure if not noticed and replaced.

Find a local electrician and ask their opinion, they will have a better understanding of how the local environment has treated the cables over the years it has been in service and give an estimate as to how long they may last in the future.

If the building is being overhauled, it is likely that an electrician will be required for some tasks anyway, ask them what they think and they should be able to advise you.

 

[Dustydazzler]

In theory pvc/pvc copper cable could last for hundreds and hundreds of years if contained away from sunlight / heat damage etc

 

[Shervan360]

The copper will last forever if it is not overloaded or physically damaged.
HOWEVER
the insulation (plastic covering) will slowly deteriorate over time.
it may become brittle and inflexible when subjected to excess heat or sunlight, this can cause cracking and failure if not noticed and replaced.

Find a local electrician and ask their opinion, they will have a better understanding of how the local environment has treated the cables over the years it has been in service and give an estimate as to how long they may last in the future.

If the building is being overhauled, it is likely that an electrician will be required for some tasks anyway, ask them what they think and they should be able to advise you.

Thank you, In our country, electricians don't have certificates and they learn through experience. They don't have technical and theory information. Most of them don't have even passed one unit of electrical course! So I need to get technical and correct information.

 

[nicebutdim]

Thank you, In our country, electricians don't have certificates and they learn through experience. They don't have technical and theory information. Most of them don't have even passed one unit of electrical course! So I need to get technical and correct information.

I'm quite astounded by this. I would have expected Germany to have some of the most rigorous training in Europe for electricians, given the generally high standards maintained for all manner of industries within the country.

 

[Shervan360]

I'm quite astounded by this. I would have expected Germany to have some of the most rigorous training in Europe for electricians, given the generally high standards maintained for all manner of industries within the country.

I am not living in Germany. I use a VPN to break censorship. I live in the Middle East.