On 2 Feb 2006 12:27:31 -0800, "Harry" wrote:

Thank you both for your feedback. I will get on the case urgently (by
removing the fuses, I meant that I have cut off both lighting circuits
until I can resolve the issue - I am however still running power
through one rubber insulated circuit - see below).

The one ring main circuit which has rubber insulated wiring passed the
insulation resistance checks easily (the electrician said three times
the suggested minimum), and has caused no problems. In spite of this,
should I still be seeking to replace it, and how urgently?

Thanks again for the advice
Harry

Whilst I agree that the rubber has to go and that without any doubt,
the lighting circuits WILL be in an extemely dangerous state, I
removed the last two rubber insulated rings from my house last spring,
admittedly the kitchen load had already been removed and so they were
both lightly loaded but they were in a perfectly serviceable
condition, with no sign whatsoever of brittleness, even after 50 years
since the house was built, and so I would suggest that condition very
much depends on location.

Having said all that, you should get it replaced ASAP.

Andy