VIR Cabling, Dangers and Repairs

At Premium Electrical Hunter Valley, we prioritise electrical safety in homes and businesses. One of the most dangerous yet often overlooked electrical hazards is deteriorating Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) cable, which was commonly used in wiring installations from the early 1900s to the late 1950s. If left unchecked, deteriorating VIR cables can expose live copper conductors, leading to risks such as electric shock, fire, and loss of power due to short circuits.

What is VIR Cable?

VIR cables were widely used in Australian homes and buildings between 1910 and the late 1950s. These cables feature a tinned copper conductor coated with a rubber-based insulation layer, which was designed to provide protection against abrasion, moisture, and corrosion. To further safeguard the insulation, a cotton braid was often added over the rubber coating.

While this technology was state-of-the-art at the time, the passage of decades has rendered these cables unsafe. Due to their natural aging process, they are now outdated and non-compliant with modern electrical safety standards.

Why is VIR Cable Dangerous?

Over time, the insulation in VIR cables degrades, becoming dry, brittle, and eventually crumbling away. This exposes live electrical wires in crucial areas such as roof cavities, walls, and behind power points or light switches, significantly increasing the risk of:

• Electrical fires – Exposed live conductors can cause sparks and ignite surrounding materials.

• Electric shocks and electrocution – Without proper insulation, contact with live wiring can be fatal.

• Power inconsistencies – Brittle insulation and loose wiring connections can lead to fluctuating power supply, which may damage appliances.

• Earthing issues – Many VIR wiring systems lack an earth wire, making them unsafe for modern electrical appliances and metal fittings.

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How to Identify VIR Wiring in Your Home

If your home or business was built before the 1960s, there’s a high chance that it contains VIR wiring. Signs that your property may still have these outdated cables include:

• Old ceramic fuses in the switchboard

• Crumbling insulation around wiring

• Frequent circuit breaker trips or fuse blowouts

• Discoloured or brittle wires visible behind switches or power points

However, the safest and most reliable way to determine whether your property has VIR wiring is to schedule an inspection with a qualified electrician.

What’s the Solution?

The only safe and permanent solution is a complete rewiring of your home or business, replacing VIR cables with modern, insulated electrical wiring that meets Australian standards. As part of the upgrade, we recommend installing RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection), which provide:

• Shock protection by instantly cutting power if a fault occurs

• Fire prevention by detecting dangerous electrical faults

• Individual circuit protection, ensuring one issue doesn’t compromise the entire system

Additionally, a switchboard upgrade should be completed to include circuit breakers and RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for enhanced electrical safety.

Book a Safety Inspection Today

At Premium Electrical Hunter Valley, we specialise in identifying and replacing outdated electrical wiring to ensure your home or business is safe and compliant with current regulations. If you suspect your property still has VIR wiring, don’t take the risk—contact us today for a professional electrical assessment.

Your safety is our priority!