Melting Cables Next to Hot Water Pipes?

[jacobmph]

Hi,

I have been advised by some electricians that my house needs completely rewiring because my electrical cables are being melted due to their frequent proximity to hot water pipes. They even pointed out scorch marks and one instance of some surface bubbling on a particular wire to demonstrate this, and suggested that our entire central heating system could go live at any point.

While I can appreciate that placing wiring alongside hot water pipes may not be good for the long-term lifespan of the wiring (and it may well be against current regulations for them to be installed this way), I am reluctant to believe that hot water pipes can create black scorch marks or melt the outer UPVC coating on cable. It seems more likely that these were caused by a stray plumber's torch many years ago, and so do not pose an imminent threat to my family's safety in the way that was suggested to us?

Can anyone enlighten me as to whether this is the case?

Regards,

Jake

[jdring]

Hi,
I'm no expert, but I find it surprising that hot water pipes could get so hot as to do this.

I suppose with continuous exposure to 'hot' pipes you would get discolouration, but not really scorching.

Can't you just reroute the affected runs, or put some insulators in between. Re-Wiring sounds drastic.

Also, make sure the house is protected properly with RCD breakers and noone should get a shock...much more woth the money (i.e. overhaul/replace the fuse box arrangement if needed).

-jd