I think this is something which would be very difficult to apply in practice.
Very old wiring, dating from the 1930s/1940s is now almost certainly in need of replacement. The rubber insulation and sheaths will have deteriorated to the point that the cables are probably becoming quite dangerous.
PVC cabling installed from the 1950s onward, however, should still be perfectly serviceable so long as it hasn't been damaged in any way.
I see many older homes in this area which from the cables and devices have obviously had a complete rewire in the 1950s/1960s, and then other various extensions and modifications in more recent times. In many cases, the older 1950s wiring is fine, but the modern extensions have been badly carried out and are in far greater need of putting right.
I'd like to see the old rewireable fuses replaced with cartridge fuses or circuit breakers, but at least that doesn't require extensive rewiring.
Take a look here as well:
https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002043.html [This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 07-29-2003).]
