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The cable, which typically lasts 30 to 40 years, is covered by a rubberized insulation that dries out over time and can crumble, “creating an opportunity for arcing to occur should the bare conductor come into contact or near contact with a metal service,” says the report, prepared with the assistance of Golder Associates Ltd.

The wiring “has more than outlived its normal service life and presents a potential hazard for life safety if the insulation continues to break down and short circuiting occurs,” the report says.

“It would be prudent to have the wiring replaced as soon as possible to remove this serious risk to the prime minister and his family.”

However, little work has been done since 2011 to replace perilous wiring in the official residence, which has been unoccupied since last October, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family opted to move into Rideau Cottage to allow needed repairs at 24 Sussex.

The NCC has yet to reveal its plan for the 148-year-old residence, which is expected to need well over $10 million in renovations, repairs and security upgrades.

In an email Wednesday, the NCC said it “continues to work with its federal partners to develop plans for the future of 24 Sussex Drive. Further information will be made available in due course.”

Because the dangerous old cable represents about half of the wiring in the house, replacing it would be a major undertaking, the Richards report says. “There is still a considerable amount of it concealed within the walls and ceiling space, which can only be replaced during a major renovation of the residence.”