Regular home maintenance is the key to preventing costly problems. Electrical wiring is designed to last a long time which is why many homeowners rarely think about it until something goes wrong. Maintaining your electrical system is crucial for your family’s safety. Faulty electrical wiring can cause sparks, electrocution, short circuits and even full-scale fires.
Your electrical wiring system could be outdated if your home was built 30 or more years ago. All things wear out over time including electrical systems. Decades of use can take their toll causing wiring and other electrical components to deteriorate. Older homes may also lack ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) which are important safety features designed to address shock and fire hazards.
Homes built in the 1960s and 1970s frequently used aluminum wiring due to the high cost of copper. We now know that aluminum wiring has inherent weaknesses making it a potential fire hazard. If you suspect your home still has original electrical wiring or you are experiencing any electrical issues, you should have your wiring inspected. A qualified electrician will be able to evaluate your current wiring and make recommendations for repairs or replacements.
Here are five benefits of rewiring your home’s electrical system to consider.
1. Safety
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that faulty electrical wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires in American homes. The risk of electrical fires is significantly reduced when outdated or damaged wiring is replaced. Incorrectly installed wiring, overloaded circuits and extension cords, defective or improperly installed switches and outlets are common causes of electrical fires. Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, flickering light fixtures, or hot outlets should never be ignored as they are common signs of an overloaded electrical system.
2. Service Capacity
Fifty years ago, American homes used far fewer appliances and electronic devices so a 60-amp service panel was sufficient. With an increasing number of electrical appliances and devices in use, a 100-amp service panel is considered the minimum standard for today’s homes. A 200-amp service panel is recommended for homes that are equipped with entertainment systems, electric car chargers, security systems, hot tubs and other electronic devices to adequately power everything simultaneously.
3. Separate Circuits
Circuits become overloaded when there is too much demand placed on a home’s electrical system. Overloaded circuits are often a common problem after installing a new major appliance. Circuit breakers trip as a protective response to prevent an electrical fire. Home rewiring gives you the opportunity to create separate circuits for some of the larger appliances in your home such as hot water heaters, freezers, HVAC systems, hot tubs and security systems.
4. Lower Energy Bills
Modern electrical systems are more energy efficient and will save you money. Faulty electrical wiring strains power systems and causes them to work harder to deliver electricity to connected appliances. Faulty wiring is known for “leaking” electricity, which means that more power than you need is being forced out of the outlet. This leakage can waste a considerable amount of electricity, meaning you pay for power that you didn’t actually need.
5. Protection for Expensive Devices
Power surges, tripped circuit breakers and other electrical issues can damage modern devices. Computers, high definition televisions, and gaming systems are particularly vulnerable to power spikes. Rewiring helps ensure your appliances receive the right amount of power at all times, which in turn makes them more energy efficient. Updated electrical systems can include whole-house surge suppressors designed to protect expensive appliances and electronics from damaging power spikes.
The Process of Rewiring a Home
Rewiring a home involves the replacement of old cabling, wiring, and circuits, followed by fitting and installing new outlets and switches. Many homeowners add or relocate existing switches, outlets, and upgrade lighting fixtures during the process. Rewiring is a good time to consider not just your current electrical needs, but plan for the future as well. If you plan to add smart appliances, invest in an electric vehicle or add a home theatre, making your home tech-friendly during a rewiring project will save time and money in the future.
Whole house rewiring is rarely a quick and easy job, so it’s important to understand what to expect. Electrical wiring and cables are usually installed beneath floors or inside walls. This means whole house rewiring projects are invasive, messy and disruptive. Depending on the size of the job and age of the home, it can take several days to complete a rewiring project.
Your wiring system may not be supporting your current electrical needs efficiently and may even pose a serious safety hazard. An inspection by a qualified electrician is the best way to determine whether your wiring needs to be repaired or replaced. Whether you need one room or an entire house rewired, hire a qualified electrician to handle the job. DIY projects can be rewarding but electrical work can be dangerous and should always be left to experts.
Call a Local Trusted Electrician
When you need electrical work for your home or business, call on the experts at Pallardy Electric. We’ve been serving St. Charles and St. Louis counties since 2001. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your safety and protection. Call us at (636) 202-1794 to schedule a free estimate. We look forward to working with you.