Common Electrical Problems: Is Rewiring Necessary?

For many homeowners, understanding the inner workings of their electrical systems can be daunting. Wires in the walls and breaker boxes may as well be a foreign language- but these systems are essential to keeping your home safe and running smoothly. Electrical problems occur often and can range from minor inconveniences to major safety hazards. In some cases, rewiring or upgrades may be necessary to properly restore an electrical system. Here we discuss when it’s time for you to call an electrician and upgrade your wiring. 

What is house rewiring?

House rewiring is the process of reinstalling or replacing all electrical wiring and devices in a home. This includes outlets, switches, light fixtures, appliances, circuit breakers and more. Rewiring your house can help you avoid potential dangers caused by old or faulty wiring as well as improve energy efficiency and convenience. It’s important to speak with a qualified electrician to determine if a full rewire is necessary for your home. Rewiring is often necessary when remodelling or renovating as this can disturb existing wiring. Building codes may also require certain upgrades, such as the installation of a dedicated circuit for large appliances like air conditioners and stoves.

Typical signs your house needs rewiring

Ageing wiring is a major cause of house fires and can be difficult to detect without proper knowledge. Some warning signs that your house needs rewiring include flickering lights, overloaded circuits, blown fuses, buzzing or humming outlets, hot outlets or switches and burning smells coming from the walls. Any combination of these issues could indicate a problem with the electrical system in your home. If your house was built before 1960 it is especially important to ensure all wiring is up-to-date and safely installed. Here’s a few examples of what might need rewiring:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Frequent lightbulb replacements
• Regularly blown fuses
• Sparking outlets
• Discoloured outlets or switches
• Buzzing sound from electrical outlets
• A burning smell
• Fluctuations in power
• Tripping circuit breakers
• Ageing property

Benefits of rewiring

Rewiring your home offers numerous benefits. Old wiring can be unsafe and potentially dangerous, so it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your electrical system is up-to-date. Rewiring will help you avoid potential fires, electric shocks and other potential hazards. Additionally, updated wiring can improve energy efficiency by providing more balanced loads throughout the house as well as provide extra outlets for current technology needs. If you are planning on selling your home, rewiring may be necessary to ensure a safe and functional environment for future buyers. 

Electrical problems can be a major headache for homeowners. If you suspect that your house wiring needs updating or rewiring, you may need to contact a licensed electrician. It’s best to seek professional help from a qualified electrician who can inspect and assess whether or not a full rewire is necessary. Taking this step now could save you time and money in the long run, as well as protect your family from potential electric shocks and other hazards. Investing in an electrician to inspect and upgrade your wiring can help you enjoy a safe home for years to come.