Is it Time for an Electrical Wiring Upgrade?
The electrical wiring in a home often isn’t there for the life of the house. In fact, upgrading original wiring and electrical panel is frequently necessary — or simply desirable — after the passage of time. Safety reasons may require it, or increased household demand for more electricity, or because the home’s being remodeled or expanded. Here are examples of scenarios that may cause you to consider rewiring your home:
Safety Matters
In the 1960s and early 1970s, aluminum wiring was built into millions of homes. Aluminum wiring has been found to present a safety hazard and may cause shorts and fire. According the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, in most cases, homes with electrical wiring should be rewired with standard copper wiring.
Overload Symptoms
If circuit breakers trip in certain circumstances — such as turning on too many high-demand electrical devices at once — that’s a symptom of overload. Flickering or dimming lights is another. It can be another safety issue, too, as overloaded wiring may dangerously overheat if a circuit breaker fails to trip. Don’t ignore these signs — discuss options with a professional electrician.
Higher Demands
Most homes today incorporate more electrical devices than when the house was built. The original electrical system built in to many homes decades ago may be rated for as little as 60 amps. New homes today typically come with an electrical panel and wiring rated for at least 150 amps. If you’re trying to power a 21st century home with an electrical system from the 1970s, you may need to rewiring to safely handle the load.
You’re Making Other Changes
If you’re remodeling or renovating an older home, take this opportunity to rewire the house for the future. It’s a good chance to get the job done while other construction and dismantling is underway. The cost may also be less at this favorable time, too.
At Sobieski Services, Inc. our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.
