Home rewiring is the process of removing old wires and replacing them with new ones. It can also include things like replacing old couplings, sockets and switchboards.
Most homeowners ignore their wiring because it works flawlessly for decades.
However, it does have a limited lifespan, just like any other part of your home.
Figuring out if you need to rewire your home, though, is tricky. It’s not always obvious to non-electricians when rewiring is necessary.
Signs Your House Needs Rewiring
Fortunately, this article is here to help. We look at some of the rewiring signs you should look out for.
Flickering or dimming lights
Flickering and dimming lights can indicate you have problems with your wiring. Usually, it occurs when wires divert power elsewhere, such as through insulation.
Frequent lightbulb replacements
Needing to replace bulbs often is another sign that something is wrong with your wires. Bulbs should last several months, but if you’re swapping them out every week, it suggests currents and voltages are too high or fluctuating wildly.
Regularly blown fuses
Regularly blown fuses are another telltale sign something’s wrong with your wiring. Fuses should only blow if appliances short out or you do something you shouldn’t, like connect a male-to-male wire between two opposing sockets. (And why would you do that?)
Sparking outlets
Watch out for sparking outlets, too. Outlets that spark when you plug something into them are okay, but if you notice them getting hot, you may have a wiring issue.
Discoloured outlets or switches
Sometimes outlets get so hot they set alight. Fire can burn the surrounding material, discolouring it.
Schedule an electrician visit immediately if you notice fires or any obvious signs of burning around your sockets. Don’t take the risk of leaving it.
Buzzing sound from electrical outlets
Electrical outlets make buzzing sounds when the voltage is uneven. Again, you’ll want to contact professionals as soon as possible if you notice this effect.
A burning smell
Burning smells are another indication of faulty or old wiring. Burning occurs when electrical energy passes out of wires and into the surrounding material and can lead to a fire.
Fluctuations in power
Fluctuations in power also suggest you should think about rewiring your home. While power plants are sometimes responsible, the most likely culprit is your existing wires.
Tripping circuit breakers
Constantly tripping circuit breakers suggest a short or fault somewhere in the system you need to remedy.
Ageing property
Lastly, living in an ageing property is a reason to consider rewiring. It could be more than forty years since somebody ripped out the old wires and replaced them with new ones.
Benefits of Rewiring
The benefits of rewiring are considerable and include:
- A safer home
- More reliable energy supply
- Protection of your appliances, equipment and lightbulbs
- Lower insurance premiums
Don’t wait for a wiring fault to destroy your appliances or burn down your house. Use a trusted certified electrician to replace your circuits. This way, you can continue living in your home safely without the risk of expensive repairs in the future.
