Have you ever wondered whether your home requires rewiring? Well, this post offers some answers. Here, we take a look at some of the signs that you need to call Safe Electric and sort your wires out.
What does house rewiring mean?
Home rewiring is a catch-all term that refers to replacing electrical systems, including wires and other electrical accessories, in your home. Wires, like other equipment on your property, eventually wear out. Therefore, it requires replacement. Electricians remove all the old wires, couplings, sockets and fuse boxes as necessary, replacing them with new ones.
Ten signs your house needs rewiring
So, what are the signs your house needs rewiring? Let’s take a look.
Fluctuations in power
Power fluctuations are the most obvious sign that your home needs rewiring. New wires supply power to lights and appliances consistently, but faulty wiring may not. In such cases, installing a reliable Hager consumer unit can offer enhanced protection and ensure the safe distribution of electricity throughout your home.
Tripping circuit breakers
Faulty wiring can also trip circuit breakers – devices that cut power if they detect a fault. It is safe during these trips, but also annoying, and is usually one of the first signs you have a wiring problem.
Ageing property
Living in a house over forty years old is also a sign you might require rewiring. That’s because old wires eventually fail.
You’ll find out if the previous owner rewired the property and when. Consult your electrician if it was a long time ago.
Frequent lightbulb replacements
Having to replace light bulbs frequently is another sign your property has wiring issues. An inconsistent voltage or current can damage them over time.
Regularly blown fuses
Fuses protect your electrical equipment and wires from excessive load. Therefore, when they burn through for unknown reasons, it can be a sign of wiring problems. Usually, it means there is excessive resistance in the system.
Flickering or dimming lights
Flickering or dimming lights is another issue you may encounter with faulty wiring. It occurs when wires and other hardware can no longer deliver power consistently.
Discoloured outlets or switches
You may also notice discoloured switches and outlets. Blackened sections usually mean there was a fire. Darker areas suggest excessive heat buildup and a short within the socket.
Buzzing sound from electrical outlets
Electrical outlets should be silent when active. If they make a buzzing sound, it suggests voltage irregularities.
A burning smell
Burning smells are another obvious sign something is wrong with your outlets. Just as with fires, it suggests excessive resistance in the system.
Sparking outlets
Lastly, you could notice sparking outlets. Sockets can spark when you plug items into them, but they shouldn’t continue afterwards. If they do, you need to replace them.
Benefits of rewiring
The benefits of rewiring are significant. It may:
- Help prevent fires
- Add value to your home
- Protect your expensive electronics
- Improve the life of your appliances
- Boost safety
Rewiring also improves your peace of mind. You can sleep at night knowing your wiring is safe.
Wrapping Up
Always hire professionals to handle your home’s rewiring if you need to replace it. Getting expert assistance ensures your new wiring will last a long time and won’t pose a hazard to your family.
