It’s not often a homeowner needs to deal with replacing old wiring. In fact, many only need to deal with it once or twice during the lifetime of their home. Because of this, it can feel completely overwhelming figuring out which steps you need to take when you suspect your electrical system is past its prime. The good news is that you don’t have to complete this project on your own (nor should you).
Our licensed electricians at Champion Electrical Services are here to explain the importance and timing of upgrading old wiring so that you can keep your house and your family safe.
Why Timely Home Rewiring Is Important
Many homes built decades ago were wired to handle the electrical needs of their time, which typically included a few lights, a couple of appliances, and perhaps one or two televisions. Fast forward to today, and the average home is packed with electronics, smart devices, air conditioning systems, and high-powered appliances. Unfortunately, older wiring systems simply weren’t designed to carry that much electrical load.
Now, outdated or damaged wiring can create several serious risks, including:
- Electrical Fires: Old or deteriorating wires may overheat, especially when overburdened by modern energy demands, leading to house fires.
- Electrical Shocks: Faulty wiring can cause short circuits and poor grounding, putting your family at risk.
- Power Surges and Outages: Flickering lights and frequent breaker trips often point to wiring that can’t keep up with your home’s electrical usage.
By upgrading old wiring in homes, homeowners enhance safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. The rewiring project also gives them the opportunity to add more outlets, install dedicated circuits for heavy-duty appliances, and incorporate modern conveniences like smart home features without risking their property or loved ones. With benefits like these, who wouldn’t want to invest in electrical remodeling when the time is right?
When to Upgrade Outdated Wiring
Speaking of timing, how do you know when to upgrade your home’s wiring?
Since your wiring is hidden behind the walls, it can be difficult to know when there’s a problem. However, your home will often give you clues that its electrical system needs attention. So, watch out for the following problems and call a professional at Champion Electrical Services for a comprehensive inspection:
You’ve Been Dealing With Frequent Electrical Issues
If you’re constantly heading to the basement to reset a tripped circuit breaker or are getting a headache from an erratic lighting fixture, it’s a clear sign your circuits are overloaded. A professional electrician can determine if the wiring is struggling to deliver consistent power to everything on a single circuit and provide a cost-effective solution.
There Are Signs of Burning or Heat Damage
A persistent burning smell from an outlet or switch is a serious red flag that requires immediate attention. You should also keep an eye out for discolored or burnt outlets and switch plates that feel warm to the touch. There is likely a serious wiring or connection issue that needs to be fixed by a qualified technician before the problem escalates into a fire.
You Have to Rely on Power Strips or Extension Cords
Take a look around your rooms. Do you see a web of extension cords and power strips powering your life? While useful for temporary situations, heavy reliance on these cords indicates that your home doesn’t have enough outlets to meet your needs. This often leads to overloading a single circuit, which can cause overheating and create a fire risk. Rewiring your home could ensure you have the outlets you need to keep your life moving forward safely.
You Have Knob-and-Tube or Aluminum Wiring
Homes built before the 1950s often have knob-and-tube wiring, which lacks a ground wire and uses insulation that becomes brittle and unsafe over time. Similarly, homes constructed in the 1960s and early 1970s may have solid aluminum wiring, which is known to expand and contract at different rates than the connection points, leading to loose, overheating connections. If your home is on the older side, contact our team to replace the knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring right away.
Your Home Is Over 40 Years Old
Even if your wiring isn’t showing obvious signs of issues, an electrical system that’s more than 40 years old often has significant wear and tear. It also rarely meets every standard set in the National Electrical Code, which is updated regularly to keep families safe. If it’s been a while since you’ve given any thought to your electrical system’s age, call the experts with the experience rewiring older homes in Rhode Island and Massachusetts: Champion Electrical Services. We’ll inspect your wiring and then recommend the perfect solution.
You’re Planning a Renovation or Adding New Appliances
Major home upgrades are the perfect time to revisit your electrical system. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, finishing a basement, or installing new high-power appliances like an HVAC system or electric range, your existing wiring might not be equipped to handle the additional load. Incorporating a wiring upgrade during renovation ensures your new space runs safely and efficiently without the risk of overloads or power interruptions. Plus, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to update wiring while walls are already open for remodeling work.
Why You Should Leave Old House Wiring Upgrades to Licensed Electricians
Since electrical work is intricate, highly regulated, and incredibly dangerous if done incorrectly, home rewiring projects should only be completed by licensed electricians. A qualified technician has spent years training to understand the complexities of electrical systems, safety protocols, and the National Electrical Code (NEC), which sets the standard for safe electrical design and installation. This enables professionals to complete jobs correctly the first time and protects families from electrical shocks and fires.
Ready to Upgrade? Contact Champion Electrical Services Today!
When it’s time to upgrade your home’s wiring, you can call our team of licensed electricians in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. We’ll thoroughly inspect your home’s wiring to provide you with a clear, comprehensive plan for moving forward, whether that includes simple electrical code upgrades or full house rewiring.
If you’ve noticed any problems with your home’s electrical system or simply want the peace of mind that comes with a professional inspection, contact Champion Electrical Services today!
