Rewiring a house is a significant task and expense. However, it’s an important one, especially if you have cords that are damaged or deteriorating. So, how do you know when rewiring is required?
There are no
hard and fast rules. Just because cables might be old, it does not always mean
it is not safe. Cable wear is dependent on the material type and previous
levels of use.
It is suggested
that periodic checks carried out by an electrician should take place at least
every 10 years for homeowners and five years for rental properties.
An electrician
will tell if your house needs rewiring and what can be achieved within a
specific budget. For an Essex Electrician, visit a site like SM Electrical are Essex Electricians
If the property
is over 30 years old and has the original wiring, it will most likely need
updating to bring it in line with modern standards, including a new fuse box.
Old and damaged
cables can cause the entire power system to frequently blow fuses or, at worst,
trigger a potentially deadly house fire or electric shock.
If you are
thinking about purchasing a property that is older, have an assessment of the
state of the wiring before making an offer. Whatever work is necessary can be
identified by an electrician who will tell you what work is necessary to get it
up to contemporary standards at an estimated cost. You can then take this into
account when making offers. Even modern homes can have problems, such as shoddy
DIY electrical work.
Rewiring is an
opportunity to not only improve security but also modern conveniences – perhaps
installing additional outlets and plugs for kitchen appliances, TVs and gaming
consoles, for example. If you sell an older property, a recent rewire can
increase its appeal to buyers.
Warning signs
If you have an
older home which has not been checked for several years, it may need a rewire.
Signs that you may need to rewire your home include regularly tripping circuit breakers, small shocks at switches and outlets, lights
flickering or dimming, and broken or exposed wires and cables.
If you notice
any of these warning signs call an electrician who will find out exactly what
work is needed – and provide an estimate of the cost.
A rewiring
project can cause significant disruption and so it’s best to empty the room
while work is being completed. Flooring might need to be lifted for channelling
cables in new direction, for example. Should rewiring be necessary, it must be
done before the plastering and decorating and around the same time as plumbing
and central heating installation.
Electricity in
wet areas
Rooms such as
kitchens and bathrooms have the biggest risk from electricity. There are strict
regulations on electricity in wet areas. For example, a shaver socket should be
placed a safe distance from running water with no further outlets allowed in
the bathroom. Electrical equipment in areas of high moisture, like lighting and
ventilation fans, should contain moisture protection called Ingress Protection
and only pull cords are allowed.