There comes a time when a home needs an electrical wiring upgrade. Older homes may have outdated wiring that poses a safety risk and may not be equipped to meet the energy demands of modern-day life. Here’s what you need to know before you schedule an electrical wiring upgrade.
Safety Risks Of Outdated Electrical Wiring
Old wiring made with knob and tube wiring may not be up to code and pose safety risks. Signs that a system needs to be updated include:
- Frequently tripping breakers or blown fuses
- Tingling sensation when touching an appliance
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Burning smell coming from an outlet or appliance
- Warm, discolored, or sparking outlets
- Two-prong ungrounded outlets
- Lack of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other rooms exposed to moisture
- Aluminum wiring
- Need for more outlets
What Happens During An Electrical Wiring Upgrade
Once you’re ready to schedule an appointment for an electrical wiring upgrade, here’s what you can expect to happen.
- Create a plan for the new wiring installation.
A licensed Blue Apple Electric electrician will create a plan for the wiring installation based on the home’s age and exterior. Each home is different and the wiring plan will be customized according to the home’s unique characteristics.
- Disconnect electricity to the home.
Blue Apple Electric will then ask the utility company to disconnect electricity to the home before installation can begin. The electrician will use a generator to power their tools throughout the installation process.
- Install the new wiring.
The electrician will install a new electrical panel and add any necessary circuits and outlets throughout the home. A full rewiring can take anywhere between four to 10 days, depending on the size of the home and any potential challenges that may arise. Homeowners and their families will need to find another place to stay while the installation is being done.
- Reinstate electricity to the home.
Once the upgrade is finished, the electrician will request the electric company to reinstate electricity. The electrician will check each outlet to ensure everything is working properly before notifying the homeowner.