Making the decision to rewire your home’s electrical system is no small undertaking. And, it is also not a do-it-yourself project. You will want (and need) to hire a trained and reputable electrical contractor to do the work. Depending on your city’s requirements, you may also need to apply for a permit to do the work and have city inspectors evaluate the work after it is completed. Electrical work should never be done by anyone other than an electrician, otherwise you can significantly increase the risk of electrical hazards.
How do I replace my home’s electrical system?
You’ll first want to upgrade your home’s electrical panel to bring in additional power from your utility lines. This can be especially helpful if you notice that you are tripping circuits very often trying to do day-to-day tasks around the home (i.e. using the microwave or the dryer). Then you’ll want to explore adding extra circuits so that large appliances aren’t needing to pull from the same circuit (which can also cause annoying outages). Lastly, an electrician may look to add more outlets in rooms that have a high need for a constant source of electricity, such as the laundry room or kitchen.
Good to Know
By updating your home’s electrical system you also will be placing less of a burden on overused or old wiring that may not be able to sustain the electrical needs of your home.
When should I replace my home’s electrical system?
If your wiring is out of code, it is best to replace the entire system just to be safe. This often means if your home’s electrical system is more than 30 years old, it may be time to start considering what a complete electrical upgrade could look like. If you’re noticing electrical surges happening frequently, flickering lights, or more than usual circuit trips, then it’s likely also time to replace your panel, at the bare minimum.
Why should I replace my home’s electrical system?
To reduce the chance of an electrical fire. Though this may be the largest and most important reason, by updating your home’s electrical system you also will be placing less of a burden on overused or old wiring that may not be able to sustain the electrical needs of your home. It’s the same reason that we often buy new cars, rather than use 30 year old ones – things break down or no longer serve our needs to get us to where we need and want to be, safely.
Conclusion.
If you’re in the market for a new electrical system, again this is not a DIY endeavor and should only be done by a licensed, trained, and insured electrician. Need help finding one? At Home Pros can connect you to a top-notch electrician in your area.