House Rewiring: Licensed Electrician Tips

Nothing lasts forever‒ the same goes to your home's electrical wiring system. Either in old or new houses in Sydney, the circuitry struggles to cope up with every update and additional appliances in your home.

Over time, wires experience wear and tear, causing it to deteriorate. Aside from that, rodents and other critters could bite the insulation of your cables. These occurrences, when combined, allow faster deterioration and heat build-up, a potential cause of house fire.

In 2015 alone, NSW Fire and Rescue reported 17 accidental fire death and more than 4,070 house fires in the state. While these might have started in the kitchen, it’s mainly due to the faulty wiring system. The significant statistics show how dangerous to have old damaged wirings that might result in mishaps.

That said, here are the expert tips from the licensed electricians when you’re pondering to have home rewiring:

When Rewiring is Deemed Necessary

Before the 1960s, most households use 60-amps main panel that is enough as families use less electricity. But contemporary homes use between 100-200 amps as the appliances are upgraded to avoid overloading the circuits. The 60-amps is not inherently unsafe if used correctly, but the fire hazard is high, which needs rewiring.

Meanwhile, rewired homes at the 1980s or more recently need lesser replacement of wirings and cables. But using hungry-appliance are more rampant nowadays, so it’s better to check some problems if you need home rewiring.

Watch for Faulty Signs 

The first proof that you need home rewiring is observing some signs. There are some serious implications of poor wiring: the dimming of lights when turning large appliances, smelling burnt wires, find out if power points are melting or in discolouration, and if you experience a flood recently.

Always assess first how bad your wiring system has gotten. Aside from the age of your home and wirings, licensed electricians can inspect the following before considering rewiring:

• Safety switch trips frequently
• House is fitted with single insulated wiring
• Only one circuit supporting all your power outlets
• Outlets and switches are overheating
• Installations are non-regulated or deteriorating

House Rewiring Cost

Before calling licensed electricians, set out a budget plan for rewiring your home. As a reminder, considering the cost of rewiring a medium-sized house can reach between $3000 and $8000. But the price can soar higher depending on different factors such as:

• Size and type of home
• Number of levels
• Access to wiring
• Number of power points, switches and light fittings
• Requirements in switchboard replacements

You need to set out a major plan on how many switches and electrical wirings you need to get rewired. Every installation and electrical work always need permits, and this information is necessary. Above all, you must be ready financially when you consider home rewiring.

House Rewiring Process

The rewiring process is one of the most disruptive home electrical upgrades. As wires are all around your home, accessing them include lifting anything in your house and punching holes in your ceilings and walls. Licensed electricians will renew old wirings, powerpoints, switches, and switchboard, and investigate your grounding system.

In general, the rewiring process falls into two stages. The first stage includes the replacement of wires, circuits and mounting boxes. Second is the installation of sockets, switches and light fixtures. At this point, the wiring system is in ‘live’ state.

Furthermore, it’s advisable to upgrade your main service panel at least 100 amps with dedicated circuits for each major appliances in your home. Also, install the three-prong outlet that helps avoid electric shocks than its two-prong type. Lastly, install outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in wet areas in your home, such as the kitchen and bathroom to prevent electrocution.

Duration to Finish Home Rewiring

There are lots of works to do when it comes to rewiring, and no one knows the exact time it takes to do it accurately in your home. But the process usually takes three days to two weeks depending on the complexity in finishing it. 

Imagining there’s no electricity in your home, it’s advisable to take a holiday during this period. Moreover, it’s better to get all the work done at once if you’re planning a remodelling or home renovation.

Conclusion

Home rewiring is a task that requires a lot of work and expenses. But it can resolve the issue of poor wiring that damages your appliances and eradicate electrical risks. Most importantly, it provides a safe home for you and your family in the long term.

Moreover, home rewiring can ensure that your modern and new wires can last for the next decades to come. Also, it allows you to meet the Australian wiring standards that makes an excellent point of renovating and even selling your home on the market.

Sydney Eastern Suburb Electrician has level 2 electricians with full of expertise and skills in the rewiring of your home. Our team is in the industry of home rewiring for more than a decade, and we ensure quality and top-notch services. We also offer switchboard repair, replacement or upgrade to make sure your home wirings are far from electrical hazards.

Call us at (02) 8378 2827 to team up with our expert level 2 electricians.