Beatrice Lang
Replacing the electrical wiring in your house is a complex task that is best left to licensed electricians. However, there are several signs that indicate when it's time to replace your home's wiring, such as the age of the house, warning signs of failing wiring, and the type of wiring. If your house is over 30 years old, it is recommended to have an electrician inspect the wiring. Warning signs of failing wiring include regularly tripping breakers, dimming or flickering lights, discoloured outlets, and a burning smell from appliances. Additionally, older houses may have aluminum wiring, which is considered a safety hazard due to its higher risk of corrosion and electrical fires. Replacing electrical wiring can be challenging, and the process may vary depending on the wiring type and the structure of the house. It is important to consult a qualified electrician to ensure safe and proper replacement of electrical wiring in your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace electrical wiring | If your house is more than 30-40 years old, consider replacing the electrical wiring. |
| If your house was built in the 1960s, 70s, or early 80s, it may have aluminum wiring, which is considered a safety hazard and should be replaced. | |
| If you notice regular issues with breakers tripping, fuses blowing, dimming or flickering lights, burning smells, discolored and warm outlets, or a tingling sensation when touching switches or appliances, these could be warning signs of faulty wiring. | |
| Who should replace electrical wiring | It is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to inspect and replace electrical wiring. |
| In some states, a permit and a professional electrician are required for electrical work. | |
| Process of replacing electrical wiring | The process will depend on the type of wiring and cable used in the house. |
| If the house was wired with conduit or NM cable, increasing wire size or adding new circuits may require opening drywall for access. | |
| Access to an attic or basement can make the process easier. | |
| A sharp electrician can use techniques like "fishing" a smurf tube through the walls to create room for more circuits. | |
| Costs | The cost of an electrical inspection ranges from $150 to $300. |
| Copper wiring is more expensive than other alternatives but is considered the best standard for electrical wiring due to its safety, non-corrosive nature, and efficient current conduction. |
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What You'll Learn
Warning signs of faulty wiring
Faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, so it's important to be vigilant and watch out for the following warning signs.
One of the most obvious signs of faulty wiring is if your circuit breakers and fuses are tripping or blowing regularly. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to fail as a safety mechanism to prevent overloading, but if this is happening frequently, it may be a sign that your circuit is overloaded. Another sign to look out for is a tingling sensation when you touch a wall switch, appliance, or receptacle. This could indicate that the wiring is faulty and releasing an electric current.
Dimming and flickering lights could be caused by energy-intensive appliances like washing machines or space heaters that are wired to the same circuit. If you notice that lights are dimming when certain appliances are in use, consult an electrician about moving lights to different circuits or installing dedicated lines for these appliances.
A burning smell coming from a particular room, appliance, or outlet is another warning sign of faulty wiring. This could indicate that fire damage has already begun, so it's important to have it checked by a qualified electrician as soon as possible. Discolored outlets and switch plates that are warm to the touch are also signs of faulty wiring.
If your home was built between 1960 and 1970, it may have aluminum wiring, which is considered a safety hazard as connections may loosen over time and lead to potential fires. It's recommended to have a qualified electrician inspect your home's wiring and advise on any necessary upgrades to improve safety.
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When to call an electrician
While it may be tempting to save money by attempting to rewire your house yourself, it is always recommended that you call a qualified electrician to carry out the work. Working with electricity is dangerous, and one wrong move could be catastrophic. You could injure or even kill yourself, or ruin your electrical system, ultimately requiring the help of an expert anyway.
Electricians will also be able to self-certify their work, which is often a requirement of building regulations. Using an electrician who is NICEIC or ELECSA registered means they can certify any work themselves and ensure everything is done properly.
Even if you decide to attempt the rewiring yourself, a licensed electrician should always be called to inspect your electrical system before and after the work is carried out. This will ensure that your wiring is up to code and safe. Expect to pay $150 to $300 for this service.
There are several warning signs that your house needs rewiring, and it is time to call an electrician. These include:
- Flickering lights that need to be changed often
- Damaged power sockets
- Frequently tripping breakers
- Electric shocks
- Worn cables
- A burning smell
- Discolouration around plugs and sockets
- Crackling or buzzing noises from electrical sockets
- The wiring is covered in black rubber, fabric, or lead
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Upgrading from 15 to 20 amp circuits
Upgrading from a 15-amp to a 20-amp circuit can be a complex process and, if not done correctly, may lead to various issues, including safety hazards. It is important to approach this upgrade with caution and a good understanding of the electrical system.
A 15-amp breaker is typically used for general lighting and receptacle circuits, while a 20-amp breaker is often used for circuits with higher power demands, such as kitchen appliances. Upgrading to a 20-amp breaker may be necessary if you are adding new appliances or devices that require more power. However, it is essential to note that a 15-amp breaker is usually connected to 14 AWG wire, which is not rated to handle a 20-amp current.
Upgrading the breaker without upgrading the wiring can lead to several issues. For instance, overloading the wiring can cause overheating, melted insulation, and potential electrical fires. It can also result in code violations and voided insurance policies. If an electrical issue occurs due to an improper upgrade, your homeowner's insurance may not cover the damages, leaving you financially responsible.
To safely upgrade from a 15-amp to a 20-amp circuit, it is crucial to evaluate the circuit, verify code compliance, and consult a professional electrician to perform the work. A qualified electrician can inspect your home's wiring and determine the necessary upgrades. They can also ensure that your upgrade is compliant with local building codes and regulations, preventing potential fines or penalties.
In addition, when considering electrical work, it is important to keep in mind that faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, according to a 2009 study by the National Fire Prevention Association. Therefore, it is always worth paying a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system if you are unsure about its condition.
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Rewiring with NM cable
If your house is over 40 years old, it is recommended that you replace your electrical wiring for safety reasons. Faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, and older houses have a higher chance of having outdated or unsafe wiring.
NM (non-metallic) cable is a type of electrical wire commonly used in residential wiring. It is composed of an outer sheathing made of PVC, which bundles together individual wires. These wires are typically made of copper and are coated in plastic. When rewiring with NM cable, it is important to select the appropriate wire gauge and number of conductors for your specific application. The wire gauge refers to the thickness of the wire, and the number of conductors refers to the number of insulated wires within the cable. For example, a 15-amp circuit typically uses a 14-gauge wire with two conductors, while a 20-amp circuit uses a 12-gauge wire with three conductors.
To begin the rewiring process, you will need to remove the old wiring safely. This may involve turning off the power, removing outlet covers and light fixtures, and carefully disconnecting and removing the old wiring. When installing the new NM cable, you will need to measure and cut the cable to the appropriate length, strip the cable sheathing, and connect the individual wires to the appropriate devices or outlets. It is important to follow local electrical codes and consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure about any part of the process.
When working with NM cable, there are a few tools that can be useful. A cable ripper is used to rip the cable sheathing laterally, and a utility knife or wire strippers can be used to cut the remaining attached sheathing and strip the insulation from the individual wires. It is important to be careful when stripping the wire insulation to avoid nicking the conductors. If you are splicing NM cable, you may need an NM cable splice kit, which provides a safe and reliable way to splice or tap into existing NM cables. However, it is important to note that splicing NM cable is typically only allowed for repair work, not for extending wiring during rewiring projects, according to the 2014 NEC Code.
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Aluminium wiring safety hazards
If your home was built or renovated between 1965 and 1972, there is a chance it has aluminium wiring instead of the standard copper wiring. Aluminium wiring is considered a safety hazard and can increase the risk of electrical fires.
Aluminium wiring itself is not the problem, as it does conduct electricity safely. The trouble comes at the connections. Since aluminium wiring expands and contracts more dramatically than copper, connections can loosen over time, creating tiny gaps. These gaps can lead to electrical resistance, sparking, and overheating, which can cause fires. This risk is compounded by the fact that aluminium wiring is more susceptible to oxidation, which further deteriorates connections and presents a fire hazard.
In addition, aluminium wiring is less ductile than copper wiring, meaning it will fatigue and break down more readily when subjected to bending or other forms of stress. This internal breakdown leads to a greater resistance to electrical current flow and a buildup of excessive heat. Furthermore, in the presence of moisture, aluminium wiring is more prone to galvanic corrosion when it comes into contact with certain dissimilar metals.
To address these safety hazards, it is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to inspect your home's wiring. They may use copper pigtailing, which involves adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminium wire, reducing the risk of loose connections. Electricians may also apply anti-oxidant compounds to exposed aluminium wires to prevent oxidation and reduce resistance buildup. It is important to replace incompatible outlets and switches with devices specifically rated for aluminium wiring.
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Frequently asked questions
If your house is more than 30 to 40 years old, it might be time to replace its wiring. Connections become loose, wires fray, and materials such as wire insulation deteriorate over time.
Warning signs that your house needs rewiring include regularly tripping breakers or blown fuses, a burning smell, discoloured outlets, and outdated two-prong plug outlets.
Most homes have copper wiring, which is safe, non-corrosive, and efficient at carrying electrical current. A home with copper wiring can expect it to last for 40-50 years.
Electric rewiring is not a DIY task. A qualified electrician should be hired to inspect your home's wiring and perform the replacement.
You can expect to pay $150 to $300 for a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system. The cost of the replacement will depend on factors such as the size of your house and the extent of the wiring issues.
