It’s been a long day. As you walk in the door, life at home is the usual. TVs on, air conditioner is keeping it cool and comfortable, and everyone is doing their thing. Popcorn is a go-to snack before dinner so then the microwave gets to work on popping popcorn. The dishwasher is full of dirty dishes, so you run a wash cycle. But when the oven is turned on, disaster strikes: a fuse blows.
This has happened several times in the last month, something you would expect in an older home. Since your house was built in the 1970’s, this is par for the course when you use several appliances at once. How convenient.
You probably need to rewire at least part of your home. The next step is to call a licensed electrician.
So, what can you expect when you rewire your home?
You can expect a temporary loss of electricity while the old wire is replaced. The electricians need access to your wiring, which means furniture is moved and walls, floors, and ceilings may be tapped into. You can also expect to get a new breaker box along with the new switches, outlets, cabling, wires, and circuits.
The age of your home is a major factor in determining if you need just a room rewired or the entire structure. The older it is, the more likely the need for a complete overhaul. A licensed electrician can guide you to make the safest decision for you and your family.
So, How Do You Know It’s Time for a Rewire?
You may need a rewire if you add a major appliance or device that requires a lot of electricity, like a hot tub or an electric water heater. You should always consult an electrician before installing something that uses a large amount of power.
Other signs that tell you it is time for a rewire include flickering lights, frequently blown fuses, power surges, and discolored old wiring and switches. Safety should be the priority, so if your light bulbs are not behaving right, schedule an inspection of your wiring.
Depending on how old your home is, you might be required to update the wiring to be compliant with current housing codes or for insurance purposes. This allows you to upgrade to better switches and features like USB ports.
So, What is the Process for a Rewire?
You can’t know what wiring you need until you assess your appliances and everything that requires power in your home. After this is done, you must clear the way for the technicians to access the current wires. Then the transformation begins.
The electricians dig in and replace the old with the new wiring. Every part of the electrical system, including switches and boxes, is updated and all modern safety precautions are put in place. Once all the new pieces are in place, the system is tested.
Lastly, the walls or floors that have been opened are resecured. Now, you can enjoy all of your appliances and devices, knowing that your electrical needs have been safely handled.
Related Questions
So, How Long Does a Rewire Take?
The length of time a rewire takes depends entirely on how many rooms need this service. A single room can take two days, and an entire 3000-square-foot house can take two weeks. An electrician can give an estimate when an initial inspection is made, but there needs to be room in the schedule for unforeseen circumstances that can always happen during home projects.
So, What are Tips to Prepare?
If you can clear the areas the electricians need to access, you move the process along quickly. You should also have the fixtures you want ready for installation. Depending on how many rooms you are having rewired and how long you will be without electricity, you might want to prepare to stay somewhere else until the project is done.
In Sum
Rewiring can bring more safety and power to your home. If you are struggling with surges or want to add a major appliance, a rewire and a new box might be just the ticket to keep your investment safe and running smoothly. Find an experienced and licensed electrician near you, it’s a must.
Bring your Home Up to Date with an Electrician Near You
Bratcher Electric in Wayne handles all things electrical in homes and businesses throughout the area. Our electrical services go beyond rewiring including service and code upgrades, surge protection, back up power systems, whole house fans and more.
Our electrical firm has been providing services to Michigan residents for decades with complete customer care by always putting safety first. Experience and staying current on the latest safety practices and technology are what makes us a top choice. Call us!