Do You Need to Rewire Your Home?

When you purchase a piece of property, whether it’s your dream home or ideal business location, you assume that the building will last as long as you need it to. However, individual building systems age differently.

Even if your property appears to be in good condition, underlying problems may hide just out of sight. One of the most dangerous potential problems comes in the form of inefficient, old or damaged electrical wiring.

When this type of wiring runs throughout most or all of a building, rewiring is the only way to truly improve health and safety standards.

But how do you know when you need to rewire your building? In this blog, we list seven of the common signs that you have outdated electrical systems.

1. Advanced Age

Even the best electrical system only lasts about 40 years before needing a full overhaul. If you know the exact age of your wiring, consult with an electrician to update it as it ages.

If you recently acquired the property, you can determine the approximate age by looking at socket numbers and types, which we’ll discuss below.

2. Audible Electrical Humming

Electrical noises can indicate device damage, old wiring or loose wiring. All of these issues pose a safety hazard and should be evaluated by a certified electrician as soon as you notice them. In addition to humming, you might hear buzzing or sizzling. Do not attempt to address these noises yourself as they pose a fire and electrocution hazard.

3. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

When your electrical system becomes overloaded, your circuit breaker trips and shuts off the power. While circuit breakers can trip for a number of reasons, this sign always indicates that your system can’t handle the power volume you use.

Have an electrician determine the cause of frequent breaker trips.

4. Frequent Power Surges

In addition to circuit breaker trips, overloaded systems can experience power surges. These surges may make your lights flicker, outlets hum or appliances turn off and then on again.

Eliminate the excess power drain by unplugging appliances or turning off systems until your electrician can determine the cause of the surges. Always connect your personal and professional electronics via surge protectors to prevent overloading within the device.

5. Hot Socket Covers

Efficient electrical systems produce small or negligible amounts of heat. However, loose, poorly designed or old wiring generates heat when in use. You may notice heat when you touch a socket or light switch cover.

This excess temperature can also singe or burn your covers. If you smell burning or see distinct discolouration, turn the power off at your box and contact an electrician to minimise the risk of electrical burns.

6. Inadequate Sockets

If your electrical system was installed 20 or more years ago, you may have fewer sockets in each room than a newer system.

Look through your home or building. If you only see two or three outlets per room, you may have an older electrical system.

7. Outdated or Inefficient Sockets

As you count your sockets, look at their condition and type. If you have mostly two-prong sockets or your sockets look old, they may be outdated and more prone to wiring issues.

Additionally, if you notice any visible socket damage, including cracks, rewire to eliminate the risk of electrical complications.

Rewiring can extend the lifespan of your building, as well as safeguard the objects and people that matter most to you. If you notice any combination of these warning signs, consult with a qualified electrician from Faraday Group to take the next step. If you experience an electrical fire, extended power shortage or another electrical emergency, contact emergency responders in addition to one of our technicians.