This article asks: How do you know if your house needs rewiring? Discover the signs indicating your house may need rewiring and ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.
What does rewiring a house involve?
Rewiring a house refers to the process of replacing the old electrical system in your home with a new, safe, and up-to-date system. Such a process involves remodelling the circuits with new wires and changing the sockets, light fittings, and switches. As time passes, the wiring system in your house can become potentially dangerous due to wear and tear.
So, it's crucial to ensure your wiring system is safe and meets the current standards of the electrical installation industry. This process is carried out in two stages. The first stage (known as the “first fix”) begins with installing the new cables, setting up new back boxes on sockets and switches, and positioning wiring for any new light fittings. The second stage or the "second fix" includes the installation of sockets, fuse box (now largely replaced by consumer units) and light fittings.
Any loose connections are carefully secured during this process. The size and occupancy of your house, along with your power usage needs – for circuits for appliances, lighting, etc., determine the extent of rewiring required. Naturally, larger houses with multiple rooms might need more extensive rewiring, taking into account the number of switches, sockets, and light fittings needed.
How do you know if your house needs rewiring?
Recognising the signs that your house needs rewiring can sometimes be tricky, as they may not always be obvious. However, there are quite a number of symptoms that may indicate faulty wiring in your home which should not be ignored.
One noticeable sign is a buzzing noise originating from your electrical system. Good working electrical wiring should run silently. Any peculiar noise, most prominently a buzz, can suggest a wiring issue that requires the immediate attention of a qualified professional.
Flickering lights at times can be a result of simply needing to replace a bulb. However, if a flickering light issue persists across multiple light fittings in your home, even after changing the bulbs, it might indicate a broader power issue stemming from outdated wiring.
A particularly perturbing sign is when your plugs start warming up excessively. Wiring components or any other electrical equipment should never become hot or cause burning. This not only suggests the need for a house rewiring but also signifies a significant fire risk. Therefore, it's safe to advise that if you observe discolouration or charring on your sockets, plugs, or switches, prompt contact should be made with a registered electrician.
Additionally, it can be an old domestic wiring if your sockets are of the older, rounded pin design. Certain wiring norms have changed over the years for safety reasons, such as light switches being placed in bathrooms now being seen as unsafe.
Another serious sign is receiving frequent electrical shocks when interacting with your home's electrical systems. A burning smell coming from a socket, switch, or any other electrical equipment also warrants immediate inspection. This malicious duo are grave signs pointing towards the potential need for thorough house rewiring.
At what age should a house be rewired?
Houses that have been standing for more than 30 years often warrant a thorough electrical examination to check whether a rewiring job is required. The rule of thumb is that any home needs a complete rewire every 25-30 years, taking into consideration the state of its existing wiring.
Should your house have been constructed quite a long time ago and hasn't yet had an electrical overhaul, then it's highly probable that it's in need of rewiring. Even in the absence of noticeable signs, it's critically important that the electrical system in your home corresponds with the latest safety norms to ensure the well-being of your family.
Any residential property approaching or surpassing the 30-year mark necessitates an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This inspection is performed by a competent electrician to evaluate the safety of the existing electrical installation and ascertain whether a full rewire is mandatory. An EICR involves a comprehensive examination of the wiring, switches, socket outlets and other accessories of the electrical system in your residence.
It's an indispensable safety measure that should be carried out routinely. Acting promptly based on the findings of the EICR is critical in safeguarding your home and loved ones. The safety of you and your family is paramount, and it's critical that your home's electrical condition complies with current standards irrespective of how old the building might be.
How disruptive is rewiring a house?
Rewiring a house is a big job, and it can cause quite a bit of disruption to your daily life. The process involves replacing old, potentially dangerous, wiring, circuits, switches, and sockets. This often means lifting floorboards and sometimes even cutting into walls to access and replace the wires.
So, it's fair to say that you can expect a certain level of upheaval. This could span from dust and debris scattered across your home to minor, yet potentially inconvenient, power outages in some rooms.
Despite all this, you should bear in mind that these are temporary inconveniences. It might feel a bit frustrating now but remember, the goal is to ensure long-term safety and efficiency of your electrical system.
Thus, all the short-term discomfort is actually a sound investment in your property. Furthermore, it eliminates the risk of dangerous faults occurring due to worn-out or outdated wiring, which could lead to fires or other potentially hazardous situations.
The exact timeframe required to rewire a house can vary greatly. It depends mainly on the size of your house and the extent of work required. However, it is imperative to entrust this task to a professional to ensure a safe and efficient rewiring process. Safety should never be compromised and is always the main priority.
Why choose a professional house rewiring service?
Selecting a professional house rewiring service is pivotal to safeguarding your property. Full property rewiring is an intricate task that necessitates expertise, comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in the field.
Professional electricians not only possess the qualifications needed to conduct a house rewire but are also well-versed in the requisite building regulations that must be closely followed. Hiring experienced professionals to do the job ensures you are adhering to the legal requirements and getting your work done by someone who understands the concept inside-out.
Doing this aids in avoiding future issues related to wiring or electrical systems and helps in keeping your property and its occupants secure. In addition to the practical work, a seasoned service will provide you with a crucial document known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report after the task is completed. This report is critical in verifying whether the job has been carried out efficiently and safely.
It encompasses a thorough inspection of all the existing electrical installations in your home, checking for faults and defects, and providing an overall assessment of the current condition of your house’s electrical system. Some individuals may find it tempting to attempt the task independently or engage an amateur to streamline costs.
Yet, an inadequately performed rewire could result in grave safety hazards such as electric shocks and fire outbreaks. Doing so might just be a false economy, as any faults or issues could lead to more expensive repairs or replacements down the line.
Therefore, to maintain the safety of your house and its residents, it is certainly worth investing in a professional service. Not only does it give peace of mind knowing that the work has been done by a trained, licensed, and skilled service provider, but it also minimises the risk of potential accidents and aligns your building with its regulatory requirements.
In conclusion, when considering house rewiring, always remember: that safety comes first. Opt for a professional service and rest assured, knowing your property is in safe hands. You'll be protected from legal liability and potential hazards, allowing you to comfortably enjoy your safe and well-protected home.
Small Re-Wiring Jobs
Large Re-Wiring Jobs
For reliable house rewiring electricians in Rotherham, Sheffield and Leeds, trust Electrics Services Sheffield. We have built a solid reputation, grounded on numerous years of home electrical expertise, guaranteeing professional, high-quality service.
