For most people, rewiring an older home is the furthest thing from their mind when they think of all the upgrades that they can (or want to) do to their home. From a safety standpoint, it is often one of the most important, yet overlooked decisions to be made.
Facts about Electrical Systems and Electrical Wiring
Studies show that since the 1950s individual home electrical use has increased by more than 400 percent, and yet this fact is often overlooked by homeowners who believe that their electrical system is still adequate. The type of cable used to wire homes has had dramatic improvements over the last 50 years. The Electrical Safety Code changes every 4 years. What about your electrical system? For an older home, or any home built to minimum electrical code standards, there is a good chance that the electrical system is already working well beyond its intended capacity.
Consider the following: A standard asphalt shingled roof has a life expectancy of 15 - 25 years. A Furnace or Air Conditioner has an average lifespan of 8 – 12 years. Major Appliances are expected to last only 7 - 12 years, Plumbing Fixtures 5 – 10 years. How long should an Electrical Service Panel or wiring last?
Manufacturers estimate the average lifespan of a Main Electrical Service Panel to be 20 – 25 years, yet we still find that there are many Electrical Service Panels in operation that are over 60 years old. Some of the main switches on these older panels are so dangerous that they can have a catastrophic failure when operated.
Likewise, wiring that was installed even 40 years ago can show visible signs of disintegration. Modern wiring is rated at a much higher temperature (90 degrees Celsius), meaning that it can stand up to increased load and proximity to sources of much higher heat, when compared to the 60 degree wiring of the 1970’s or earlier. Knob and Tube Wiring and Aluminum Wiring have their own specific problems which you can read about on this website.
A Matter of Safety
We have often seen wiring at light fixtures that has been damaged by high heat from a light fixture, in some cases even resulting in fires. The danger is that you cannot see what is behind the light fixture, and may not be aware of a problem until the damage is done.
We have also observed that homeowners will replace a 15 amp fuse that continuously blows, with a 20 Amp or even a 30 Amp fuse. This is very dangerous on wiring that was designed to safely carry only 15 amps. The results can be devastating; fire, loss of property, or worse even loss of life.
Your family's safety is most important, and the knowledgeable staff at Captain Electric will be happy to help you. A thorough assessment of the Electrical System of your Home is recommended. This will enable you to make an informed decision.
What if My Home Does Need Rewiring?
Rewiring the home is an investment that adds substantial value to your home. It is a major project that may take 1-3 weeks, depending on the size and construction of the home. It is the best solution to serve your long term interests.
If your home has knob and tube wiring, or aluminum wiring, and you are concerned about the safety of your electrical system, contact VESTA ELECTRIC and arrange for an assessment.