Your home’s rewiring is usually something you don’t give much thought to unless you’re planning to sell your home or there are signs of a potential issue. It’s essential to know what signs indicate outdated or deteriorated wiring as this will go a long way toward avoiding issues such as electrocution or a fire hazard.
Many Australian homeowners who first notice the signs of an old wiring system often call the emergency electrician Canberra locals rely on. Are you aware of the signs you should be looking out for? If not, then this post is a must-read.
What Exactly is Home Rewiring?
As the name suggests, home rewiring refers to the process of replacing your home’s current electrical wiring. The process involves stripping and relaying all (or most) of your home’s electrical wires.
There are many reasons why you may need to do this. The most significant of these are listed as follows:
- Your old, outdated system is no longer compliant with building regulations.
- There are signs that the system is faulty.
- To incorporate Smart features into your home.
- You want to improve your home’s electrical efficiency.
- Your current system can’t handle the rising demand of your household (modern homes have more things to charge and plug-in)
It’s crucial to point out that this type of job shouldn’t be attempted as a DIY project. Always enlist the services of a certified professional as this will ensure that the job is done correctly, safely, and in alignment with current Australian legislation.
Know What Signs to Look Out For
If you’re not looking to upgrade your current system, faulty or aged wires may force you in that direction, whether you have planned for it or not. That said, it’s essential to know what signs will indicate that your rewiring may need replacing. Our experts have shared the top signs to keep an eye out for.
1. Fuses are Starting to Blow More Regularly
Older houses in Australia have been built with switchboards made up of dated fuses. While these fuses may have been wonderful in their day, they aren’t able to handle the growing demand that modern appliances and technology place on them. This will result in fuses continually blowing up and tripping the whole switchboard. Replacing fuses is only a short-term solution.
2. Issues With Your Lights
Another clear indication that your house wiring may need to be redone is issues with your lighting. This can include lights flickering, lights that shine too brightly, or lights that dim for no reason. In some instances, these issues can be related to the bulb.
You can start by replacing the light bulb and if this still doesn’t solve the problem, or it happens in other rooms, it’s a sign that that you’re either dealing with a loose connection or wiring that becomes worn and damaged. Ask your electrician to assess the lights and the switchboard to determine the exact cause.
3. Power Outlets Smell, Spark, or Become Discoloured
The number one sign that something is wrong with your wiring, the outlet, or your switchboard is a burning smell. If there’s a burning smell from one of your power outlets, appliances, or switches it could be an indication of a short circuit. This typically happens when wires have become damaged, or insulation has worn or burnt off.
Other signs to look for here include sparks when you connect or disconnect electrical devices. You can also look for brown or black marks around any outlets or switches. These can indicate overheating which can lead to a fire hazard.
4. You Rely On Too Many Extension Cords
If you regularly have to connect a series of extension cords just to get your gadgets or appliances plugged in, then it’s an indication that your home has an inadequate amount of power outlets.
Power strips and extension cords can pose a fire hazard if there are too many connected for long periods. Rewiring will allow for additional outlets to be installed around your home. This, in turn, reduces the fire hazard and improves the convenience in your home.
5. Frequent Power Surges
In a perfect system, your outlets should function correctly all the time. However, if you are experiencing frequent power surges or malfunctioning electronics it could be an indication that there’s deteriorating wiring or even improper earthing.
Adding surge protectors to your outlets may be a temporary solution, but it’s essential to know that over time this will damage your appliances. Continuous power surges also increase the fire risk. Rewiring will create a stable electrical flow and reduce power surges.
Final Thoughts
If you live in a house that’s older than 30 years and that has never been rewired in that period, you should keep an eye out for unusual signs that could indicate a potential fire hazard or an overloaded switchboard. It’s a good idea to speak to your electrician for an assessment to confirm if your home needs rewiring. You’ll be glad you did!
