Does my house need rewiring?

plug-wires

Rewiring your house can be necessary when the wiring has degraded or developed so many faults that your electrical system is no longer properly functional or even safe. Wiring is a critical part of your system and keeping your home comfortable. If it is outdated or unsafe it could lead to health hazards and even fires.

How do I know if my home needs rewiring?

There are a few things to look out for. If you’re experiencing any of these problems in your home then it is possible then your wiring will need replacing. At the very least it will need to be looked at by a professional.

  • Electric shocks

    This is a serious fault. If you receive a shock, however mild, from plugs, wires, or appliances then it is likely your wiring has degraded. Electric shocks or sparks coming from plug sockets are an easy way to identify faulty wiring.

  • Burning odour

    Damaged wiring may not immediately trigger a major fire but can still burn materials in your electrical system. This will generate a persistent odour of burning that you will be able to smell even after ventilating the room.

  • Lights flickering

    An easy way to tell if the wiring is faulty is if your lights are flickering or suddenly dimming. This means that the connections in your system are loose or damaged. It can also be due to the conductor wires not being the right size for your system.

  • Scorched sockets

    If scorch marks or patches of discolouration are appearing around plug sockets or switches in your home, then this could be due to faulty wiring. These marks are caused by tiny fires starting inside the walls due to poor or loose connections.

  • Blown fuses

    While occasionally your electrical system might trip due to a power surge or a faulty appliance, if it happens frequently due to your fuses blowing then there is an issue. Fuses typically last for decades. If they are blowing repeatedly then the problem may be your wiring.

What is a house rewire?

A house require is a complex process to rectify faults in your electrical system that involved removing old and faulty wiring and replacing it. This will need to be undertaken by a qualified professional to ensure that all of the issues are fixed and that the new wiring is installed properly. In addition to running new cables throughout the house, your electrician will also replace back boxes on switches and sockets, require any telephone sockets, and relocate difficult to access plug sockets. This will ensure that your electrical system remains convenient and safe. A house rewire typically takes 1-2 working days to complete. However, this can change depending on the size and age of your property. Once completed, the work can last for as long as twenty years before it will need to be looked at again. A rewire is a highly worthwhile investment for the long-term safety of your electrical system.

If you’re experiencing a fault with your electrical system, then you will need a professional to take a look. At Brombick Electrical Ltd we take on all manner of domestic electrical work including house rewires. Get in touch with our professional electricians on 020 8148 8234 or at info@brombickelectrical.com.