Why You Should Rewire Your Old House Electrical System

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Dec 06, 2024

If your home is more than a few decades old, then chances are you’ve marveled at its charming architecture, unique craftsmanship, or vintage appeal. What’s often hidden behind those timeless walls, however, is a less charming reality: an aging electrical system.
Many property owners rarely think about the wiring snaking through their walls, but the truth is those wires don’t last forever. Ignoring outdated electrical systems can put both your property and its inhabitants at risk.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we want to highlight why you should give your electrical wiring the attention it deserves and share some insights into when it might be time for a whole house rewiring.

Recognizing the electrical wiring

Electrical wiring is the unseen arteries of a property’s power system. They’re responsible for delivering electricity to everything from your lighting and outlets to appliances and HVAC systems. Wiring is typically made from copper or aluminum insulated by materials like plastic, rubber, or cloth.
While wiring is designed to be durable, it’s not immune to the effects of time, wear, and changing technology. Older wiring systems, for example, were built to handle far less electrical demand than we require today. This can lead to overloaded circuits, frequent outages, or fire hazards.

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How long does electrical wiring last?

The life expectancy of electrical wiring depends on several factors such as the material, insulation type, and environmental conditions. For beginners, here are common lifespans:

Copper is durable and often lasts up to 80 years or more but the insulation around it typically degrades sooner.
Popular in homes built during the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring has a shorter lifespan and is prone to overheating and loosening over time.
Common in homes built before the 1950s, cloth-insulated wiring has a much shorter lifespan and is a significant fire risk.

Electricians typically recommend inspecting and assessing the wiring when the system gets to age 30-40. Rewiring is often advised for systems over 50 years old.

Why rewiring is so important – and should not be delayed

Failing to rewire a property with outdated or damaged wiring can lead to a range of problems, including fire hazards, insufficient power, incompatibility with modern needs, and a reduced property value.
Outdated wiring can lead to higher energy bills and they might not be able to power the appliances and devices of the 21st century. On an even more serious note, electrical fires account for thousands of home fires every year – and they’re often caused by old, frayed, or overloaded wiring.
Prospective homebuyers are more than likely to have a local electrician inspect the electrical system before purchasing, and an old electrical system can be a red flag for potential buyers. This will give them negotiating power or even a reason to walk away.

Signs that indicate it’s time for rewiring

Not sure if your property’s electrical system is due for an upgrade? Here are some telltale signs:

If your lights frequently flicker or dim when using appliances.
If your circuit breakers are frequently tripping OFF.
A burning odor or discoloration around outlets, switches, and electrical panels.
If your property still relies on a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker.
If your decades-old home hasn’t been rewired since it was built.

If you’d like to have a certified electrician inspect and evaluate your electrical wiring, then feel free to contact Mr. Electric to schedule an appointment. Our electrical service team is on standby to respond to emergency requests as well.