How to Safely Replace Old Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Assess the Condition of Your Existing Wiring

Before deciding to rewire your home, it's important to thoroughly assess the condition of your existing electrical wiring. Here are some signs that your wiring may be outdated or unsafe:

• Frequent tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses: If certain circuits keep tripping or fuses keep blowing, it likely indicates your wiring cannot handle the current load. This is a major warning sign.

• Flickering lights: Flickering lights when appliances turn on is another red flag for faulty wiring.

• Outlets feel warm when in use: Excessive heat from outlets can signal potential fire hazards.

• Discolored outlets: If your outlets are dark, melted, or cracked, the wiring is old and deteriorating.

• No ground wires: Homes built before the 1960s often lack ground wires, which are essential for safety.

• Not enough circuits: Having too few circuits results in overloading. Modern homes typically need at least 100 amps.

• Old wiring material: Oldest homes have wiring made from cloth, which is extremely dangerous. Even copper wiring from the 60s-80s may need replacing.

If you notice any of these warning signs, consider upgrading your electrical wiring sooner rather than later.

Research Local Building Codes and Permits

Before you start any electrical work, be sure to research your local building codes and permit requirements. Most areas require permits for whole home rewiring, which involves having the work inspected.

Specifically, find out:

• If you need an electrical permit and inspection
• Which wiring materials are approved (e.g. copper vs aluminum)
• Minimum wire gauge required for each circuit
• Any special requirements or restrictions

Failing to get proper permits can risk fines, safety issues, or make your home insurance invalid. Better to do diligent research upfront.

Hire a Licensed, Insured Electrician

Rewiring an entire home is complex, high-risk work best left to the professionals. Doing it yourself as an amateur can potentially lead to electrocution, fires, and huge costs if wiring needs redoing.

When hiring an electrician:

• Verify they are fully licensed and insured. Ask for proof.
• Check reviews and ask for referrals from past customers.
• Get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing.
• Avoid side workers offering cheap deals—the risks are too high.

Hiring a true professional is worth the investment for your safety. Make sure they pull all required permits too.

Determine the Rewiring Scope

The electrician will help determine the full scope of rewiring needed in your home. Key aspects include:

• Which circuits need replacing: Assess which rooms or circuits with the most outdated wiring should be first priority. Leave less problematic areas for later.

• Electrical panel upgrade: An old 100 amp panel will likely need upgrading to 200 amps (or more) to support full home rewiring.

• Wiring material: Copper wiring is standard today for its safety and efficiency.

• Grounded circuits: All new wiring should include proper grounding.

• Whole home surge protectors: This optional extra protection limits power surges that can damage appliances.

Understanding the full scope early helps create an accurate rewiring plan and budget.

Be Prepared for Disruption During the Rewiring Process

Since rewiring involves accessing wiring behind walls and under floors, you should be prepared for substantial disruption to your household during the process:

• Your power may be temporarily shut off in some rooms while others are rewired.

• Walls will be opened up and floors may need to be cut open to access wiring runs. This will be messy and noisy. Be prepared to cover floors and furniture.

• Rewiring usually happens one room or circuit at a time. It generally cannot be completed in just one day. Expect the process to take several weeks, depending on the home's size.

• You may need to temporarily relocate or be without power in certain rooms until rewiring is finished.

While disruptive, the end results will be worth it. Plan accordingly to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Add Additional Circuits and Outlets

When rewiring, it is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home with additional circuits and outlets. This will make your home more compatible with modern electrical needs.

Consider adding:

• Extra outlets in bedrooms, kitchens, and dens to prevent outlet overload.

• Individual appliance circuits for larger appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. This prevents tripping breakers.

• GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas to prevent shocks.

• USB outlets in convenient locations to directly charge USB devices.

• Network and TV outlets where internet devices and television are used.

• Smart home wiring if you plan on adding home automation features.

Discuss options with your electrician to make your rewired home fully meet modern connectivity and safety standards.

Stay Safe During and After the Rewiring Project

Your safety should be a top priority. Here are tips to stay protected:

• Turn off power at the main breaker before starting. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm it is off.

• Keep basement and crawl spaces well ventilated if wiring is being replaced there.

• Never step into standing water when electrical work is happening.

• Only flip the main breaker back on once the electrician has confirmed it is safe.

• After rewiring, have the electrician do thermal imaging scans to confirm no hidden hot spots exist.

Follow all the electrician's safety instructions closely. Their expertise will make the process smooth and hazard-free if you cooperate fully.

Rewiring your outdated electrical system can be disruptive and expensive, but very worthwhile for your home's safety and functionality. By using a licensed electrician and planning diligently, you can complete this important upgrade process with great peace of mind. Your home will meet modern electrical standards and be safer for decades to come.