Updating Electrical Wiring in Your Home to Meet Code

Introduction

Upgrading the electrical wiring in your home can seem like a daunting task, but it is often necessary to bring your home up to current safety standards and codes. Electrical codes and standards are continuously updated to reflect new technologies, address safety hazards, and meet increasing energy demands in homes. As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your home's electrical system is safe, efficient, and meets the requirements set forth by local and national electrical codes. In this article, I will discuss the importance of updating home electrical wiring, provide an overview of common code upgrades, outline the permit process, examine associated costs, and give tips for selecting a qualified electrician to perform the work.

Why Update Electrical Wiring?

There are several important reasons to update the electrical wiring in your home:

• Safety - Outdated wiring can present serious safety risks like electrical fires and shocks. Upgrading provides vital protection for your home and family.

• Prevent Damage - Faulty, old wiring can damage electrical devices and appliances. New wiring prevents expensive replacements.

• Efficiency - Newer wiring maximizes efficiency, reducing energy usage and costs.

• Resale Value - Upgraded wiring makes a home more attractive to buyers and increases resale value.

• Insurance - Some insurance companies may not cover homes with knob-and-tube wiring. Upgrading may lower premiums.

• Capacity - Modern wiring supports today's increased power demands from larger appliances and electronics.

• Compliance - Local codes require wiring to be updated to current standards for safety.

Common Electrical Code Upgrades

Typical electrical upgrades to meet modern safety codes include:

Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Knob-and-tube wiring found in older homes does not meet today's safety standards. It must be replaced with new wiring.

AFCI Protection

• Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets detect dangerous electrical arcs and sparks, shutting off power to prevent fires.

• Now required in bedroom circuits.

GFCI Outlets

• Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets prevent shocks by detecting ground faults.

• Now required in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.

Overloaded Circuits

Adding circuits prevents overloading from increased electrical demand. Each major appliance should have dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit.

Aluminum Wiring

Copper wiring is now standard. Aluminum wiring from the 60s and 70s needs to be inspected and possibly replaced.

Grounding

Proper grounding is essential for safety. Grounding requirements have expanded over time.

Electrical Permit Process

Before any electrical upgrade work begins, you will need to pull a permit from your local building department. Here are some key steps:

• Contact the building department and fill out a permit application.

• Provide details about the planned electrical work.

• Department will review project scope and applicable codes.

• An electrical inspector will visit during and after work to ensure code compliance.

• There is usually a fee based on the size of the job.

• Work must pass final inspection before permit receives final approval.

• Permit provides vital legal clearance and protects against liability.

Costs of Electrical Wiring Upgrades

The costs to upgrade electrical wiring can vary considerably based on factors like:

• Age of home and extent of rewiring needed

• Scope of work (e.g. number of circuits, outlets, fixtures, etc. upgraded)

• Type of wiring method used (e.g. conduit, armored cable)

• Electrician's hourly rate and total time required

• Cost of permit and required inspections

As a general guideline, a full electrical rewire of a standard 2500 square foot home usually ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. Smaller jobs like upgrading a panel or adding new circuits are less. Get quotes from at least 3 electricians.

Choosing a Qualified Electrician

It's important to hire an experienced, licensed electrician certified to handle home wiring projects. Look for:

• Proper state electrical licenses and bonding

• Training and certification for residential wiring

• Strong reputation based on online reviews

• Proof of insurance

• Membership in trade organizations

• Familiarity with local codes

• Able to pull necessary permits

• Backed by a warranty

• Provides detailed quotes

• Uses orderly wiring methods

A reputable electrician like [ABC Electrical Company] can advise you on code requirements in your area and perform wiring upgrades in a safe, neat, and orderly manner that will pass inspection - giving you peace of mind.

Conclusion

I hope this overview has provided a helpful understanding of the process and importance of upgrading electrical wiring in your home to meet safety codes. While it represents a major project, the benefits for safety, efficiency, value, and peace of mind are well worth the investment. With proper planning, permits, and a professional electrician, the process can go smoothly. Please reach out if you need any help getting started!