Why do homes need rewiring?
Our energy consumption needs these days are significantly greater than it was even twenty years ago. Wiring that hasn’t been updated for at least twenty years could well be putting way too much demand on your electrical installation (at best) and may be putting people’s lives at risk (at worst). Likewise, Australian Standards for Electrical Cabling have changed a lot in 100 years, antiquated switchboards and power circuits may still operate with no apparent problems to you, but it’s just a matter of time before they become a serious safety issue.
If you don’t know the last time your home’s wiring was checked, it’s time to have a qualified electrician inspect it. Doing so will minimise the risk of unsafe electrical hazards developing and ensures your wiring and electrical installations comply with current wiring standards.
Does your home need a rewire?
Since the turn of the last century up until the 1950s Australia used both Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) and Cotton-insulated cabling. Both types reached their end of life decades ago and are known to be a dangerous fire risk however these types of electrical cabling are still found in many homes in Sydney today. In a good deal of cases, the insulation has completely crumbled away, leaving live conductors exposed. If you live in an older home that has either of these types of wiring then in this instance, yes, your home needs rewiring.
Signs to look out for include:
- Visibly deteriorating insulation.
- Frayed electrical cables.
- Flickering lights.
- Bulbs blowing frequently.
- Loose or broken sockets.
- Exposed wiring.
- Small electric shocks when you use switches or electrical appliances.
- Appliances that trip the safety switches on your switchboard.
- Strange burning acrid smells.
- Crackling, sparking or buzzing.
- The area near an electrical outlet appears burned or changed in appearance.
- Ceramic-type fuses or circuit breakers in your switchboard.
- Your switchboard doesn’t have safety switches.
What should I do when my home needs rewiring?
Schedule an electrical inspection if you live in an older home, notice any of the red flags listed above or haven’t had one in the last five years. Even if your home has no signs of deterioration in the wiring, it is often difficult to spot the damage.
An experienced licensed electrician will know if your home requires rewiring and then suggest the best course of action. Our team will happily inspect the wiring in your home and provide an obligation-free quote for any repairs that you may need. Give our experienced team a call today on 9477 2550.