Your home’s wiring system is possibly something that you don’t give any thought to unless you’re experiencing an electrical issue or you’re planning to sell your home. If your home is 25 years or older or you’ve recently had a change in usage or load requirements, it may be time to give this aspect of your home some serious thought.
Ignoring an electrical problem can cause significant damage, and you may need to call the emergency electrician Canberra locals are using for all their after-hour electrical issues. Alternatively, you can avoid an emergency by having your older wiring and switchboard assessed by your local electrician.
What is Electric Wiring in Your Home?
House wiring refers to the various types of electrical cabling that run throughout your house to provide power to your home. Electric wiring is a blanket term that can include wiring and associated components such as:
- Lighting
- Appliances
- Outlets
Most house wiring is typically installed in ceilings, walls, and floors and is protected by a circuit breaker in your home’s switchboard. Wiring and everything associated with it is installed to be compliant with local safety codes which may vary by region.
Rewiring Can Prevent an Electrical Emergency
Having an older home rewired is always a good idea. We’ve compiled a list of the top reasons that highlight why updating potentially worn wires will benefit your home’s safety and contribute to your peace of mind.
1. It’s a Safety Issue
Faulty wiring is a hazard and can quickly escalate into an electrical shock or even fire. This often happens because older Australian homes still have obsolete, fabric-sheathed wiring that’s usually surrounded by a black steel conduit. If this style of wiring is disturbed it can result in blown fuses.
Dated wiring systems can also become worn or deteriorated over time. Investing in a new wiring system will ensure that older parts are replaced by modern, energy-efficient components which will ensure that your home’s electrical aspects are safe.
2. New Wiring Allows for Increased Capacity
The electrical components that were installed in older homes were never intended to handle the ever-increasing demands of modern technology. For instance, homes built in the 1960s were designed to have a 60-amp service because there weren’t that many appliances and gadgets to connect at the same time.
It’s essential to point out that 60-amp isn’t suitable for appliances, air-conditioning units and digital devices. Modern homes are typically built with a minimum 100-amp service. Homes that have an increased energy demand may even request an upgrade to 150 or 200 amps. Your electrician will be able to determine your exact usage needs based on the appliances, devices, and machines you are running in your home.
3. Allows for Circuit Separation
One of the more significant reasons to upgrade your home wiring is that your electrician will separate the circuits associated with crucial appliances in your home. This typically includes water heaters, home alarm systems and refrigerators.
Doing this will ensure that these appliances are protected from electrical surges when less crucial appliances, such as kettles or irons, trip the main switch. This is a wonderful feature to have if you’re going away for the weekend and leaving food in the freezer.
4. Adds Value to Your Home
Selling an older home can be challenging enough without adding the issue of old, potentially risky wiring to the mix. If you have any intention of selling your home at some point, you will have to provide proof that your wiring has been updated.
This will show potential buyers that the home is not only safe but also suited to handling everything from smart security systems, extensive entertainment systems, and dimmable lighting to complex motion sensor lighting. Be proactive and upgrade your home wiring long before you place your home on the market.
5. Perfect Time to Upgrade
When you enlist your local electrical expert to re-wire your home, it’s also the perfect time to add extra outlets for increased convenience. Older homes often only have one outlet in a room and with lamps, devices, and TVs, this often results in you using power strips.
While these are exceptionally handy to maximise power availability in a single space, they can easily become overloaded and lead to an electrical fire. This is especially the case when they are left on all day and night. Avoid this by increasing the number of outlets you have in each room. You can base this on the average number of appliances or devices that you plug into that space.
Takeaways
Having your home’s wiring redone will give you peace of mind that all the wires and cables in your home are functioning safely and correctly. An updated wiring system will also ensure that your electrical system is capable of handling the increased electrical demands of a modern home. Get the process started by speaking to your local electrician for a switchboard and wiring assessment. Electrical experts will have your wiring sorted out in no time!
