Signs It’s Time to Rewire a House

Faulty electrical wiring can not only damage your appliances; it can also cause fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 24,000 fires in 2019 resulted from an electrical malfunction.

Those who live in older houses or suspect their electrical system wiring isn’t in the best shape should consider having a professional electrician evaluate the system. Here we’ll share 10 warning signs that indicate it’s time to rewire a house:

Burning smell

One of the most apparent signs a house needs rewiring is a burning smell near an outlet or electrical appliance. Small sparks behind the wall are probably the cause, and it’s essential to stop using that outlet and contact a professional to examine it.

Flickering or dimming lights

Lights can dim or flicker if the bulb isn’t connected correctly. However, this can also be a sign of an overloaded circuit. If you’ve noticed this, especially when the wind blows, it’s probably time to rewire the house.

Discolored switchplates

Switchplates that suddenly change color are always a warning sign. This change typically indicates that the plastic and wiring connections are overheating, which can have severe consequences if left unattended.

Aluminum wiring

Popular during the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was much less expensive than copper. The problem is that aluminum expands and contracts at high temperatures, thus deteriorating more quickly and causing numerous issues.

Electric shock

Another warning sign is if you experience minor electric shocks when plugging in an appliance. This could indicate problems with the grounding connection and shouldn’t be ignored. Plus, electric shocks, no matter how light they are, can potentially cause injury.

Circuit breaker tripping

When overloaded, circuit breakers will trip to prevent overheating. It could be a faulty electrical appliance causing constant circuit breaker tripping. But it can also indicate a more significant problem that requires rewiring.

Numerous extension cords

A clear sign a house needs rewiring is the consistent use of extension cords. Many homeowners turn to extension cords when there aren’t enough power outlets to keep all the devices and appliances connected. Unfortunately, these can lead to uneven power fluctuations and overloaded sockets.

Burnt out light bulbs

Frequent light bulb replacement may indicate the fixture can’t handle the wattage, causing the bulbs to burn out. If you’ve noticed this happens often, contact an electrician.

Sparking outlets

Sparking outlets aren’t always a warning sign, and it’s normal they happen occasionally. However, they could also imply a severe problem behind the walls. The outlets could be short-circuiting and overheating, thus damaging the insulation.

Older house

Even when there are no visible electrical issues, an electrician should check older houses and rewire them. If a property is more than 40 years old, it probably has outdated installations that should be replaced.

Professionals can handle it

Outdated or faulty electrical installations can be a serious safety hazard and cause many problems. The many warning signs should never be ignored. Even if there are no signs, it’s recommended to have the house checked every ten years.

Working with electricity is always risky, and it’s highly advisable to reach out to professionals who will handle it with ease.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!