Any type of electrical work is dangerous, especially if you have little to no experience in performing the correct electrical inspection. Whether you are restoring an old property or simply making sure your family is safe while at home, you definitely have to check these safety tips in rewiring a house first, even if in the end you opt to hire a professional local residential electrician to do the job.

You should take electrical wiring seriously. Ensure that these safety tips in rewiring a house are being followed to prevent serious problems of fire and electrocution.

How long does electrical wiring last? 

Just like every other product, electrical wirings have a limited lifespan. 

Aluminum wiring is useful for approximately 25 to 30 years. Despite its prominence between the 60s and 70s, aluminum wiring also comes with a lot of problems. We have an article about mitigating aluminum wiring that you should read in order to learn why aluminum may not be the best type of conductor for your home.

Copper wiring lasts up to 100 years. It is often preferred compared to aluminum because it is an excellent conductor and less likely to break easily. If you are interested in knowing more about the benefits of copper wiring, we have an article dedicated to copper wiring.

When should wiring be rewired?

If the property is more than 30 years old, have a professional electrician nearby perform an electrical inspection and replacement. Also, if the circuit keeps tripping, it could be a sign that the house has old electrical wirings. 

Plan and Inspect

This electrical rewiring tip is a basic tip that is often neglected by most DIY house wiring enthusiasts. But it is important to remember that what you will be working on are electrical materials that could potentially put your life at risk. 

If you are doing DIY electrical work, it is best if you create a plan for rewiring beforehand. It is also highly encouraged to conduct an electrical inspection. Here is what you can do when preparing for house rewire:

• Identify wiring methods in use.
• Check methods for framing, spacing, and protection from screws and nails.
• Check electrical boxes for adequate depth for the cables that will be installed within them.
• Verify electrical conductors are grouped together.
• Check insulations and enclosures.
• Make sure all boxes are easily accessible.
• Verify weatherproof enclosures in areas of the house that are likely to get wet.
• Check for proper ratings of outlets, conductors, and other components.

Power Off

Before doing any electrical work in your house, flip the breaker off to ensure that there is no electricity passing through the wires while you are working them. You can use a non-contact tester to confirm there is no power on any of the cables in the electrical boxes.

It is also better to leave a note on the side of the breaker saying you are working on the wirings to prevent anyone from turning it back on.

Test Outlet Wirings

Use an instrument like a voltage tester or multimeter to test the electrical wiring of your house. Such a device can check whether the wiring is supplying the correct voltage or not. Voltage should be between 110 to 120.

Do not Overstuff Electrical Boxes

Electrical boxes often consist of multiple cables that connect to switches, ground wires, and neutral wires. Keeping these wires neatly organized inside the box will allow you to easily identify which is which when doing inspection or repair. And it will also prevent electrical issues from happening.

Prevent Faulty Electrical Wiring

What this means is doing electrical work that does not comply with the local building codes. It is a major and unfortunately, a common cause of electric shocks, house fires, and short circuits damaging appliances and devices. Faulty wiring not only goes against the standards but could jeopardize your safety.

Keep Equipment Grounded

Grounding equipment is essential for preventing any electrical hazards. There are several grounding kits in stores that are engineered to keep workers protected from electric shocks. They will also avoid other equipment from getting damaged. 

Tighten Outlets and Switches

Loose switches and outlets can move around and cause wires to detach from the terminals. That could cause overheating and eventually, fire hazards. Use outlet spacers if necessary. They are easy to flush right through the outlet and draw tight with a screw.

Hire a Pro!

Numerous aspects of rewiring a house must be checked and verified. Electrical materials, components, and installation of wiring should comply with the electrical code standards and requirements. Never access or alter your home’s electrical wiring unless you are qualified to do so. 

Safety tips in rewiring a house need to be followed. Electrical works have dangerous consequences. It is necessary to have a professional local residential electrician, or a home electrical repair service, who has the right tools and skills, do the work. 

ElectriCall is just a phone call away. We can carry out home rewiring jobs without causing damage to your house.