Electrics are a key element of any home, and they must be kept updated and maintained regularly – electrics that are damaged, in poor condition, or broken could be a serious safety hazard. Wondering how to know if your house needs rewiring? Then read on for some top tips from our team at Otago Electrical Services to keep your home safe and secure.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are one of the main signs your house needs rewiring, as they can indicate damage to the system—left unchecked, this can be a serious fire hazard.
Fuses Blowing or Circuit Breakers Tripping
Another key sign that you need house rewiring is if your circuit breakers trip or your fuses blow. This indicates that the electrical load you are demanding is higher than that allowed by the fuse and is common in older houses, which are not equipped for the power of modern appliances. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to protect against damage from overloading or short-circuiting – and having them trip on a regular basis indicates an issue.
Older House
House rewiring is also often dependent on age – most electrical systems will require a complete overhaul after 40 years of use – so if you know your home is approaching this age, ask an expert to take a look, as you will likely need to upgrade the whole system. Top tip: older systems tend to have fewer sockets in each room and are more likely to have protruding box sockets as opposed to units sunk into the wall – these can be indicators that your system needs updating.
Audible Humming or Buzzing Sounds
One of the more serious signs your house needs rewiring is the presence of humming or buzzing sounds- this indicates compromised wiring and should be checked out by a professional immediately.
Strange Smells or Discoloration
If you notice a burning smell or what appears to be burn marks around sockets and outlets, contact an electrician at once – this implies that the system is short-circuiting and will cause an electrical fire if not addressed.
Here at Otago Electrical Services, we pride ourselves on being experts on all things electrical and can help with everything from rewiring to repairs, electrical safety checks to upgrading systems. If you are wondering how to know if your house needs rewiring, we can help. Get in touch with the team today, and see how we can help.