How to Safely Rewire Historic Homes
Older homes offer a different kind of charm and wonder that newer modern options don't have. Its original accents, like detailed molding and aesthetics, make it appealing, so you want to take the necessary precautions with any upgrades.
Enhancing the electrical system removes the risk of bad wiring and helps meet today's appliance and device demands. Rewiring a historic home is no small feat, so here are several steps to ensure a safe and thorough completion.
Inspect the Current System
To start, locate the electrical systems and understand if they can be used. Inspecting circuit breakers and looking for pest activity and signs of rust, testing out the GFCI outlets near water sources, and knowing what the voltage is will let you know if your systems are up to par or need to be changed.
Know the Codes
Every city has local codes, and permits will be required to do any work. Reach out to your local permitting department to ensure you have all documentation completed and any electrical regulations fulfilled so that you pass the final inspection.
Have a List of Projects
There is no doubt your historic home will need a few upgrades, so make a list of any projects that need to be completed so you know the scope of work required before reaching out to an electrician.
There are typically several areas that need some work in older homes, and the most common ones are:
● Main service panel upgrades
● Re-spacing outlets to be 6-to-8 feet apart
● Running wires from circuit Breakers to outlets
● Three-prong outlet installation
● Incorporating ground fault circuit interrupters in areas susceptible to water, like bathrooms and kitchens
Find the Right Hardware
The biggest appeal of historic homes is their aesthetics; chances are you will want them to match the home's natural ambiance. Choosing outlet covers, light switches, and fixtures that match the design will help maintain the unique character that makes it appealing.
It also allows you to find specialty items if you want to put your unique style into the property and saves time and money when working with the electrician because you have your components already selected.
Contact a Professional
Rewiring an entire home is no small feat, and while you might be considering DIY experience to save a few bucks, we never recommend this. Hiring a trusted and reputable electrician to do the project for you means you will get someone with extensive training to ensure the project is completed efficiently and safely.
They also know how to keep the infrastructure protected, and if an incident occurs, they will have liability coverage available, so you don't have to worry about the risk.
SoCal Electrical: Coachella Valley's Rewiring Experts
An older house can be an amazing project, and updating the wiring can help increase its value and safety.
Working with a trusted company ensures an expert finish, and when you need local and professional services, SoCal Electrical & Lighting has been in the business for over 20 years. Our team specializes in electrical wiring commercial lighting, and we're happy to schedule an electrical audit to help your company streamline its energy use.
From residential to commercial properties, we do it all; you can reach us by calling our office at 760-699-2686 or message us online, and we'll get back to you shortly.