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If you have an older home, you may be wondering if it needs to be rewired. You may especially be wondering this if you have a fuse box instead of a breaker box. The quick answer is not necessarily. The thing is, to rewire your whole house would be quite an undertaking and very costly to boot. However, there are exceptions to every rule. So, here are some exceptions:
1.) Knob and tube wiring. If your house has what is called knob and tube wiring, then, yes, it should be rewired. Why? Because knob and tube wiring has a lack of grounding and poses a risk of fire and electrocution. Additionally, if any insulation is near the knob and tube wiring, it could trap heat and allow it to build over time, also increasing the potential for a fire. There are other reasons as well: knob and tube wiring cannot support three pronged appliances and it deteriorates over time. If your home was built between the late 1800’s and early 1900’s there is a good chance you have some knob and tube wiring somewhere in your walls.
2.) Overloaded circuits. Years ago, folks just didn’t have all the appliances and other electronics that we have today, so their homes weren’t required to carry that load. Now, with our modern washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, computers, televisions, etc., our homes electrical system is under quite a load. Some older homes just weren’t built with all that in mind. There is a way to remedy this, however, and it may not necessarily mean a complete rewiring of the whole house. (Peter can help you determine this)
3.) Upgrading your service. You should have at least 100 amp service to your home and you should also have a breaker box, not a fuse box. If your house does not have at least 100 amp service, you need to have the box upgraded and your house may need some additional wiring.
The best thing to do is to call the guy who really knows about house wiring and that guy would be Peter Needham. He can accurately tell you what your house wiring needs. Peter is not just an electrician, he is a Master Electrician with over 30 years of experience. Let Peter’s experience work for you. Give him a call.
