Whole-Home Rewiring Services in Cincinnati

Why Is a Rewire or Wiring Upgrade Needed?

Modernizing or have safety concerns? We can help!

You flip the switch and the lights come on. You open the fridge and you know that your food is kept cold. Your computer runs without any issues. So, your electrical wiring must be okay, right? Maybe not. Many older homes (40 years or older) have wiring not up to current safety standards. Or, you may live in a house where your family’s increase in power needs means the existing wiring cannot handle the load. No GFIs, for example, is likely to be noted on an inspection when trying to sell a property. It’s likely they would need to be installed before the closing. Old or faulty wiring is the number one cause of house fires, and the older your home is, the greater the risk of fire due to unsafe and outdated wiring.

If you have experienced any of these warning signs, your electrical wiring may be unsafe and faulty and a wiring upgrade is possibly needed:

• Dimming or flickering of lights
• Warm or loose outlets or light switches
• Breakers constantly tripping
• Overloaded or outdated breaker boxes
• Discolored, stained or hot electrical receptacles or outlets
• Noticeably frayed or exposed wires
• A tingling sensation when you touch a light switch or appliance
• A burning smell or burning rubber odor when lights or appliances are on, especially for a significant amount of time
• Many ungrounded 2 prong outlets throughout your home, or no GFI outlets
• Your electrical system consists of aluminum or knob and tube wiring

Not sure about the safety of your home’s wiring? Give Apollo Home a call to have one of our licensed, experienced electricians do an evaluation your home’s electrical system. 

Reasons Wiring Upgrades Are Recommended

An electrical wiring upgrade may not be at the top of your list for appealing home improvements, but doing so could save your life and your home. Other reasons to pursue an electrical wiring upgrade include appliance replacements from gas to electric, as well as an overuse of extension cords or power strips, both of which can be fire and tripping hazards.

General household wiring code requires one receptacle every 12 feet to help eliminate cord hazards. The reason is so you needn’t go more than six feet in either direction. Plus, pulling too much power from one power strip can overload the wiring, causing it overheat and potentially cause a fire.

Knob and tube wiring in the attic can be an electrical hazard, especially if it’s covered with insulation. If you want to increase the insulation to improve energy efficiency, ask for help from a professional electrician beforehand to ensure your safety.

Aluminum wiring can be dangerous because connections loosen over time, generating heat. This type of wiring was used in homes built in the 1960s and early 1970s. An electrician may be able to increase its safety through upgrades without involving a complete wiring replacement.