6 Clear Signs Your Home or Office Needs Rewiring

Rewiring your home or office is likely not on the top of anyone’s to-do list. We get it, who wants to pay for something they cannot even see? But just because the wiring is hidden behind walls does not mean it should be ignored. 

Over time, electrical wiring in a home or office eventually deteriorates or develop faults. These electrical wiring issues are serious and dangerous. And no one should ever underestimate the power of electricity as most accidental home or office fires are caused by electrical faults.  

Do not wait until there’s an accident or fire to rewire your home. At Axiom Power, we value your safety and health above all. We put together a list of 6 clear signs to look for when it comes to needing to rewire your home or office. Spotting these signs early on and taking action will have the power to save your home, office, and life.  

1. Flickering lights  

Flickering or dimming lights is one of the most common telltale signs your home or office needs rewiring. Flickering lights can simply mean you have a loose light bulb or it just needs changing. After you have either changed the light bulb or tried to tighten it without resolution, you know you have a more serious issue at hand.  

Flickering lights can mean loose electrical wiring. Loose wiring is also the most common cause of house fires. You will need to call an electrician immediately to have them evaluate your home’s electrical wiring. It is always better to err on the side of caution.   

2. Sparking outlets 

Are you noticing sparks when you plug something into your outlet? Not only is this harmful to your appliances but it is also dangerous. 

A sparking outlet can mean your outlet is short-circuiting. This means that excessive heat is building up within the outlet, which will result in melted insulation. When exposed, this can lead to electrical fires.  

Another sign you might notice is your outlet or appliance cord/plug is hot after use. Excessive heat has built up in the outlet and this needs immediate attention as this can lead to an electrical fire. 

3. Electrical shocks 

There is no such thing as a “safe shock.”  

If you notice any sort of electrical shock, even a slight tingle, when you plug in an appliance or device this is a major warning sign that your home or office’s wiring needs immediate attention. If you notice sparks coming from your outlet, you need an electrician from Axiom Power at your house as soon as possible. Shocks can indicate an improper earth grounding connection. 

Electrical shocks can cause burns as well as serious health issues such as muscle contractions, numbness, memory loss, and even respiratory and heart failure. A severe shock can even cause death. 

4. Burning smells 

If you notice a faint burning smell near your switches, you are most likely smelling an electrical short. This smell is one of the most obvious signs of faulty wiring. As soon as you notice the smell you need to stop using that outlet immediately. First, make sure to turn off the circuit breaker for that portion of the home, then unplug the appliance/deviance, and then call an electrician.  

Any unidentified burning smell in your home or office should result in an electrician coming out to investigate as soon as possible.  

5. Circuit breakers tripping 

It is normal for circuit breakers to trip. Circuit breakers are designed to trip as a safety measure to prevent overheating. When a breaker is tripped, it shuts down or cuts off the power supply so the system does not overload.  

Oftentimes you might notice a circuit tripping with certain appliances. Some appliances may require too much current for that circuit. However, if you are noticing your breaker tripping persistently then it is time to have an electrician look at your electrical panel or wiring.  

Having too much current into your circuit breaker panel may be more than it can handle, which is putting your entire panel at risk and possibly initiating a fire. 

6. Older homes or office buildings 

Homes or office buildings that are older than 40 years are prime candidates for rewiring.  These homes have outdated wiring that is not updated to withstand today’s modern technology, appliances, and usage.  

Some of the most common issues of having old wiring are: 

Use of aluminum wiring.  

Aluminum wiring was popular in the 1960s and 1970s because it was a lot cheaper than copper wiring. If you have an older home, you may notice “AL” printed on your wiring.  

Aluminum wiring is more dangerous, as it expands and contracts when heated and over time these hot/cold cycles will eventually cause loose connections. Aluminum wiring is also more prone to overheating and corrosion where it has copper connections. 

No GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupter). 

These receptacles and breakers reduce the risk of electrocution in wet areas, such as in a bathroom or kitchen. They will shut down the circuit in milliseconds when moisture is sensed. 

Outdated cabling and degrading wires are dangerous and need to be replaced immediately so they can be up to par with modern electrical safety standards. 

Rewiring with Axiom Power 

Our qualified electricians at Axiom Power are ready to provide a safe and secure full or partial rewiring of your home or office.  

We are a full-service residential and commercial electrical contractor in the Tampa Bay area. No repair is too big or small—we provide quality work from the smallest repair all the way to new construction. 

Call us today at 727-687-4452 (commercial) or (813) 308-9328 (residential) to schedule your appointment. If you are home or office is showing any signs of rewiring, do not wait a moment longer to call Axiom Power!