Electrical Factors to Consider Before Renovating

Faulty or outdated wiring is a major cause of fires and other electrical mishaps.

Home renovations are a huge undertaking, especially where electricity is concerned. For a non-expert, knowing what factors warrant the most attention is paramount.

Here are some of the primary electrical factors to consider before renovating:

Inspection

The first and arguably most important step is to hire a licensed electrical contractor to inspect the home. A thorough inspection will assess the current state of the house's electrical system. This will identify any problems that need to be addressed before, during, or after the renovation works.

A pre-renovation LEC inspection is the most important element. Without it, it's impossible to gauge what electrical problems exist. It will also ensure a comprehensive and safe renovation.

Wiring

Faulty or outdated wiring is a major cause of fires and other electrical mishaps. Always ensure that any obsolete wiring systems are upgraded to safer alternatives. Older homes were often constructed using aluminum wiring as a cheap alternative to better options. This exposes the home to a heightened risk of electrical fires, and many insurance companies will also refuse coverage for homes that contain aluminum wiring.

Yet another outdated form of wiring that was commonly used in older buildings is knob and tube wiring. This type of wiring presents an even greater risk of electrical fires due to many design flaws. Once again, insurance companies will be hesitant to provide coverage for houses with knob and tube wiring.

Capacity

Nowadays, homes contain a wide range of electronic devices and appliances that did not exist in the past. For that reason, many properties will have insufficient capacity to power the array of new tech devices in the home safely. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a licensed electrical contractor to assess the current capacity and determine the extent of the power requirements post-renovation and in the future.

This may require additional circuits, outlets, switches, and switchboard upgrades to meet the power needs safely.

Outlets

Many advancements have been made in electrical safety in recent years. Unfortunately, older homes may be fitted with outdated outlets that can present serious risks, especially for children. An example is installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas exposed to water because GFCIs instantly shut off once water is detected.

Furthermore, if children are in the home, installing tamper-proof outlets will prevent electrical incidents and provide parents with peace of mind in the long run.

Use a Licensed Electrical Contractor

Electricity is not only dangerous, but it's invisible and extremely volatile. As such, it's not something that one should take lightly. Before undertaking any renovation work, contact a licensed electrical contractor for advice.