Outdated Electricals: When Rewiring Your Building Is Necessary
 
The thought of rewiring is enough to instill dread in commercial building owners. However, if you own an older building, you could be one step away from a fire hazard.

Advances in electrical engineering and regulatory codes have resulted in electrical technology that is safer and cost-effective. Retrofitting your building's old electrical wiring can minimize the failure rate and the risk of fire hazards.

Read on to learn more about the dangers of outdated wiring, signs to look out for, and related costs.

Causes of Electrical Fire Hazards

Electrical malfunctions are among the leading causes of fires in non-residential buildings. For older buildings, certain factors increase the risk of fire hazards.

Old Fixtures

Lamps and light bulbs with a higher wattage than the corresponding fixture can cause electrical fires. Older light fixtures are low on energy efficiency — and they may also be unable to support modern light bulbs and lamps.

Wear and Tear

Over time, wiring insulation wears down. This can expose the inner electrical wires, therefore, increasing the chances of electrical short-circuiting, which is potentially fatal.

Inadequate Grounding

With advances in building and fire codes, grounding is now a core aspect of modern electrical systems. However, buildings with older wiring typically lack the necessary grounding to avert fires resulting from electrical surges.

In addition, buildings with older electrical systems tend to have wires mounted with ceramic knobs and tubes. Knob and tube wiring lacks grounding and is intolerant to heat from increased loads.

Non-Compliant Wiring

Many buildings that were built in the mid-60s through to the 70s feature aluminum wiring — this type of wiring is 55 times more likely to induce an electrical fire than copper wiring.

Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more, oxidizes faster, and accelerates overheating. Using copper wires to rewire a building with aluminum wiring will reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Signs of Outdated Electrical Wiring

If you notice several of these signs, then your building's electrical wiring may need updating.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers protect appliances and electrical fittings from damage caused by electrical current overload.

When your building's circuit breakers trip too often this could be indicative of faulty wiring. To solve this problem, an electrician will rewire your building and install new circuit breakers.

Flickering Lamps

Look out for light bulbs that flicker or dim frequently as these may interfere with lighting and create unsafe working conditions. In addition, beware of electrical panels, switches, and outlets that are hot to the touch.

Fuse Box

Check the fuse box for visible wear and tear. Fuse boxes with re-wirable fuses are typically found in older electrical systems and are an indication that your building may need new wiring installed.

Damaged Wires

Visibly damaged wires are a sure sign of an outdated electrical system. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrocution and fire in your building.
Cost of Replacing Outdated Electrical Wiring

The cost of retrofitting an old building with new electrical wiring will depend on several factors including:
  • Materials- These costs include electrical wires, circuit breakers, electrical panels and others.
  • Lighting- LED lighting has a higher upfront cost, but it offers many energy benefits. Your choice of other fixtures such as the type of outlet and style of lamps will also vary the cost.
  • Labor- These costs include the time spent on demolitions and actual rewiring.
  • Permits- Building owners must obtain the necessary permits before beginning electrical work in their premises. You may have to pay for some of these permits.
Because electrical wiring is hidden behind walls, faults may go unnoticed for a long time. However, these hidden faults may create liabilities that can be costly to your business. Have a reputable electrical engineer inspect your building to evaluate your retrofitting needs.

At Circle Electric Inc, we use the latest electrical wiring technologies to ensure safety and efficiency in your commercial property. If yours is an older building, then give us a call today to discuss your rewiring needs.



 
The thought of rewiring is enough to instill dread in commercial building owners. However, if you own an older building, you could be one step away from a fire hazard.

Advances in electrical engineering and regulatory codes have resulted in electrical technology that is safer and cost-effective. Retrofitting your building's old electrical wiring can minimize the failure rate and the risk of fire hazards.

Read on to learn more about the dangers of outdated wiring, signs to look out for, and related costs.

Causes of Electrical Fire Hazards

Electrical malfunctions are among the leading causes of fires in non-residential buildings. For older buildings, certain factors increase the risk of fire hazards.

Old Fixtures

Lamps and light bulbs with a higher wattage than the corresponding fixture can cause electrical fires. Older light fixtures are low on energy efficiency — and they may also be unable to support modern light bulbs and lamps.

Wear and Tear

Over time, wiring insulation wears down. This can expose the inner electrical wires, therefore, increasing the chances of electrical short-circuiting, which is potentially fatal.

Inadequate Grounding

With advances in building and fire codes, grounding is now a core aspect of modern electrical systems. However, buildings with older wiring typically lack the necessary grounding to avert fires resulting from electrical surges.

In addition, buildings with older electrical systems tend to have wires mounted with ceramic knobs and tubes. Knob and tube wiring lacks grounding and is intolerant to heat from increased loads.

Non-Compliant Wiring

Many buildings that were built in the mid-60s through to the 70s feature aluminum wiring — this type of wiring is 55 times more likely to induce an electrical fire than copper wiring.

Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more, oxidizes faster, and accelerates overheating. Using copper wires to rewire a building with aluminum wiring will reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Signs of Outdated Electrical Wiring

If you notice several of these signs, then your building's electrical wiring may need updating.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers protect appliances and electrical fittings from damage caused by electrical current overload.

When your building's circuit breakers trip too often this could be indicative of faulty wiring. To solve this problem, an electrician will rewire your building and install new circuit breakers.

Flickering Lamps

Look out for light bulbs that flicker or dim frequently as these may interfere with lighting and create unsafe working conditions. In addition, beware of electrical panels, switches, and outlets that are hot to the touch.

Fuse Box

Check the fuse box for visible wear and tear. Fuse boxes with re-wirable fuses are typically found in older electrical systems and are an indication that your building may need new wiring installed.

Damaged Wires

Visibly damaged wires are a sure sign of an outdated electrical system. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrocution and fire in your building.
Cost of Replacing Outdated Electrical Wiring

The cost of retrofitting an old building with new electrical wiring will depend on several factors including:
  • Materials- These costs include electrical wires, circuit breakers, electrical panels and others.
  • Lighting- LED lighting has a higher upfront cost, but it offers many energy benefits. Your choice of other fixtures such as the type of outlet and style of lamps will also vary the cost.
  • Labor- These costs include the time spent on demolitions and actual rewiring.
  • Permits- Building owners must obtain the necessary permits before beginning electrical work in their premises. You may have to pay for some of these permits.
Because electrical wiring is hidden behind walls, faults may go unnoticed for a long time. However, these hidden faults may create liabilities that can be costly to your business. Have a reputable electrical engineer inspect your building to evaluate your retrofitting needs.

At Circle Electric Inc, we use the latest electrical wiring technologies to ensure safety and efficiency in your commercial property. If yours is an older building, then give us a call today to discuss your rewiring needs.