Old round switches and sockets installed in skirting without skirting trunking should be upgraded for safety reasons. You might also want to replace old sockets, light fixtures, and light switches. On the other hand, if your house was wired in the 1980s or later, chances are only a few upgrades will be needed to replace worn or damaged wiring and fixtures. If you have a larger house or you use energy-hungry appliances such as an electric water heater or a hot tub, it’s usually more cost-effective to go for the 200-amp panel. A 100-amp panel is enough for most homes of 3000 sq. The most common electrical panels are 100- and 200-amp models. In more typically sized homes, however, modern users tend to overload these panels, which presents a fire hazard.Īlmost all modern homes are built with 100-amp, 150-amps or 200-amp panels. A 60-amp panel isn’t inherently unsafe if used correctly, and even today it’s enough for a very small house.

Even if you feel you can make do with that much, chances are you’ll need to upgrade your service to qualify for homeowner’s insurance. If your electrical panel (breaker box) is undersized, replacing it with a larger one will let you use more electronics and appliances at once.īefore 1965, many homes were built with 60-amp panels, which were enough for a time when families used less electricity.

Rewiring usually involves more than just replacing old wire. Understand Your Needs © Karyna Chekaryova / Adobe Stock Rewiring is a major undertaking, though, and it requires planning and patience. Rewiring a home with an outdated or undersized wiring system will keep you safer, prevent annoyances such as flicking lights, and even save you money on electric bills.

Electrician handbook for homeowners