Rewiring your home may be prudent if the current wires were installed a few decades ago. It may also be a good idea if evidence of frayed, improperly installed, or otherwise defective wiring exists. However, several variables determine how much time and money will be needed to finish your project.
Wires Are Often Hidden Before Drywall
When a home is first built, wires are typically hidden behind a given space’s drywall. The same is often true when an addition is built onto a house. This is done because a room looks cleaner when there aren’t a bunch of wires running along the walls. Wires are also hidden for safety reasons, as you don’t want someone to come into contact with a live wire accidentally. Keeping wires behind drywall may also help to protect them from water damage.
New Wires Can Be Installed and Attached Elsewhere
An electrician will likely be able to install new wires in an attic, crawlspace, or similar area accessible to that professional. First, the house’s power is turned off so existing wires can be disconnected from the electrical panel. The new wires are then run through the wall and attached to the same panel. Those wires are also connected to a beam, joist, or other sturdy object so they don’t fall on a person or other object after they go live.
As they are no longer attached to the electrical panel, the old wires are rendered as little more than ornamental pieces. They cannot hurt anyone or otherwise cause damage to the walls they are hidden behind because they are no longer living or carrying any electricity.
After ensuring no current is coming through the old wires, the power to the home is turned back on. You can then enjoy your new electrical setup without worrying about how you will replace drywall or clean up the mess made by removing the existing drywall.
Some Drywall May Need to Be Removed
It’s worth noting that small pieces of drywall may need to be removed to gain access to existing wires. However, patching and replacing what is taken promptly and inexpensively will be relatively easy. The team at Mister Sparky may be able to include minor drywall repair as part of your overall rewiring project.
Call Mister Sparky for Help Today
If you are thinking about rewiring your home, call our team to learn more about how we can help. Our goal is to work on your house in a timely and affordable manner to reduce the interruption caused by a major home improvement project.