Upgrades To Your Home Electrical System Aren’t So Hard
Depending on the location and materials cost, upgrading to a 100-amp service with a new panel will cost around $1,500. This number represents the current average cost, but the size of your home and regional prices will influence the cost as well. Upgrading from knob & tube wiring can cost anywhere from $3,000 and beyond. This project price depends heavily on the condition of the wiring and the removal process. The cost of new wiring materials factors in as well. Using a certified Houston Electrician will ensure thins go smoothly.
Labor prices may also dictate the cost. Hiring a licensed electrician is often more expensive than a simple technician, but well worth the investment. Their expertise is invaluable. In many regions the bylaws state that a licensed Houston electrician is the only professional that can complete this type of project.
Electrical upgrades are inevitable in many older homes. For insurance purposes and to ensure your power needs are met an upgrade to 100-amp service may be necessary. Replacing your old knob & tube wiring with modern wiring adds safety to your home. Be sure to hire a professional electrician to handle these upgrades for you and consider them an essential property investment. A Houston Electrician will follow all codes to ensure quality and safety.
How To Know Your Knob & Tube Wiring Needs to Be Upgraded – Knob and tube wiring can last for decades without any need for replacement. The need for an upgrade depends mainly on the condition of the wiring. If the sheathing is still intact and the wiring hasn’t been tampered with, you may not need an upgrade. Your insurance company or real estate agent may disagree, and insuring or selling your home may make an electrical upgrade a priority.
Have a look at the wiring and the terminals on your knob & tube system. If the sheathing has deteriorated, in places or along the entire run, the wiring should be replaced. But be aware that some homes have a partial upgrade – the exposed wiring has been changed to a modern product, but knob & tube wiring can still be found behind the walls, under flooring and in other hard to access areas.
Partial upgrades are often done when only selections of circuits are worn or aged. But in today’s market conditions it is much more affordable to upgrade the entire electrical system at once, ensuring that all wiring is up to date and safe.
Houses built before 1960 likely included a 60-amp service. At that time 60 amps were sufficient to power up a typical home. However, more appliances and electrical devices require a greater amount of power and many homes have been upgraded. Today all newly constructed residential buildings include a 100-amp service, and some are equipped with 200-amp services.
Older homes often contain wiring and electrical services that do not meet current building codes. Many insurance companies refuse to cover residences that include these products, so an electrical upgrade becomes necessary. Homeowners need a qualified electrician for this extensive job, but there are several considerations they need to address beforehand, ensuring this project goes smoothly.
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