Homeowners + Property Managers
8 Reasons You May Need a Whole-Home Rewire
Many homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, including San Mateo County, were built decades ago, long before modern electrical demands. As technology, appliances and safety codes evolve, older electrical systems quickly become outdated and hazardous. A whole home rewire upgrades your wiring to modern standards, improving safety, reliability and will increase your home’s value.
Here are eight common reasons local homeowners should consider a whole-home rewire.
1. Your Home Has Outdated Wiring
Older homes in San Mateo County and the San Francisco Peninsula may still have knob-and-tube (1880-1950), cloth wrapped (1940-1960), aluminum wiring (1950-1970) or even mixed wiring (combined over past decades). These types of wiring were not designed to handle modern electrical loads. These systems deteriorate over time, are unsafe and increase fire risks.
2. Frequent Tripped Breakers, Blown Fuses
If breakers trip regularly or lights shut off unexpectedly, your home’s wiring may be overloaded. This is common in older Peninsula homes that haven’t been updated for today’s power usage.
3. Burning Smell, Warm Outlets
Warm outlets, buzzing switches or burning odors are serious warning signs. These issues can indicate loose connections behind the walls and should be inspected immediately.
4. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering lights in your home often signal loose wiring or overloaded circuits. In many cases, this points to the need for a comprehensive home electrical upgrade.
5. Remodeling or Home Additions
Kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, ADUs (accessory dwelling unit) or home offices in cities like Palo Alto or Menlo Park increase electrical demand. A whole-home rewire ensures your electrical system can safely support new appliances, lighting and outlets.
6. Insurance or Code Compliance Concerns
Some insurance providers limit coverage for homes with outdated wiring. Rewiring helps bring your home into California electrical code compliance, making insurance approvals and resale smoother.
7. Increased Electrical Demand
Modern homes rely on EV chargers, HVAC systems, smart technology, and LED lighting. Older wiring systems were not designed for these loads, increasing the risk of overheating and failure.
8. Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets
Two-prong outlets are common in older homes and indicate a lack of grounding. A whole-home rewire replaces them with grounded three-prong outlets, improving safety and protecting electronics.
Schedule a Local Electrical Evaluation
If your home shows any of these signs, a licensed electrical contractor serving the San Francisco Bay Peninsula can evaluate your system and recommend the right solution. A whole-home rewire is a smart investment in safety, performance and long-term property value.
If you’re experiencing electrical problems, contact us for a free home electrical consultation.
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650-222-8250
info@violetrayelectric.com
Questions on whole home rewires or knob-and-tube wiring?
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650-222-8250
