Most people know that a full rewire is the complete renewal of the electrical installation in a property. But what is a partial rewire? And why might you need one?
Your local rewire specialists at NDM Electrical Romsey are here to answer all your questions about partial rewires.
Partial Rewiring Explained
A partial rewire at your Romsey home involves a similar process to that of a full rewire and is an upgrade of the electrical installation. The major difference is that it is restricted to one or two areas of your property. Much as with a full rewire, the old circuitry and hardware from the rooms being rewired will be removed and new cabling and fittings will be installed. As the work is being carried out in only one area of your home, the disruption will be considerably less than with a full rewire. However, floorboards and carpets will still need to be lifted and the walls will be chased out for new wiring. There will be the inevitable creation of dust and noise and there will be times when your power is switched off. Choosing an experienced rewire electrician will ensure your partial rewire is completed safely, tidily and within a pre agreed timescale.
Why do I need a partial rewire?
Partial rewires normally occur when the electrics in one room or floor in your Romsey home have experienced damage. This is usually due to exposure to extreme conditions or after poorly performed modifications have been carried out.
If your wiring has suffered any of the following, a partial rewire may be needed:
- Flood or water leak – Water and electricity are a notoriously poor mix and if your electrics have been exposed to wet or damp conditions they will need to be looked at by an electrician. After being exposed to damp conditions metal fittings will begin to rust, cabling becomes brittle, and the internal copper wiring will oxidise. This kind of damage usually follows a water leak, a flood, or the failure of the damp course in a home.
- Overload – Overloaded cabling that is subjected to excessive power demands can become hot. When this occurs the PVC coating will become brittle, and the risk of an electrical fire or shock is high. Overload is often caused by the high-power demands of modern electronics on older electrical wiring. It can also occur after an amateur attempt to install inappropriate hardware on a circuit.
- Loose or faulty connections– A loose connection within your wiring puts you at high risk of fire or electrical shock as it becomes exposed. A qualified electrician will need to replace the wiring to keep you and your home safe. A partial rewire will be needed if this is evident throughout a room’s installation.
- Age of your wiring – Electrical wiring degrades with time and use. After around 25 years wiring will need to be replaced. In many Romsey homes, there will be areas that were wired at different times. A partial rewire may be the best course of action in these instances to ensure all areas meet safety standards.
- Fire damage – If you have unfortunately suffered a fire in one area of your house, the wiring there will need to be replaced.
- Animal damage – Electrical wiring that has been damaged by either mice, rats or squirrels will be dangerous. A partial rewire, after the exterminator has given you all clear, will be needed to repair the damaged areas of your electrical installation.
There are many reasons why a rewire, full or partial, may be required at your property. If you are based in Romsey or the surrounding area and have concerns about your wiring, NDM Electrical will be happy to inspect your home and let you know whether a full or partial rewire is recommended. Our fully qualified, NICEIC registered electricians are friendly, reliable and highly recommended. As specialist rewire electricians, we offer an unrivalled service that is swift and efficient. Call us today.
