As a rule, a person far from electrical engineering does not know when to replace the wiring in the house. Most likely, he/she does not even think about the fact that it needs to be done before the wiring finally fails. Like any important “artery” in the “body” of home, wiring needs prevention and care. It needs regular maintenance, routine inspections and sometimes a complete replacement. After all, it also has its own service life.
When is the wiring usually changed?
In most cases, electrical wiring is replaced during major repairs. However, if it was not carried out on your own, you cannot be sure of the quality of electrical work, and, therefore, you will not be able to calculate how much longer it will last before problems like interruptions, short circuits, etc. begin.
Remember, it is necessary to change the wiring every 25-30 years in the UK.
Consequences of the evolution of electricity consumption
If major repairs in your house were carried out more than 20 years ago, your wiring is already subject to replacement. The point here is not even that the constructive elements of the network are simply outdated. The main reason is the difference in the load from household appliances.
Imagine how much electricity needs have changed over the past 20 years. Your parents needed a couple of outlets in the kitchen and the same amount in the living room, while we already need much more, and the wiring installed more than 20 years ago is simply not ready for such loads.
In fact, such wiring will make it impossible to use several devices of average power at the same time. For example, you will not be able to start the washing machine, boil an electric kettle and watch TV at the same time. And this is not to mention the fact that devices with high consumption will not be able to be used at all, even separately. You will have to forget about a running water heater, an electric boiler and even an electric stove.
There are many reasons why you should make sure that the condition and technical characteristics of your wiring meet the standards. Replace it if necessary.