How to Upgrade Home Electrical Wiring
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How should I upgrade the electrical wiring and replace the fuses with circuit breakers? How to Upgrade Old Electrical Wiring and Fuses. |
Upgrading Old Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question: I have an old home and I need to upgrade the electrical wiring and replace the fuses with circuit breakers.
I have a old home in Wisconsin. The insurance companies I spoke with won’t allow fuses. The 1st floor apartment has had an upgrade to breakers.
- The circuit breaker box was wired through the fuse box, will that pass insurance approval?
- The 2nd floor apartment has fuses. When I upgrade to breakers, do I need to replace the wiring too?
- There is a 3rd floor apartment, but I can’t afford the upgrade so I will eliminate the fuse box.
- Do I need a master electrician?
- Do I need a permit? (my exterior siding is bad).
- Or can I install a switching device that allows for the operation of only one major appliance at a time? (do insurance companies allow this?).
My income is very low. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank You for your kind attention.
This electrical wiring question came from Mary, a Homeowner in Racine, Wisconsin.
Additional Comments: This is a wonderful website. I am grateful that you take the time to offer help. Thank you again for your kind attention.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mary.
How to Upgrading Old Electrical Wiring and Fuses
Application: Upgrading Older Home Electrical Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits, Extension Cords, and Ladders.
Construction Safety: All personal safety measures must be taken when performing remodel projects where you may come into contact with hazardous materials and environmental contaminants such as fiberglass insulation, vermiculite and asbestos, molds or mildew, as well as dust.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of wall coverings and structural construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring or upgrading existing electrical circuits and wiring should always be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Insurance Companies May Require Upgrading Old Electric Wiring and Fuses
In some areas insurance companies do not allow the old fuse type electrical system, therefore the fuse boxes should be replaced with new electric service panels that contain circuit breakers.
Upgrading Old Electrical Wiring and Fuses
The following is an Example of How this Old Home Electrical System May be Upgraded:
- Typically, the insurance company will require an inspection of the home to identify areas of concern and code violations or potential hazards. The inspection report will have to take into consideration the current adopted codes for your location with respect to the specific home and the extent of the work or improvements that will be required in order to use the home as an occupied dwelling that is safe.
- When upgrading a home electrical system a permit will need to be filed with the local jurisdiction, and the work may be done by an approved qualified person, or the work may be done by a Licensed Contractor.
- All of the issues and concerns as previously stated may be addressed by the Licensed Electrical Contractor with respect to your budget and immediate needs for the home occupancy.
- Once each area has been upgraded an inspection may be made to sign off and approve the specific concern.
- Each area or building department jurisdiction will have specific details that will assist you with your project, and so will each insurance company, therefore be sure to inquire about their specific information as it relates to your home project.
- The insurance company will be satisfied when each item of concern has been addressed with the necessary repairs and an inspection by the building department has approved the work as complete and according to code.
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