Changing the wiring in an old house: where to start?

Buying an old, charming property or embarking on a major renovation of your existing home is a pleasantly nerve-wracking stage. We, "DM grupa" SIA, perfectly understand the desire to get started with the visual design of the premises as soon as possible, but we want to remind you that the most important thing and the most important thing for your safety is hidden behind the walls. One of the most important engineering systems in a home that needs to be properly inspected and most often replaced is the wiring.

Here is a guide we have prepared to help you understand what the first steps are when starting to renew the wiring.

Why is the old wiring a safety risk?

Morally and physically obsolete wires that have served in the building for 30 years or more are not only inconvenience - this is a real threat to both your property and life.

• Risk of fire and short circuit: The biggest consumers of electricity (electric stoves, ovens, kettles) create a huge load. The old sockets overheat at higher power, which can cause a fire. Short circuits, on the other hand, can permanently damage expensive electrical equipment.
• Insurance and legal requirements: Did you know that wiring must be checked every 10 years? This is a security issue. If such an inspection is not carried out, insurers may refuse to insure the property or refuse compensation in the event of an accident. In addition, natural persons may be fined from 30 to 280 euros for not complying with this requirement.

Where to start before starting repairs?

Before breaking walls and buying new wires, it is important to assess the current situation and understand your daily needs.

• Visual inspection: Look at the existing switches and sockets. Pay attention to mechanical damage and traces of melting or burning. This is the first and most obvious signal that the system cannot handle the current load.
• Documentation identification: Find out whether the property has measurement and inspection documentation prepared by a certified specialist, as well as an accurate wiring diagram.
• Capacity and equipment planning: Think about what equipment you plan to install. Together with a specialist, it is necessary to check whether the house technically has enough power (and the number of phases) for the safe operation of all modern equipment.

Golden rules when building a new electrical installation

When the decision to change is made, there are several important principles and technical nuances that should not be ignored.

• Change everything completely: In no case "grow" the new wires next to the old ones and do not extend old lines. This creates weak points and there is a risk of overheating at the connection points.
• Plan the sockets according to the furniture: Plan the layout of the room accurately before starting work. This will avoid "tangles of extension cords" in which several high-power devices are connected at the same time.
• Separate lines for large consumers: The electric stove must necessarily run a separate wire with an appropriate cable cross-section and its own circuit breaker in the electrical distribution.
• Thoughtful number of circuit breakers: Do not skimp on the number of circuit breakers in the distribution box. If there are not enough of them, it will be difficult for the electrician to identify faults in the future, and because of one faulty device, the electricity can go out in the whole house.
• Document the wiring paths: If you hide the wires under plaster or plaster, be sure to take a photo of their location before closing the walls. This will save you from breaking the walls in the future if you have to find any damage.
• Quality materials and fittings: Choose only CE-marked switches and sockets. It is recommended to choose products from well-known manufacturers with good and durable fasteners that can withstand frequent connecting and disconnecting of devices (such as a vacuum cleaner).

Entrust the work to professionals

Electrical installation work is not an area where you can experiment or try to save money by doing it yourself. The works often require coordination with the operator or JSC "Sadales tīkls", and they must be carried out in accordance with strict safety standards.

We, "DM grupa" SIA, deal with electrical works and construction of various complexity throughout Latvia. Certified and experienced specialists work in our team, who will help you plan a scheme that meets your needs, as well as complete the construction of the installation and the necessary measurements. Take care of the safety of your property and family in time!