Rewiring Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Kitchen
Is your home more than 40 years old? If so, it may be time to think about rewiring your kitchen. After all, there is a very good chance that your electrical wiring is no longer up to code. If that’s the case, you are probably feeling the effects primarily in your kitchen. If you have found that lights are flickering when you use kitchen appliances or that your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, the time is probably here to rewire your kitchen.
Since 1974, the National Electrical Code has gone through revisions a total of 15 times. With that taken into consideration, it seems obvious that older homes would no longer meet the current standards. This not only leaves you vulnerable to electrical hazards but also in-home fire risks. With the kitchen being a prime location for the presence of water as well as having a large number of electrical appliances, this area of the home is a hotspot that could benefit greatly from a more modern rewiring plan.
In terms of safety, rewiring your kitchen is a huge consideration that you should certainly make. According to recent research by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 in 5 electrical fires occurring between 2012 and 2016 originated in the kitchen. That being said, there are ideal times to consider a project of this magnitude. After all, the cost of rewiring your kitchen could run several thousand dollars. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider all of the necessary factors when considering rewiring your kitchen. Let’s talk about that.
When is the Best Time to Rewire Your Kitchen?
Has your kitchen been deemed unsafe by a licensed electrician? You should go about rewiring your kitchen as soon as possible- it’s a safety risk. If an electrician hasn’t deemed your kitchen unsafe, however, you have a bit more flexibility in terms of when to rewire your kitchen. If you need immediate assistance in rewiring your kitchen, contact the experts at Right Electrical Services to evaluate the existing wiring in your kitchen and discuss a wiring plan. At this point, you can work with our technicians to line up a time that not only aligns with your schedule but also your budget.
Believe it or not, for many homeowners, a complete kitchen rewiring is a matter of not “if” but “when”. If that’s the case, there’s no better time to go about rewiring your kitchen than now. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, this is actually the perfect time to think about rewiring. That’s because your electrician will have to open up the walls to access the wiring and reposition outlets.
Keep in mind that a rewiring plan should always be central to your kitchen remodel. In addition to current code requirements, the placement and type of lighting you’ll be installing, outlets, and appliances will guide your redesign efforts.
Why Should I Rewire My Kitchen?
You may be wondering why you should even consider the expense associated with rewiring your kitchen. To that, we say, “Why wouldn’t you?” Beyond the peace of mind that knowing your kitchen is up to code, there is a slew of benefits associated with rewiring your kitchen.
One such benefit is found in the fact that our electrical demands- particularly in the kitchen- have risen steadily with time. If your kitchen is outdated in terms of wiring, it’s not going to get the job done. Put simply, modern appliances mean more power and you have to have a wiring system that is capable of handling such a load, safely and efficiently. Most American homes need 200 amps and 240 volts in order to deliver enough juice to power their kitchen appliances.
If you’re interested in learning how many circuits your updated kitchen requires, work with a licensed electrician. A standard-sized kitchen can easily have six circuits or more. Work with a knowledgeable electrician to determine exactly how many you’ll need to be on the safe side.
Another benefit found in rewiring your kitchen is that it will make the space more convenient and capable almost immediately. That being said, don’t overlook the long-term benefits of this project. In many cases, rewiring the kitchen can even lead to lower home insurance rates as the area is deemed safer. In fact, some insurance carriers won’t even cover homes with outdated wiring as they’re a huge fire hazard. Even if they do, they’ll charge outrageous premiums because of the risk involved.
Homes built between the 1960s and 1970s consist of aluminum wiring and are a whopping 55 times more likely to “reach fire hazard conditions” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If your home has aluminum wiring, the time is here to consider rewiring your kitchen.
How to Find the Right Electrical Contractor For Your Kitchen Rewiring
If you have decided that rewiring your kitchen is in the cards, you may be wondering how to find an electrical contractor that can handle the job. That’s easy. If you’re in the Raleigh-Triangle region, look no further than Right Electrical Services, LLC. Contact our Raleigh electricians to set up an appointment to form an electrical wiring plan for your kitchen today! If upgrades are needed, a rewiring project can typically be completed in a day or two. This depends on the exact size and configuration of your kitchen.
That being said, be sure to do your homework before contacting an electrical contractor for rewiring your kitchen. Only work with an electrician that is licensed, insured, and bonded. Additionally, find one with plenty of experience related to kitchen remodels. Remember, older homes can be tricky so make sure you’re working with an expert!
If you’re ready to take on the project of rewiring your kitchen and want the best of the best working with you, give us a call today at (919) 359-1017 or Request an Appointment online! We’ll be happy to work with you.
Renee Rose
Renee is a freelance copywriter and blogger known for her expertise surrounding topics like marketing, freelancing, mental health, and more. She has written for hundreds of small business websites and is the Marketing Director here at Right Electrical Services, LLC. Renee believes that when a business prioritizes entertaining, engaging, and informational content for their readers, they can expect a loyal following that trusts their company.