There are a lot of older homes around Wichita, KS, which is remarkable unto itself given the extreme weather that the area receives. However, older homes bring older electrical wires with them, which means that for some homeowners it might be a good idea to revisit the idea of upgrading their home wiring. 40 years ago homes were built much differently than they are now because energy consumption by the average homeowner was very low. In today's world, where everyone has a smartphone, tablet, cellphone, and at least five different kitchen appliances, electrical systems are tested in older homes.
Is Wiring an Outlet a Professional Task?
At the very least, you have probably noticed that your Wichita home is short on electrical outlets. It is very likely that at some point you have considered wiring an outlet so that everyone can plug their cellphones in at the end of the day without a huge power strip. However, this is only a temporary solution to home wiring issues given the fact that extra outlets won't solve any issues if you don't update your circuit box. Outlets are not what determines how much electricity your home can accommodate, your electrical box is and that means that fusing a few electrical wires is not going to do it. This task, of course, is way over the comfortability level of most homeowners, as it should be.
4 signs your electrical wire is aging:
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Circuit breakers tripping
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Frayed wires
Turn to the Experts in Wichita for Help With Electrical Wiring
Eck Services in Wichita has been offering electrical services to our neighbors since 2004. We are locally-owned and operated and are able to help all of our Sedgwick County clients from our base on Meridian Road. Our electricians are licensed and insured and deliver quick and flexible electrical solutions so that your home wiring never has to limit your electrical use again. As an A+ rated BBB accredited business, we know what it means to provide top-tier electrical services and work hard to show our new clients why we have become an ally to many homeowners in Wichita.
Is it time to consider upgrading your home wiring or at least wiring an outlet? Contact us online or give us a call at (620) 220-1752 today to schedule your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The classic CPSC/ESFI/NFPA checklist: frequent breaker trips on the same circuit; flickering or dimming lights when an appliance runs; persistent burning-plastic smell; warm or discolored switch/outlet plates; two-prong (ungrounded) outlets still in service; visible cloth-insulation or knob-and-tube runs in the basement or attic; aluminum branch wiring (typical 1965–1973 builds); recurring shocks from appliances; or a home inspection flagging 'original wiring' on a 40+ year old home. Any combination of two or more makes a strong case for a full rewire rather than a patch.
Both are functional when undisturbed — but both are red-flagged by home insurers. Knob-and-tube has no grounding conductor and can't safely handle modern load (microwaves, window ACs, space heaters). Aluminum branch wiring expands and contracts more than copper, loosening connections over time. CPSC found aluminum connections at an outlet are 55× more likely to create a fire hazard than copper. Many insurance policies won't write or renew homes with active knob-and-tube, and a growing number require a full copper rewire as a condition of coverage.
For an occupied 2,000 sq ft home, typically 5–10 working days for a 'rough-in and trim' rewire that preserves most drywall, and 2–3 weeks for a 'surface-mount or minimum-damage' rewire through finished walls. Power is cut for portions of the job, but most crews stage it so at least one circuit (fridge, kitchen, a few lights) stays live at end of day. Expect permitting + final inspection to add a few business days at the end.
Yes — a panel upgrade is separate from a whole-home rewire and is commonly done as a stand-alone 1-day job. The existing branch circuits are re-terminated into the new panel. If the existing branch circuits are undersized, aluminum, ungrounded, or two-prong, the electrician will flag which must be rewired to meet current NEC standards. Many homeowners take a staged approach: panel upgrade now, targeted kitchen/bath/bedroom rewires over the next 1–3 years.
