Why Old Wiring Is a Big Risk
If your home or business has old wiring, it may be doing more than slowing you down—it could be a safety issue. Outdated electric systems were never designed for today’s loads: multiple TVs, gaming, smart devices, space heaters, EV chargers, and more. That extra demand can stress wires, cause overloaded circuits, and increase electrical fire hazards.
We see this often across Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus. Homes built decades ago may still have outdated fuse boxes, aluminum branch circuits, or brittle, frayed wiring hidden in walls. Even if everything “seems fine,” the risk may grow over time.
Clear Signs It’s Time to Talk Rewiring
Look for these warning flags. One or two may simply need repair; several together often point to whole-home rewiring:
- Frequent breaker trips or fuses blowing for no clear reason (classic overloaded circuits)
- Flickering or dimming lights when appliances start up
- Warm or discolored outlets/switch plates, or a burning smell
- Two-prong outlets or a lack of GFCI/AFCI protection in kitchens, baths, garages, or outdoors
- Outlets that spark, buzz, or feel loose
- Mix of old and new wiring from past add-ons, plus an outdated fuse box
- Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring in older homes
- Extension cords everywhere because there are not enough circuits
If you are planning a remodel, adding a big appliance, or finishing a basement, it is a perfect time to ask us about a home electric upgrade. Opening walls once, doing the work right, and bringing everything to current code may save headaches later.
Whole-Home Rewiring vs. Targeted Repairs
Not every home needs a full rewire. We like to start with a licensed safety assessment:
- Repairs or partial rewiring may make sense if damage is limited to one area, like a kitchen, a panel upgrade, or a faulty circuit.
- A whole-home rewiring is often the better choice when wiring is brittle throughout, ungrounded, or undersized for today’s demand. If the panel is outdated and many circuits are stressed, a clean slate may be safer and more cost-effective over time.
We walk you through options and explain the “why,” not just the “what.”
What a Modern Rewire Includes
A professional rewiring project typically includes:
Panel & Service Upgrades
We assess amperage needs and may recommend a new panel with room to grow. This reduces overloaded circuits and supports future tech—EV chargers, heat pumps, home offices, and more.
New Branch Circuits
We run properly sized copper wiring, add grounded outlets, and spread loads so everyday use is safer and more reliable.
Life-Safety Protection
Modern codes call for GFCI in wet areas and AFCI in living spaces. These devices help reduce electrical fire hazards and shock risks.
Clean, Labeled Layout
We label circuits clearly so you know what controls what. That makes life easier for you—and for any future service.
Permits & Inspections
We handle permits, coordinate with inspectors, and keep your project compliant in Alabama and Georgia. You get peace of mind that the job is done right.
How Long It Takes—and How We Minimize Disruption
Timelines vary by size and age of the building, number of stories, and how finished the walls are. We plan the work in logical phases to keep parts of your home or business usable as much as possible. We communicate daily, protect floors and furnishings, and clean up as we go.
Cost Factors to Consider
Pricing depends on square footage, panel capacity, access to walls/attic/crawl spaces, and the number of new circuits. Upfront, thorough planning helps control surprises. If needed, we can discuss phased work and financing options so you can upgrade safely without stress.
Remember: The cost of a home electric upgrade may be less than the long-term expense of repeated repairs, higher insurance risk, or damage from a preventable incident.
Safety & Code: Why Professional Matters
DIY fixes may seem tempting, but hidden mistakes create hidden dangers. Our licensed electricians test every connection, size conductors correctly, and ensure proper grounding and bonding. That is how you reduce electrical fire hazards and avoid nuisance trips down the road.
With more than a century of service, Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air is trusted to deliver quality work that stands the test of time.
Quick Self-Check: Do Any of These Fit Your Place?
- Built before the 1980s and never fully updated
- You rely on power strips and extension cords daily
- Rooms have no grounded (three-prong) outlets
- Lights dim when the microwave or hair dryer runs
- You see frayed wiring, brittle insulation, or cloth-covered cable in attics or basements
- Insurance flagged your outdated electric during a renewal or inspection
If you checked a few boxes, it is smart to schedule an assessment.
Why Choose Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air
We are family owned and operated since 1908, serving Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, Columbus, and nearby communities. Our team is known for craftsmanship, clear communication, and clean jobsites. We show up prepared, explain your choices in plain language, and back our work.
Ready to Make Your Wiring Safe and Future-Ready?
If you suspect old wiring or want to plan a whole-home rewiring, let us help. We will evaluate your system, share a detailed plan, and guide you toward a safer, more reliable electric setup—one built for today and ready for tomorrow.
Call to Action
Schedule your safety assessment today. Contact Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air for expert rewiring and home electric upgrades in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus. Let us protect your property and your peace of mind.
