Current Safety Standards
Current Safety Standards | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | Georgetown
From century-old bungalows on the Square to modern builds sprouting along the San Gabriel, Georgetown homes share one essential need: a dependable electrical backbone. HEP’s licensed technicians combine deep local knowledge with the latest NEC updates, infrared diagnostics, and AFCI/GFCI technology to bring every circuit, panel, and outlet up to today’s stringent safety thresholds. We respect the character of historic properties while discreetly threading new wiring, and we future-proof newer homes for the rising demands of EV chargers, solar tie-ins, and smart-home systems.
Whether you’re chasing flickering lights, preparing for a remodel, or eliminating aluminum branch circuits, our whole home rewires service delivers peace of mind without the mess. Expect transparent quotes, dust-containing work zones, and meticulous inspections that ensure your family enjoys reliable power for decades—backed by HEP’s lifetime workmanship warranty.
FAQs
Why might a Georgetown home need a complete electrical rewire?
Many homes in Georgetown were built before modern safety requirements existed. If your house still has knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch circuits, ungrounded two-prong receptacles, or overstressed fuse panels, a full rewire is usually safer than piecemeal repairs. Rewiring replaces deteriorated conductors, adds grounding, and increases circuit capacity so today’s high-demand appliances and electronics can run without overheating or tripping breakers.
Which codes and safety standards govern a whole-home rewire in Georgetown?
All electrical work must comply with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the State of Texas; Georgetown currently enforces the 2023 NEC with local amendments. Key safety requirements include AFCI protection for most 120-V branch circuits, GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and unfinished areas, properly sized grounding electrode conductors, tamper-resistant receptacles, and labeling of service equipment. In addition, the city’s Building Inspection Department requires a permit, rough-in inspection, and final inspection before power can be restored.
How long does a typical whole-home rewire take and will I have to move out?
A rewire timeline depends on square footage, accessibility, and whether walls are open or finished. A 1,800-sq-ft single-story house usually takes 5-7 working days; a two-story or historic structure can take 10-14. You generally do not need to vacate, but short daily power shutdowns are inevitable. We coordinate critical loads (refrigerators, internet, medical equipment) so they are energized again each evening. If full-day outages are unavoidable, we can arrange temporary generator feeds or schedule work while you are away.
What are the most common warning signs that my present wiring is unsafe?
Indicators include frequent breaker trips or blown fuses, lights dimming when appliances start, outlets that feel warm or emit a buzzing sound, scorch marks on receptacle plates, brittle or cracked insulation in the panel, or the smell of burning plastic. Homes with pre-1960s wiring often lack a grounding conductor, increasing shock risk. If you experience any of these, a licensed electrician should perform an infrared panel scan and continuity test to determine if a rewire is warranted.
How do you protect my property and keep the job site safe during a rewire?
We begin with a detailed walk-through and create a circuit map to limit wall and ceiling cuts. Where possible, we fish new NM-B cable through existing cavities and use flexible drill bits to avoid structural damage. Furniture, floors, and HVAC registers are sealed with plastic and drop cloths, and we set up negative-air machines to control dust. We follow OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures, use fire-rated caulk to seal penetrations, and perform daily cleanup so the house remains livable.
Will a whole-home rewire boost energy efficiency or resale value?
Yes. New copper conductors sized for modern loads reduce resistance and waste heat, saving 1-3 % on annual electricity usage. Rewiring also allows the installation of dedicated circuits for high-efficiency HVAC, EV chargers, induction ranges, and solar interconnection. Because buyers and insurers place a premium on safety, a documented rewire can raise a Georgetown home’s market value by 5-10 % and may lower homeowners-insurance premiums by up to 20 % by removing fire hazards.