Licensed Electricians
Licensed Electricians | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | Philadelphia
From historic brownstones in Center City to modern townhomes in Fishtown, Philadelphia houses all share one truth: their electrical systems need to keep pace with today’s tech-driven lifestyles. HEP’s team of licensed electricians specializes in whole home rewires that replace outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring with safe, efficient copper circuits. We map every outlet, switch, and fixture, securing permits, coordinating inspections, and respecting your plaster walls or finished drywall as if it were our own.
A full rewire is more than a safety upgrade—it’s an investment in comfort and peace of mind. By redistributing electrical loads, adding dedicated appliance lines, and grounding every receptacle, we eliminate tripped breakers, flickering lights, and hidden fire risks. Pair that with HEP’s transparent pricing, dust-containment methods, and schedule you can set your watch by, and you’ll see why Philadelphia homeowners trust us for whole home rewires done right the first time. Ready to power your future? Let’s get started today.
FAQs
What exactly is a whole-home rewire and why might my Philadelphia house need one?
A whole-home rewire is the complete replacement of all branch-circuit wiring, receptacles, switches, and the main service panel (if required). Many Philadelphia homes—especially rowhouses built before 1950—still contain cloth-insulated, knob-and-tube, or aluminum wiring that is no longer code-compliant and can overheat under today’s appliance loads. A rewire brings every circuit up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) and Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) standards, significantly reducing fire risk, improving reliability, and enabling modern conveniences like EV chargers and smart-home devices.
How can I tell if my Philadelphia property really needs a full rewire?
Common red flags include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm or scorched outlets, two-prong receptacles with no ground, the presence of knob-and-tube or aluminum conductors, and an undersized 60- or 100-amp service panel. If your home is over 40 years old and hasn’t had a documented electrical upgrade, scheduling a licensed electrician for an inspection is the safest way to know. We use load-calculation software, infrared cameras, and spot testing to determine whether selective upgrades or a full rewire is the prudent choice.
How long will a whole-house rewire take and do I have to move out?
For an average 1,800 sq ft Philadelphia rowhome we typically need 5–7 working days, while larger or plaster-walled properties can take up to three weeks. We work circuit-by-circuit, carefully cutting access channels and patching them after rough-in. You do not usually need to vacate; we set up temporary power, protect furniture with plastic sheeting, and clean daily. If plaster restoration or other remodeling is planned, coordinating those trades can extend timelines.
Do I need city permits and inspections, and who handles that paperwork?
Yes. The City of Philadelphia requires an Electrical Permit for any service upgrade or new circuitry. Rough-in and final inspections must be performed by a third-party agency recognized by L&I. Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and we take care of all permit applications, fees, scheduling of inspectors, and any re-inspection that may be needed—all built into your project quote.
What does a whole-home rewire cost in the Philadelphia area?
Pricing depends on square footage, number of circuits, service-panel size, wall type (plaster vs. drywall), and accessibility (finished basement vs. open framing). As a rule of thumb, complete rewires in Philadelphia start around $12,000 for a small 1-bedroom condo and range to $25,000–$35,000+ for larger historic rowhomes or twins needing service upgrades to 200 amps. After an on-site assessment we provide a fixed, itemized proposal so there are no surprises.
Why should I hire a licensed Philadelphia electrician instead of a handyman for a rewire?
Whole-home rewiring is complex, heavily regulated work. Licensed electricians must complete 4,000+ hours of apprenticeship, carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and stay current with NEC updates. We use only UL-approved materials, perform load calculations, bond and ground the system properly, and supply a Certificate of Approval from the city—a requirement for homeowner insurance and resale disclosures. Choosing a licensed contractor protects you from code violations, voided insurance, and costly safety hazards.