Old House Wiring: Should You Replace or Just Repair?

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Common Problems with Old House Wiring

• Signs Your Wiring Needs Replacing

• When Is Repair Enough?

• Risks of Using Aged Wiring

• Cost: Replace vs Repair

• Tips for Choosing an Electrician

• Did You Know?

• Conclusion

• FAQs

• Get a Free Quote

Introduction

Is your old house wiring still safe?

Many homeowners in Malaysia—especially those with homes built before 1990—don’t realize that their electrical systems may no longer be safe. Old wiring isn’t just inefficient; it can cause fires, electric shocks, and damage to appliances. So, should you replace all your wiring or just repair the damaged parts?

Common Problems with Old House Wiring

What usually happens with outdated systems?

• Main switch tripping frequently

• Flickering or dim lights

• Hot or burnt-smelling sockets

• Loose switches or sockets

• Old wiring types (e.g., two-core wires without grounding)

Signs Your Wiring Needs Replacing

When to consider a full rewiring:

• House is over 25 years old and has never had a full rewiring

• Frequent power disruptions at home

• Burn or scorch marks on switchboards or sockets

• Planning to upgrade electrical usage (e.g., installing aircon, oven, water heater)

When Is Repair Enough?

Situations where repair is sufficient:

• Issue is isolated to one switch or socket

• Wiring is still of the latest type (PVC 3-core with grounding)

• No signs of overheating or short circuits

• Wiring was recently replaced within the last 10 years

Risks of Using Aged Wiring

Don't take these risks lightly:

• House fires: Due to exposed, frayed, or shorted wires

• Electric shocks: High risk especially without grounding systems

• Damaged appliances: Unstable current can harm your TV, fridge, or computer

Cost: Replace vs Repair

Work Type	Estimated Cost
Repair socket/switch	RM80 – RM200 per point
Rewire a single room	RM800 – RM1,500
Rewire entire terrace house	RM4,000 – RM8,000
Add DB box & modern breakers	RM600 – RM1,200

Note: Prices depend on house size, number of points, and wire types.

Tips for Choosing an Electrician

To ensure safe and standard-compliant wiring work:

• Make sure the contractor is registered with the Energy Commission

• Request a written quote with detailed scope of work

• Check customer reviews before deciding

• Avoid choosing based on lowest price alone

Did You Know?

• Rubber-insulated wires can deteriorate after 20 years

• Malaysia’s current wiring standards require grounding for safety

• Homes without ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) are more prone to electric shocks

Conclusion

If your home is over 20–30 years old and has never had an electrical upgrade, a full rewiring is strongly recommended. However, if only a few parts are faulty and your wiring is still up to date, a repair may be sufficient. Always consult a certified electrician for proper evaluation.

FAQs

1. How often should home wiring be replaced?

Every 25–30 years is ideal, or earlier if damage is detected.

2. Do I need a permit for wiring work?

Yes, for major jobs like full rewiring, your contractor will usually handle the permit.

3. Can I inspect my wiring myself?

Not recommended. Wiring inspections should be done by certified electricians.

4. Does new wiring go through the ceiling?

Yes, rewiring typically runs through the ceiling and trunking.

5. Can I reuse old sockets?

Yes, if they’re still in good condition, but it's safer to upgrade to newer sockets.

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