“If you’re concerned about home rewiring in Los Angeles, you’re not alone. Many homes across Los Angeles — especially those built before the 1980s in areas like Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena — are still running on outdated electrical wiring. While the lights may work just fine, aging wiring can create hidden hazards behind your walls that pose a serious fire and safety risk.
At 911 Construction & Electric Inc. (CSLB #1027421), we’ve inspected hundreds of homes across Los Angeles County and consistently find the same warning signs that homeowners overlook. Here’s what to watch for — and when it’s time to call a professional.
Why Rewiring Matters in Los Angeles
California’s electrical code has been updated significantly over the decades. Homes built before 1980 may have aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube systems, or undersized panels that weren’t designed for today’s electrical demands — think multiple TVs, EV chargers, air conditioning units, and home offices running simultaneously.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 home fires each year. Outdated wiring is one of the top contributing factors — and many of these fires are entirely preventable.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights dim or flicker when you turn on a large appliance — like your air conditioner, washer, or microwave — it’s a sign that your electrical circuits are struggling to handle the load. In Los Angeles, where summers push AC units hard, this is a very common complaint we hear from homeowners in Burbank and Pasadena.
While a single flickering bulb might just be a loose fitting, lights dimming throughout the house point to a deeper wiring or panel issue that requires professional inspection.
2. Breakers That Trip Frequently
Circuit breakers are designed to trip as a safety mechanism — but if yours are tripping regularly, that’s not normal operation. It means the circuit is consistently overloaded, which can degrade wiring over time and create a fire hazard.
If a breaker trips once after heavy use, reset it. If it keeps tripping or won’t reset at all, call a licensed electrician. Never replace a breaker with a higher-rated one yourself — this removes the safety protection entirely.
3. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks Near Outlets
This is the most urgent warning sign on this list. A burning smell — even faint — near an outlet, switch, or panel could mean wiring is overheating behind your walls. Scorch marks or discoloration around outlet faceplates confirm heat damage has already occurred.
If you smell burning near any outlet or panel, stop using that circuit and call an electrician right away. This is not a situation to monitor — it is a potential fire hazard that needs immediate attention.
4. Sparks When Plugging In Devices
A very brief, tiny spark when plugging in a device can be normal — it’s just electricity making contact. But large, frequent, or long-lasting sparks are abnormal and indicate a loose connection, short circuit, or moisture issue inside the outlet. Any sparking that concerns you should be inspected by a licensed electrician.
5. Outlets or Switch Plates That Are Warm to the Touch
Outlets and switches should always be at room temperature. If they feel warm — or if you hear buzzing or crackling sounds coming from the wall — wiring inside may be arcing or overheating. This is a code violation and a fire risk that should be addressed immediately.
6. Your Home Was Built Before 1980
Many Los Angeles neighborhoods — including parts of Glendale, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley — have large stocks of homes built in the 1950s through 1970s. These homes may have:
- Aluminum wiring — expands and contracts differently than copper and can loosen over time, creating arcing hazards
- Knob-and-tube wiring — lacks a ground wire and wasn’t designed for modern electrical loads
- 60-amp panels — drastically undersized for today’s homes; most modern households need 200 amps minimum
- No GFCI or AFCI protection — now required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas under California code
If your home falls into this category, a professional electrical inspection is strongly recommended even if you haven’t noticed any obvious problems.
7. Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets Throughout the Home
If most or all of your outlets have only two slots (no round grounding hole), your wiring predates modern safety standards. Ungrounded outlets can damage sensitive electronics and pose a shock risk. Upgrading to grounded three-prong outlets requires proper grounding — not just swapping the faceplate.
What Does Home Rewiring Cost in Los Angeles?
The cost varies depending on the size of the home, the type of existing wiring, and the scope of work. A typical Los Angeles home rewire ranges from a targeted circuit upgrade to a full panel replacement and whole-home rewire.
Rewiring a home in Los Angeles doesn’t always mean tearing out every wall. Our team at 911 Construction & Electric uses low-impact techniques to run new wiring with minimal disruption — and we handle all permits and inspections required by Los Angeles County.
We always provide a detailed written quote before any work begins — no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has aluminum wiring?
The easiest way is to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel and outlets. You may also see “AL” stamped on the wire jacket in your panel or attic. Aluminum wiring is silver-colored rather than copper-colored.
Do I need a permit to rewire my home in Los Angeles?
Yes. Any significant electrical work in Los Angeles County requires a permit from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). At 911 Construction & Electric Inc., we handle all permitting and inspections as part of every project.
How long does a home rewire take?
A full rewire of an average-sized Los Angeles home typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on the size and complexity. We work efficiently to minimize disruption and keep your home livable throughout the process where possible.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover rewiring?
In most cases, no — insurance covers damage from electrical failures, not the rewiring itself. However, some insurers offer discounts after a certified rewire, and some may require updated wiring to maintain coverage on older homes. Check with your provider.
Can I stay in my home while it’s being rewired?
In many cases, yes. We plan the work in phases to keep most of your home powered during the project. Our team will walk you through what to expect before work begins.
Concerned About Your Home’s Wiring? Contact Us Today
911 Construction & Electric Inc. serves Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Altadena, and all surrounding areas. Our licensed electricians provide free written quotes with no obligation.
License #1027421 | Available 24/7 | (747) 255-8595