If you own an older home in the Lehigh Valley area, chances are your electrical system may not be up to modern standards. Many houses in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding communities were built decades ago—long before today’s energy demands and safety codes. Whole house rewiring is a major project, but it is often necessary to ensure your home is safe, functional, and ready for the future.
At Kelley Electric, we specialize in helping homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley upgrade their electrical systems with reliable, code-compliant rewiring services. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about whole house rewiring: why it matters, when it’s needed, how it works, and what to expect from start to finish.
Why Whole House Rewiring Is So Important
Wiring is the hidden infrastructure that powers your home. It runs behind walls, under floors, and through ceilings—quietly delivering electricity to every outlet, switch, and light fixture. But just like a roof or HVAC system, your wiring can wear out over time.
Outdated or damaged wiring increases the risk of fire, power surges, and electrical failures. It can also limit your ability to add new appliances, devices, or technology. Rewiring your entire home replaces old, unsafe components with new materials that meet today’s electrical code, improve efficiency, and give you the flexibility to upgrade your home in the years ahead.
Signs You May Need Whole House Rewiring
Not sure if your home in the Lehigh Valley needs to be rewired? Here are some of the most common warning signs:
1. Frequent Breaker Trips or Blown Fuses
If your circuit breakers trip regularly or you’re still using an old fuse box, that’s a sign your electrical system is struggling to keep up.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker when an appliance turns on may indicate that your circuits are overloaded or that there is faulty wiring behind the walls.
3. Outdated Wiring Types
Many homes built before 1970 used knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These systems are not only outdated but potentially dangerous if not replaced.
4. Discolored or Warm Outlets and Switches
Outlets that are warm to the touch or have burn marks may be overheating—often a sign of failing or improperly installed wiring.
5. Lack of Grounded Outlets or GFCIs
Modern codes require grounded three-prong outlets and GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. If your home lacks these features, it likely needs an upgrade.
6. Not Enough Outlets
If you rely on power strips or extension cords in every room, your home’s wiring may not be keeping up with your lifestyle.
What’s Involved in Rewiring a House?
Whole house rewiring is a detailed, multi-step process. At Kelley Electric, we use a clean, organized approach to complete projects efficiently with minimal disruption. Here’s what’s typically involved:
Step 1: Electrical Evaluation
Our team starts with a thorough inspection of your current electrical system. We assess the wiring type, condition, breaker panel, and overall layout. Based on this, we’ll recommend a rewiring plan tailored to your home’s age, size, and future needs.
Step 2: Permit and Code Compliance
All electrical rewiring work in Pennsylvania must follow local and national code. We handle all permitting and work closely with local inspectors to ensure your system meets or exceeds NEC standards.
Step 3: Access and Prep
We carefully plan the best access points to reach your wiring. In some cases, drywall cuts are needed. Our electricians do everything they can to minimize damage, keeping your home as clean and livable as possible.
Step 4: Removing Old Wiring
Outdated wires and unsafe components are carefully removed, and we install new grounded wiring throughout the home. We also replace old switches, outlets, junction boxes, and any damaged fixtures.
Step 5: Upgrading the Panel
If your current electrical panel is not rated to handle modern loads, we may recommend upgrading to a 200-amp panel to ensure capacity for appliances, HVAC, EV chargers, and future expansion.
Step 6: New Circuit Installation
We install new circuits designed around your current usage. Dedicated circuits may be added for heavy appliances like ovens, dryers, and air conditioning. You can also add modern features like USB outlets, recessed lighting, or smart switches.
Step 7: Final Testing and Inspection
Once the rewiring is complete, we test all connections, inspect every component, and coordinate final inspections with the township to confirm that your system is safe, code-compliant, and ready to go.
How Long Does It Take?
In the Lehigh Valley, most rewiring projects take between 5 and 10 business days depending on the size of the home, the age of the existing wiring, and whether the home is occupied during the work. Here’s a general timeline:
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Small homes (under 1,500 sq. ft.): 3 to 5 days
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Mid-sized homes (1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft.): 5 to 7 days
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Large or complex homes (2,500+ sq. ft.): 7 to 10+ days
If you’re living in the home during the rewire, the process may be staged room by room to maintain partial power and minimize disruption.
What Does Whole House Rewiring Cost in the Lehigh Valley?
The cost to rewire a home in the Lehigh Valley typically falls between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on a few key factors:
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Square footage and number of circuits
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Accessibility of wiring routes (attic, basement, finished walls)
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Whether drywall repair and patching are included
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Electrical panel upgrade requirements
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Choice of outlets, switches, and fixtures
At Kelley Electric, we provide clear, itemized estimates up front. Our goal is to be transparent, so you know exactly what to expect.
Benefits of Rewiring Your Home
While whole house rewiring is a serious project, the long-term value it brings to your home is substantial.
1. Safety First
Replacing outdated or deteriorating wiring reduces the risk of fires and electrical shock. You protect your family and meet current safety standards.
2. Improved Performance
New wiring handles today’s high-powered electronics and appliances with ease, reducing flickering, overheating, or tripped breakers.
3. Better Functionality
Rewiring lets you add outlets where you need them, install new lighting, or power modern upgrades like EV chargers and home automation.
4. Higher Resale Value
A home with updated wiring is far more attractive to buyers and may command a higher sale price, especially in an older housing market like the Lehigh Valley.
5. Insurance Benefits
Some insurance companies are reluctant to cover homes with aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring. Upgrading your system can improve eligibility and even reduce premiums.
Is It Safe to Live in the Home During Rewiring?
Yes, in many cases it is. Our team at Kelley Electric will work in phases so you can continue to live in the home while the work is done. However, you should expect temporary power interruptions, some dust, and limited access to certain rooms. For families with small children, elderly residents, or home-based businesses, a temporary stay elsewhere may be more comfortable.
Rewiring FAQ
Do I need to rewire if I upgrade my panel?
Not necessarily. Panel upgrades can be done without a full rewire. But if your wiring is old or unsafe, both may be needed to bring the system up to code.
Does rewiring include new outlets and switches?
Yes. As part of the process, we replace all outlets, switches, and cover plates to ensure compatibility and safety with the new wiring.
Can I choose where new outlets go?
Absolutely. If you want more outlets in certain rooms, new lighting, or even smart home tech, we can work that into your rewiring plan.
How do I know if my home has aluminum wiring?
Homes built between 1965 and 1973 may have aluminum branch wiring. We can identify it during an inspection and recommend the best course of action.
Does Kelley Electric handle cleanup and wall repair?
We clean up after every job and restore your home to the best of our ability. Minor drywall cuts are patched, and we’ll coordinate with your contractor or painter for any finish work if needed.
Why Choose Kelley Electric?
Kelley Electric is proud to be a trusted electrical contractor serving Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and all of the Lehigh Valley. Our team brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to quality workmanship on every project. When you choose us for your rewiring needs, you can expect:
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Licensed, insured, and highly trained electricians
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Local expertise and familiarity with Pennsylvania code
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Transparent pricing and detailed estimates
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Clean, respectful job sites and excellent communication
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A job done right the first time, with safety as our top priority
Whether you’re updating an older home or preparing for a major renovation, we’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
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Whole house rewiring is essential for older homes in the Lehigh Valley with outdated, unsafe, or insufficient wiring systems
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Warning signs include flickering lights, breaker trips, warm outlets, or lack of grounded outlets and GFCIs
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The process involves inspection, permits, replacing wires, upgrading the panel if needed, and final testing
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Most rewiring projects take 5 to 10 days and cost between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on the home
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Rewiring enhances safety, adds functionality, increases home value, and improves energy performance
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Kelley Electric provides expert whole house rewiring services for homeowners across the Lehigh Valley
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you think your home may be due for a full rewire, or if you’ve noticed any of the warning signs mentioned above, don’t wait until there’s a serious problem. The licensed electricians at Kelley Electric are here to help you upgrade your home safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Contact us today to schedule your electrical inspection. Let’s make sure your home is powered safely for years to come.