How to prevent fire in the second house renovation

Many older homes should consider upgrading the main electrical panel during a second renovation, as the original panel may not be sufficient to handle modern electrical demands and might lack essential safety features like leakage protection.

In addition, in older residential buildings, the existing socket circuits often lack a grounding wire — typically only two-hole sockets are present, which doesn't meet current electrical safety standards. This issue must be addressed by either replacing the main electrical panel with one that includes grounding or consulting with the property's power management team to determine the proper installation location and connection method for the ground wire. It is important not to attempt to install a ground wire without professional guidance.

The rewiring of electrical circuits, commonly referred to as "strong electricity," involves both lighting and socket circuits. During a second renovation, it's crucial to update these systems. If the original wiring used aluminum cables, they must be replaced with copper-plastic wires, as aluminum has a lower melting point and higher resistance, posing serious safety risks. The government has already phased out the use of aluminum wiring. Before starting the renovation, it’s recommended to open up several socket boxes to inspect the original wiring conduits. If the conduits are corroded, they should be discarded entirely. If they are still in good condition, you can replace the wires inside them. If the conduit contains standard-compliant plastic wiring, it can still be used.

To reduce renovation costs, it's possible to keep the existing wiring in place instead of removing it completely. However, any new power outlets or lighting circuits should be routed separately from the distribution box rather than directly connected to the original circuit or outlet. This is because the original wiring was installed based on the load capacity of each circuit branch. Adding new devices or outlets to the existing system can overload a single circuit, leading to tripped breakers, damaged wiring, or even fires.

Electrical system upgrades, including water and power lines, are a critical part of any second renovation. Most homeowners will need to undertake this work. In some older houses, failing to upgrade the electrical system can result in operational issues, fire hazards, or water leaks. Given the importance of such a transformation, it's essential to approach it carefully and professionally. This article is provided by China Rescue Equipment Network.