Renovating an old house: replacing electrical wiring in a private house

High-quality and modern systems for human life support provide not only various conveniences and comfort, but also absolute safety of use. Naturally, many of us are interested in the question - how much does it cost to replace the wiring in an apartment and where to find a reliable team of professionals. There are a huge number of companies operating in the capital’s market, providing a variety of services in the area in question. Typically, companies offer customers tariffs that differ slightly from each other. Some will say that it is easier to hire a private contractor, because the complex of necessary measures will be carried out cheaper. Others will argue that you can significantly reduce financial expenses if you organize the work yourself.

Each apartment owner chooses how to achieve this goal himself, but if he refuses the help of highly qualified craftsmen, the operation of electricians is fraught with the emergence of various problems.

So how to choose the best option and not make a mistake?

• The experience of specialists must be at least 8-10 years. During this period of time, the master will have time to complete a large number of orders, as well as prepare several dozen examples of the work he has carried out;
• Availability of the entire list of relevant equipment and a large arsenal of tools;
• You should pay attention to the ability of the master to quickly calculate and agree with the customer an estimate for the cost of replacing the wiring in the apartment and the list of necessary materials.
• Availability of positive reviews, as well as recommendations from real clients;
• Professionals will always provide a contract and a guarantee for all work they perform.

Installation of a temporary structure

After disconnecting the apartment from electricity, you will need to connect power tools and at least one lamp for lighting. Otherwise, all work will have to be carried out during daylight hours, but what about rooms that do not receive daylight (toilet, corridor)? Therefore, we proceed in the following way:

• We take a board and attach a block to it for one or two sockets.
• We buy or cut a flexible cable (KG or PVS) with a cross-section of at least 4 mm2.
• We turn out the plugs or turn off the supply machine.
• We connect to the meter cable using a regular twist.

In some cases, you will need permission to connect a temporary structure. You can get it from the housing office or energy sales office. Without permission you can get a large fine.

Electrical wiring installation steps

Professional installation of electrical wiring is a complex of activities that includes a lot of technical as well as organizational aspects. Everything must be planned and agreed upon, since not only the cost of the work depends on this, but also the degree of client satisfaction. Usually we highlight the following stages of installation of electrical wiring, and on this basis we draw up an estimate:

• A detailed inspection of the premises in the apartment and determination of the optimal method for installing new wiring. In the absence of a complete repair, installation is carried out in grooves. Otherwise, the cable is installed externally;
• The master ensures the drawing up of a diagram that will guarantee uninterrupted power supply;
• calculation and approval of the required material to replace the wiring
• Calculation of the cross-section of electrical wiring, preparation of a site for the installation of low-current systems, for example, for the installation of Internet and TV lines, modern LED backlights;
• Preparatory work is provided.

Removing old wiring

Most of our houses belong to the secondary housing stock, so in most cases the electrical wiring is designed for small loads, usually 1.5 kW per apartment. Today, when apartments are overcrowded with a variety of appliances, 10 kW is considered the minimum acceptable. Therefore, after purchasing a new property, you should immediately look at the current electrical wiring plan in the house.

After studying the diagram, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the (PEU) rules for electrical installations.

Let's look at some of them:

1. All aluminum cables must be replaced with copper ones.
2. Solid grounding must be replaced with protective grounding.
3. New rules require modern branching of wires into groups.
4. A new wiring plan, with a complete replacement of all parts, must be approved by a qualified energy supervision employee.

Wires in the junction box
After studying the relevant literature, proceed to the next step:

1. We take a pre-prepared plan for the new wiring.
2. We abandon the temporary structure and connect directly to the panel to de-energize the apartment.
3. Manually remove old cables. To search for hidden and non-functional cables, you can use a special device - a hidden wiring detector.
4. We are digging and preparing a place for the new system.
5. We install sockets, wiring, switches.

We select and purchase materials

after visiting the customer’s site and discussing all the details of the future project. The engineer prepares a specification and an estimate sheet for the material, which includes a complete list of the necessary materials for performing electrical installation work. The customer has the right to independently purchase all the necessary material, according to the engineer’s specifications.

It is better to entrust the purchase of material to professionals, since they have already established trusted suppliers, and they are provided with good discounts. Also, a professional has more experience in distinguishing an original product from a fake.

Cable for connecting lighting

For organizing lighting in an apartment, VVGng 3x1.5 wire is most often suitable - the average price per meter is 45 rubles. Modern apartments, regardless of the number of rooms, are equipped with a significant number of energy-saving technologies. These include LED lamps, strips, etc. Someone will say that you can save on the wire and buy it cheaper with a cross-section of 0.7 mm. We strongly do not recommend doing this due to safety concerns.

Cable for connecting sockets

When talking about purchasing a cable for connecting sockets, you should take into account certain nuances. The apartments contain energy-intensive appliances. For their uninterrupted operation, you will need a wire with the appropriate cross-section, for example, for sockets, a VVGng 3x2.5 cable is used, the average price is 50-55 rubles. per meter They are particularly safe, but the main thing is that they will handle several simultaneously connected devices. The cable for the socket must have three cores (the third core is grounding). A cross section of 2.5 mm for household sockets will be sufficient.

For a question? a cable with a cross-section of 1.5 mm will also withstand the load, so there is no need to spend money. Now imagine that there is only one socket in the bathroom, and you need to connect not only a washing machine, but also a hair dryer? In general, the load on the outlet can exceed 2.5 kW, and this is the maximum that a wire with a cross-section of 1.5 mm can withstand. A cable with a 2.5 mm cross-section can handle a load of 4.5 kW,

Wiring for electric stoves

A separate topic is purchasing wiring for connecting electric stoves. If we take into account the induction model, then its consumption exceeds 4.5 kW. Naturally, when all the burners are turned on. In order to guarantee the safe operation of such a device, professionals recommend purchasing a cable with values ​​of at least 3x4 mm.

It is important to note that the cost of replacing wiring in an apartment in Moscow depends on the class of installation work. Some customers use, for example, 10 sockets in a one-room apartment. Others require 30 pieces. Moreover, certain clients need low-current systems, which will also affect the final price for installing wiring in the apartment.

Instrument panel for replacing electrical wiring in a private house

The second important element of the electrical installation is the main one. distribution board. Here, the power is divided into separate electrical circuits and distributed through cables throughout the house. The board also contains fuses, protections and other devices for the correct operation of the installation.

Dashboard upgrade

In many old houses, such shields have been modernized. Instead of fuses, you can find newer circuit breakers, supplemented with a residual current device. It protects against electric shock not only in case of direct contact. For example, with a device body with insulation damage. But also if you touch a live wire or terminals in a socket or switch.

The operation of an RCD is based on a comparison of the current flowing in the phase wire and the neutral wire. And if there is a significant difference, quickly turn off the power source. Residual current can also result from breakdowns caused by damaged cable insulation or moisture in electrical devices. Most often this concerns old equipment operating in conditions of high air humidity. Then the switch may cut off the power very often.

Label the distribution board. Each fuse must have a circuit name. If the board shows signs of burnout, loose cables without covers, or sloppy rework. You cannot use it and during the repair period you must run a portable switchgear that will ensure safe operation. It's a good idea to find out if the previous homeowner took mandatory (every 5 years) measurements of safety, cables and fixtures. If not, use the installation carefully.

Today, the fuse block with fuse links does not meet basic safety requirements. The new switchgear must be equipped with adequate protection against overvoltage, overload and electric shock.

Home renovation is not only an opportunity to change electrical equipment, but also a good time to move sockets and connectors to a convenient location.

How is the cost of replacing wiring in an apartment determined?

The main role in determining the cost of the entire complex of works is played by the total number of points for connecting electrical appliances. In each hotel case, the price is calculated individually. To obtain accurate information, we recommend contacting the duty engineer of our company by calling the hotline. The estimate will be drawn up after an analysis of the premises as accurately as possible. So, what determines the cost of replacing wiring in an apartment :

• The installation method chosen by the customer, namely in grooves or external type. In the first case, it will be necessary to carry out groove work, drilling, for example, holes for installing sockets and switches;
• The total number of individual power points, as well as the length of cable used;
• Number of rooms in the room, their square footage;
• The presence of the need to carry out work on installing additional electrical panels, their size and the number of circuit breakers;
• The quality of the entire list of consumables and equipment.

The hidden type of installation of electrical wiring looks the most aesthetically pleasing and attractive. In this case, the cable routes are hidden inside the walls under the plaster and wallpaper. Note that such work will cost significantly more if compared with external cable laying.

What should be the power of the electrical connection?

When starting to replace an electrical installation, first of all, together with a designer or electrician, you should carefully inspect the existing installation and find out about its main elements.

The best place to start is with an electrical connection called a cable connector (ZK for short, which is how power supplies are labeled) as well as a power consumption meter. This can be on the street or at home. The electrical cabinet has a cable connecting it to the electrical network, which can be buried in the ground, through external walls or through an overhead line.

Application to increase the power of the electrical connection. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the agreement concluded with the electricity supplier. It contains information about the ordered capacity of our connection. This is very important, since it may turn out that after the repair the number of electrical devices will increase or they will require more power (for example, an induction cooker, storage heater.). In such a situation, you should contact your local power company for additional power. Once permission is obtained, it may be necessary to reconstruct the connection, such as replacing the power cable with a larger one.

If we do not receive more power (often the maximum allocation is 12-15 kW), then plans for equipping the house with additional devices will have to change. We also have to apply for electricity distribution when an old house does not have a meter installed, but we can often make a temporary electrical connection so that renovation work can be carried out freely.

Anyone renovating an old home should do some electrical work. It’s worth starting by determining the connection power, i.e. the maximum active power consumed from the network. Ideally, its cost should be assessed by an electrician.

Cost of specialist work

There are teams in the capital that fulfill their obligations for a price fixed by management. If we take into account a three-room new apartment, then the entire turnkey work package will cost approximately 60,000 thousand rubles. You can find a company that is ready to carry out the planned activities a little cheaper, but you should definitely ask about the availability of appropriate qualifications of the master and practical experience. We do not recommend entrusting the replacement of wiring to private traders, and even more so to dubious citizens from neighboring countries.

We present to your attention an average example:

• Installation of a power distribution panel, as well as connection and assembly of circuit breakers - from 10,000 rubles;
• Installation and laying of wire – 90 rubles per meter;
• Connecting one lighting fixture on the ceiling - from 900 rubles;
• installation of sockets - from 500 rubles per piece.
• groove - from 200 rubles per meter.

example of estimate

How often is smart installation performed?

In Russia

Smart installations are most often installed in new homes. In older ones they are produced sporadically. I think no more than 5 percent. orders.

Installing installations to support automation in existing homes often involves replacing the electrical installation. This is usually a consequence of the fact that the methods of organizing such installations have only recently been standardized. It also happens that the existing turnkey electrical wiring replacement and installation in a private home is not suitable for inclusion in the automation installation. Having to cut grooves into walls and sometimes floors comes with the risk of damaging other cables, especially if they are not inventoried.

The cost of installing a smart home always depends on its size and the complexity of the functions it must perform. This is also influenced by the design of visible elements. However, the difference in price between the same installations in an old and new house can only be reduced to the cost of the furrow, which fluctuates around 10%.

Companies involved in the installation of smart buildings must deal with the comprehensive implementation of the electrical distribution board (design, assembly, installation, commissioning, as well as preparation of technical documentation and electrical measurements.

When is it necessary to change the wiring in an apartment?

Below we will tell you in what situations you should order a service for replacing wiring in an apartment:

• The existing wiring has been actively used for 15 years and has an aluminum base;
• If the wiring is copper, but has been in use for more than 25 years;
• Regular machine shutdowns occur due to overloads;
• It is necessary to increase the number of sockets and replace the cable with a larger cross-section.

If there is a technical malfunction that a technician can identify, then partial replacement of the existing wiring in the room will cost the customer significantly less than replacing the entire network. Moreover, such a procedure provides an excellent opportunity to save money on routine and major repairs of the apartment. Improving the electricity supply system even in one room will reduce the load on the rest of the apartment.

How to choose a machine?

Circuit breaker - designed to protect residential and industrial premises from short circuits, which can cause rapid electric shock to a person. The principle of operation is as follows: in normal circumstances, when the functionality of the devices and cables is in ideal condition, the switch passes current through itself. But, when one device suddenly fails or the incoming current exceeds the rated value, the circuit breaker immediately trips and the network opens.

Net

Usually in apartments, in front of the meter, an introductory machine is installed. One switch for each room and a separate circuit breaker for the electric stove and lighting lines.

To correctly select circuit breakers for outlet lines, it is necessary to start from the cable cross-section.

If you plan to install one consumer on the protected line, you should select the amperage based on the power of the device.

Table for selecting machines (maximum values ​​are lowered by 1 - 2 points for your safety).

Where to order replacement of wiring in an apartment

It is important to pay attention to the fact that by turning to Elektrikru.ru for help, each client is guaranteed to receive a 5-year guarantee for the work performed, which will be performed at the highest and most professional level. Of course, you are wondering what exactly is included in such services. Then the list below is especially for you:

• We will carry out all electrical installation work on a turnkey basis at the most reasonable prices, reliably and efficiently;
• We organize the restoration of both parts and electrical wiring as a whole;
• We carry out installation and replacement of lighting fixtures;
• The installation of the switchboard will be carried out, as well as the replacement of machines in the distribution panel;
• laying a new electrical cable

High-quality repairs and replacement of electrical equipment in an apartment are a kind of guarantee for the successful and long-term functioning of existing devices and units. Without a complete and reliable supply of energy, almost no device will work as expected. Don’t hesitate to contact us, especially since the prices and cost of replacing the electrics in the apartment are approved by our company at the most democratic level and are available to everyone.

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Replacing electrical wiring in a private home or expanding the electrical installation?

In an old house we can expect a real tangle of cables. The electrical installation is often modified many times and adapted to the current needs of the residents. Therefore, to feel safe, most often the entire installation needs to be replaced.

When to Replace the Electrical System

The easiest way to replace an electrical installation is during a major renovation or renovation of a home. You can then remove all the old cables and arrange them according to the new design. Unless we decide to undertake a major overhaul, we will need to thoroughly inspect the installation and then decide which part of it needs to be replaced or expanded.

Minor changes to the electrical system can be ordered by a licensed electrician. However, replacement or expansion requires a design that complies with the standards currently in force and is carried out by persons who, in addition to operating licenses, have a supervisory qualification that allows final measurements of the installation.

We can only leave the electrical installation in its current state or expand it when we are confident that it has been manufactured to the applicable standards, we have accurate as-built documentation with measurements and its visual condition is unobjectionable. If there is visible damage to the distribution board, cables and equipment, there is no documentation for connecting individual circuits and there are no measurements of the installation, then for reasons of our safety we should decide to completely replace it.

In older homes, it is often necessary to replace the entire electrical installation to feel safe.

Laying new wiring

Let's look at the installation of a new power supply system using this diagram as an example.

Circuit example

For this we need:

1. The wire.
2. Corrugated or heat-resistant tube.
3. Automatic machines, sockets, switches.
4. Spare grooves and curved chisels.

After removing the old wiring, we begin laying the new one. For private and small apartments, a single-line house power supply diagram is suitable. To do this, you need to apply a preliminary drawing on the walls, then we proceed to gating.

Note! After installing new electrical wiring, cosmetic repairs to the room will be required.

It is necessary to carry out gating, adhering to certain rules.

• The grooves must run strictly in a horizontal or vertical direction in relation to the floor; crossing or moving obliquely is prohibited.
• It is necessary to maintain a distance of 15–20 cm from the ceiling and floor.
• The groove depth should not exceed 25 cm.
• Horizontal breakdown of load-bearing walls is prohibited. Only vertical processing is allowed.

After the grooves are ready, first of all it is necessary to run the wire from the junction boxes to the meter. For additional safety, the cable can be placed in a special heat-resistant fabric, corrugation. Fixation should be carried out using alabaster every 1 or 1.5 m. Next, a wire is laid from pre-installed distribution boxes to switches and sockets.

The simplest electrical metering device

The next step is the main cable, which is connected to the distribution wires in junction boxes. It is worth paying attention that fastening must be carried out using a special terminal block, and not ordinary twisting. To ensure that replacing electrical wiring in your home with your own hands is of better quality and safety, you should consult a professional electrician. After connecting all the wires, we move on to the main power supply and connect all the sockets, chandeliers and switches. Read about how to connect a chandelier with a double switch in a separate article on our website.

The final stage is to connect the entire system to the electrical metering device. If your device is old, then it is worth replacing. The ideal option would be to invite a qualified electrician to help you run the wires from the entrance to the apartment. It is better to install the meter in a plastic or metal box.

When choosing a meter, pay attention: you can install a multi-tariff device in order to subsequently save on electricity in the evening and at night.