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When I bought this house I noticed some of the electric outlets work and some do not. I was told the home used to have a rodent problem but that they were now gone. I may have to rewire the home but the problem is I think the rodent problem may be back. I see a lot of squirrels hanging around outside and on the roof of the house and I have heard noises inside the wall of my room .
My question should I pay to rewire the house if the squirrels are just going to chew the wires all over again? I was hoping there is a easier and greener way to get electicrity inside a home especially if I choose to go solar ? Any ideas would be welcome
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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If a rodent bites clean through a wire it will disable any outlets beyond that point. If they chew off the insulation and leave bare copper exposed, they could cause a short that will result in a fuse or breaker blowing, and even possible fire. I would first have a reputable exterminator come in and get rid of the rodents, and advise you on how to keep them from getting into the walls. There could be missing vent screens, holes made by woodpeckers, missing shingles, or even tunnels dug to access under the house. Then it's definitely a good idea to rewire and use metal conduit to ensure no future rodent damage, since they seem to be plentiful in your area.
Is a metal conduit like a tube to hold the electical wires that a rodent cannot chew through? Is there a better way to get electricity into a home then to have wires inside the walls? Some sort of green eco alternative system I could try?
Is a metal conduit like a tube to hold the electical wires that a rodent cannot chew through?
Correct.
Is there a better way to get electricity into a home then to have wires inside the walls?
Not and comply with code. Surface mount and chases are done industrially, but are butt ugly.
Some sort of green eco alternative system I could try?
No. Not if you want standard household power. Low amperage low voltage requirements are not as stringent, but they are not good for much more than a light or two. At higher wattages, low voltage runs are MUCH more dangerous than house wiring and not efficient.
Household electrical systems have been thought and rethought by thousands of smart and educated people for over a hundred years.
Is a metal conduit like a tube to hold the electical wires that a rodent cannot chew through?
Correct.
Is there a better way to get electricity into a home then to have wires inside the walls?
Not and comply with code. Surface mount and chases are done industrially, but are butt ugly.
Some sort of green eco alternative system I could try?
No. Not if you want standard household power. Low amperage low voltage requirements are not as stringent, but they are not good for much more than a light or two. At higher wattages, low voltage runs are MUCH more dangerous than house wiring and not efficient.
Household electrical systems have been thought and rethought by thousands of smart and educated people for over a hundred years.
Maybe so but I still envision some ideas of my own. What about portable light sockets with some sort of solar battery or silent generator attachment? Just place them wherever they are needed.Or what about lights that have rechargeable batteries attached to them so they do not need to be plugged in? I just feel tired of this situation I want something new.
Can't help you there. It is a dead-end path and money spent. Sometimes though, you just have to play and have the experiences. Have fun, just don't over-expect.
Maybe I could get rid of them in a gentler way? Like the use of unpleasant noises or odors? There is a stray male cat that comes to visit us maybe if he sprayed the areas in the attic with his scent they would go away ? Or maybe play loud music and scare them? I also read there are some natural and herbal scents that they do not like.
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