Be in the Know: Common Electrical Problems in Older Homes
Buying a fixer-upper or an older home as an investment or new home? With an older home, you not only have the exciting opportunity to personalize it, but you also have the reward of breathing new life into a home with history.
Before you power ahead, though, you need to understand that older homes have unique needs. This is especially true when it comes to their electrical systems, which can be outdated.
Here are some potential issues to be aware of:
- Too Few Outlets
Many older homes simply don’t have the number of outlets required to power the many electrical devices that people rely on these days. This can lead to an excessive use of both power strips and extension cords.Adding receptacles within 4 feet of all doorways, and then every 12 feet after that, makes your old home both safer and more convenient.
- Inadequate Power
Much has changed since older homes were built and wired. In many cases, there might not have even been codes in place to protect both the house and its occupants. Chances are, too, that your house wasn’t wired to handle all the demand that’s place on the electrical system these days.Televisions, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, gaming systems and more demand heavy use from your electrical system. Your wiring, outlets and other electrical components might need to be upgraded, so you can enjoy a safe and convenient experience.
- Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring is easy to recognize with its ceramic insulators that help pass wire through studs and cavities. Because the wire can deteriorate as it ages, it’s a good idea to replace it with modern electrical options.
- Constant Circuit Breaker Trips
Circuit breakers kick into action by tripping when a circuit is overloaded. This helps prevent fire hazards and eliminate overheating.If your circuit breaker trips occasionally, it’s likely due to a simple overload. More frequent occurrences, however, indicate a far more serious problem that requires an evaluation of the electrical system.
- Improper Grounding
Improper grounding can seem like a simple inconvenience because its presence can sometimes be felt as a shock when you touch something metal that’s also connected to the electrical system in your home. However, these shocks are a strong indicator that your older home is not properly grounded.
Looking to update your home’s outdated wiring? Contact our experienced and dedicated team or schedule an appointment today.