Is Your Electrical System Outdated? 5 Signs to Look Out For
Most people who are home hunting are happy to take on a property that is a fixer-upper, as usually, these homes are cheaper and have a retro vibe to them.
However, one area that should always be considered before signing on the dotted line is the electrical systems in the home. After all, poorly insulated wiring, as well as a lack of safety shortcuts, can pose a real fire risk, so you will need to know what to look for in the electronics in any home you are aiming to buy.
So, what are five signs that you need to look out for if you suspect that your home’s electrical system needs updating?
Fuses
Circuit breakers are the standard option for electrics in modern houses, and so, if you have fuses, you will need to Google ‘electrical repairman near me’ to make sure that any alterations or replacements that are made to the fuses are done by a trained team.
Simply put, circuit breakers are safer than fuses, and if you are buying an older home, part of the home insurance may stipulate that before the home can be insured, these systems will need to be updated.
Knob and Tube Wiring
Another sign that you may need to have an electrical update is the presence of knob and tube wiring.
This was a common feature of homes built before the 1950s and is simply when knobs and tubes were used to insulate and protect wires. However, in more recent builds, the wiring will usually have non-flammable plastic insulation, which means knob and tube wiring is not only going to be outdated but will not meet current safety standards. So, best to get the inevitable out of the way and have it all stripped and replaced.
Aluminum Wiring
When homes were being built in the 1960s or 1970s, the main wiring that was used was aluminum.
However, even in this time period, a common problem with using this kind of metal for wiring was its tendency to overheat and oxidize. So, if you have been told that the new home you are buying was built in the 60s or 70s (or earlier), then it is probably wise to have an electrician come out to assess the wiring in the walls, especially if you notice any of the other signs on this list.
Not Enough Outlets!
In many older homes, the outlets are few and are usually limited to one outlet per room. This leads to the use of multi-plug adapters as well as extension cords.
Of course, the use of these add-ons can increase the risk of fires, as these outlets can easily become overloaded. So, if you are looking around your room and you spot a lot of extension cords, it may be time to contact an electrician to make sure that the system can handle them and to potentially have some more outlets added. It’s better to be safe!
Intermittent Power Supply
Does that outlet in your bedroom allow you to plug a Hoover in one day, and the next day, it just doesn’t work? Or do you get multiple power surges in your home that cause everything to turn off?
This can be a sign of bad wiring and even point to a problem with the compatibility of the devices in your home and the electric system. So, if you notice that you are having frequent power surges, intermittent power, or even flickering lights, then it is best to play it safe and contact an electrician to help get your system up to code.
