Most older homes have a style and character that just is not seen in newer homes. When properly maintained, older homes offer a lot of value and with renovations, you can bring new life into even the oldest structure.
Unfortunately, there are many older homeowners that do not inspect or even think about the electrical wiring. This can lead to serious issues in the long run. To make sure that your hard work is safe, it is important to get to know the most common dangers that may be a threat to your older home.
The Electrical Dangers of Older Homes: Aluminum or Knob and Tube Wiring
From the period of the 1950s to the 1970s there were several homes built with aluminum wiring. This option was used because it was more affordable and more conductive than typical copper wiring. Unfortunately, there are several potential issues related to aluminum wiring once it was used. Cracking and overheating are common issues with this type of wiring. If you have a home that was built during this time period, it is a good idea to have your wires inspected. There could be several hazardous points behind the walls in your home that could cause serious issues.
The Electrical Dangers of Older Homes: Improper Wiring Additions and Updates
Through the years, many homes have new additions, new rooms, new electrical lines, hot tubs, and more installed. If the homeowner did not hire a professional electrician to handle these installations, you may be dealing with a huge mess of wires connecting these additions to the original home.
Unfortunately, the main issue occurs at the service panel. If it isn’t properly maintained, your breaker will continue to trip, and the electrical outlets will become overloaded. This is extremely dangerous because it is your home’s electrical panel that is responsible for managing potential electric hazards. If the panel cannot properly manage the electrical demand, it is time to hire an electrician to upgrade it. When this upgrade is done, you can feel confident the panel will be labeled properly, too, which makes maintenance and updates even better.
Updating and Maintaining the Electrical System of an Older Home
There is nothing wrong with buying an older home. However, it is a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to inspect the home’s system to find any potential hazards that are present. They can then provide you with an outline of what needs to be done and fixed to ensure the safety of your home.
As you can see, there are an array of issues that may occur with an older home’s electrical system. If you suspect issues with your home, now is the time to hire a professional electrician. They can help ensure your home is safe and that no serious hazards are present.
