If you have to reset your breaker frequently or use extension cords in your home, it could mean the electrical system isn’t up to code. Likewise, if you’ve seen frayed wires, rodents chewing on wiring, or aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, it’s time for an inspection by a licensed electrician.
Understanding how wire size relates to amperage, cable-sheath and wire color coding, and old insulation can help you spot potential electrical hazards.
Older Homes
Older homes can provide a wealth of charm and history that newer homes can’t match, but they also often come with outdated wiring systems and moisture in wiring. These outdated systems can quickly become a safety hazard, as they may not be able to handle the amount of electricity that modern appliances and gadgets require every day. Fortunately, there are many ways that older homes can be brought up to code safely and efficiently.
One of the most common electrical problems found in old homes is that they have aluminum wiring, which needs to be replaced with copper wiring. This is because aluminum wiring has a tendency to overheat, and it can even catch fire. Additionally, older homes frequently use 60 or 100 amps in their electrical panels, when modern homes require 200 amps at a minimum.
Another problem that can be found in old homes is that the insulation on their wiring has worn away, which can lead to a serious fire hazard. This can be caused by rodents chewing on the wires inside of walls, shoddy workmanship when the wiring was originally installed, or simply the natural wear and tear on the insulation over time.
If any of these issues are present in your home, it’s essential to have a professional electrician replace the outdated wiring. This can be done without sacrificing the aesthetics of your home, and it will help ensure that all of your appliances are plugged in safely and up to code.
If you’re considering purchasing an older home, it’s important to have a thorough home inspection performed by a professional electrician. This will allow you to be aware of any potential electrical issues and make sure that they are addressed before you move into your new home. This can help you save money in the long run by avoiding expensive upgrades and repairs down the road. This is especially true if your old house has outdated wiring, which can be dangerous to you and your family. The experts at Professional Services, Port Washington’s top-rated electricians, can help you update your old home’s electrical system for increased safety and efficiency.
Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was popular in homes in the 1960s and 1970s because it was more affordable than copper. While it still conducts electricity, today this outdated style is recognized as a fire hazard and needs to be replaced in order to ensure your home is safe.
As electrical current passes through aluminum wires, it creates excessive vibration. This causes the metal to expand and contract more than it does in copper wires, leading to loose connections at terminal screws, receptacles, and switches. This can lead to overheating and, in severe cases, electrical fires.
It is easy for homeowners to identify aluminum wiring by looking at the wires themselves. They may have a silvery color and, if they’re exposed, may show signs of corrosion or damage. If the wires have no label, they can be easily identified by shining a light on them and looking for the word “aluminum” or the initials “AL.” The best way to determine if a home has aluminum wiring is to contact a licensed electrician who will safely inspect the home’s electrical system.
If your home has aluminum wiring, you can minimize the risk by having a licensed electrician replace all of the outlets, switches, and breakers in the house with new receptacles that use copper connectors. This will provide a stronger, more reliable connection between your outlets and the wiring, reducing the possibility of overheating and the associated fire hazards.
Using the right copper connectors also solves an additional problem related to aluminum wires: they prevent a common practice in older homes called “pigtailing.” This is when a length of copper wire is spliced into the end of an aluminum wire with an electrical screw. This method is ineffective and prone to corrosion and degradation over time, making it even more of a fire hazard than the aluminum itself.
It is important for real estate agents to know about the potential risks of aluminum wiring before listing a property for sale. Educating buyers on the potential safety issues and recommending an inspection by a qualified electrician can help prevent expensive and dangerous electrical problems down the road.
Newer Fixtures
If you’re thinking about upgrading your light fixtures to take advantage of LED advancements, or if you’ve recently purchased a home and want to add more modern lighting fixtures, there is nothing wrong with it as long as the wiring is up to code. However, if you’re planning on adding more than just a few new light fixtures to your house, or doing extensive remodeling projects, your local electrician will likely require that all of the wiring be brought up to code.
You can easily check to see if your electrical wiring is up to code by looking for a date stamp on the insulation jacket. Wiring produced after 1987 should have a date on it, while older wires will not. Older wiring is more likely to overload and create a fire hazard when it’s connected to newer fixtures, so it will need to be replaced.
There are also certain requirements for individual rooms in your home, such as kitchens where you need a wall switch near the refrigerator and two 20-amp small appliance circuits (linked to GFCI receptacles above countertops) or 15-amp split-circuit receptacles; bathrooms that require all receptacles to be GFCI-protected and higher-powered fans and lights to have their own dedicated circuits; and service panels that require either metal boxes or plastic covers. A professional electrician will be able to help you understand the specifics of your room-specific codes. These regulations are in place to minimize risk and create a safer environment for your family, so always consult a licensed professional before attempting any electrical work.
Old Insulation
Insulation is key to making your home comfortable and energy-efficient. However, older insulation can pose several health hazards. The biggest issue is asbestos. This is especially dangerous because it can cause lung cancer and other chronic health conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis. It is also not effective at keeping your home insulated, so it is important to have new insulation installed when the old one gets too old or damaged.
Many homes built before 1960 have asbestos in the walls and attic. While this was a common insulation in years past, it is no longer safe and needs to be removed. There are a few ways you can find out if your insulation has asbestos in it. One way is to see what it looks like. Fiberglass batt insulation looks a little bit like a blanket and can be pink, yellow or white. It will be spongy to the touch. If your home has this type of insulation, it is time to replace it with a safer option such as cellulose or foam.
Another way to check for unsafe insulation is by seeing if it is discolored or torn. Discolored or torn insulation can become contaminated with asbestos or other toxic chemicals and can be a fire hazard as well. Besides preventing the buildup of harmful contaminants, replacing your insulation can also reduce your energy costs.
Getting your old insulation replaced can be a hassle because you will have to cut into your walls and run new wires. This can be a messy and expensive process, but it is essential to keeping your family safe and up to code. Getting your old wiring updated can also help increase the resale value of your home.
If you need to rewire your home, it is crucial to hire professional electricians. Tidal Electric has a team of experienced electricians who can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to discuss your electrical needs. We offer a wide range of services, including rewiring and more. We serve homes across Michigan. To learn more, click here.
