Older electrical wiring has a way of staying hidden until it becomes an issue, typically an expensive and dangerous one.
Older electrical wiring has a way of staying hidden until it becomes an issue, typically an expensive and dangerous one. Perhaps it is a flickering light you have been ignoring, or a breaker that seems to trip each time you run the coffee maker and toaster around the same time. Whatever the symptoms, outdated wiring goes beyond being a nuisance; it becomes a liability. Before you chalk it up to the quirks of having an older house, it is worth knowing what the wiring really could be costing you. From safety risks to looming insurance problems, the price of doing nothing about your outdated wiring might be higher than you think. Read on to learn more!
Why Old Electrical Wiring is an Issue
Older electrical wiring was not designed for flat-screen televisions, smart thermostats, and the countless kitchen gadgets we use every day. What passed an inspection years ago may not come close to today’s safety standards. Materials age behind your walls and can quickly become a serious safety hazard. A lot of older systems, like tube-and-knob wiring, lack proper grounding, which is your home’s safety net against electrical surges. Outdated wiring is more likely to overheat and short out under modern levels of electricity. Ignoring it does not make the problem go away; it just makes the need to fix it more urgent and expensive down the line. Call in our team of professionals to come take a look at it!
How to Spot Older Electrical Wiring
You do not have to tear down walls to get a sense that something is wrong. Older electrical wiring usually shows itself in smaller but persistent ways, quirks that could feel normal in older homes but are legitimate red flags in disguise. Here are a couple of signs your wiring may be past its prime:
- Two-prong outlets: No grounding means no protection from possible surges
- Dimming or flickering lights, especially when larger appliances turn on
- Frequent tripped breakers and blown fuses: a system struggling to keep up
- Discolored and warm outlets and switches: Heat is always a real concern
- Wiring with cloth insulation and aluminum compensation: both of these are outdated and prone to accidents
If your house was built before the 1970s and has not had a serious electrical update, the chances are you’re due for an inspection. While these signs are helpful, nothing beats an electrician from TriStar Electric performing an electrical safety inspection.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s’ premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
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