SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR A HOME REWIRING
A home electrical system is rarely considered when families think about how they can improve their homes. It’s pretty easy to take something that always works in the background for granted. However, a faulty or obsolete electrical system can present a significant safety hazard and cause devastating home fires. This article will discuss some early warning signs that should urge owners to remodel their home wiring systems to prevent accidents.
Frequently blown fuses or circuit breaks
A modern home uses more electricity than it would have a few decades ago, but old electrical systems were not built to withstand that stress. In the past, homes rarely required more than 60 amps of power, but newer ones can need over 200, which old fuses can’t handle.
The house is over 30 years old
While copper is widely used in modern wiring, houses in the 60s, 70s, or 80s often used aluminum wire to lower building and installation costs due to high copper prices. These wires conduct electricity just fine, but they tend to shrink with age, and connections weaken. An improper wiring connection increases the risk of sparks running between the wires, posing a significant fire hazard.
Lights keep dimming, flickering, or burning out
If the house lighting dims or flickers when turning on demanding devices like a laundry machine, it could indicate an insufficient electrical system. Bulbs that burn out too soon usually wear down from fluctuating voltage levels. This problem is commonly caused by loose connections or overloaded wiring that can’t supply enough power to all appliances simultaneously.
Not enough outlets for all devices
Relying on extension cords to supply enough outlets for each device in the house strains the electrical network. A room usually no longer functions with only one to two outlets, so it may be due for an upgrade. Adding more outlets to one room is an excellent opportunity to overhaul and modernize the entire system.
Stained, burned, or loose outlets
A damaged outlet is a sure sign of electrical sparks and power surges. If the problem is widespread, the entire system could be stressed or too worn out to function correctly. Burning wires often have a distinct smell, which should let you know the problem is recent and requires immediate attention.
Sparking outlets
When plugging in an appliance, a small blue spark is not uncommon and shouldn’t be cause for concern. On the other hand, prolonged, lingering, yellowish sparks that consistently happen when using a single outlet are more dangerous. They could be a sign of loose or improper wiring behind the outlet and warrant a more thorough inspection.
How to tell if you need a remodel
If one or more of these signs appear in the house, contact a professional electrical service. Their technicians can assist by inspecting, troubleshooting, or repairing the system. In severely outdated systems, a complete remodel might be more worthwhile.
Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.
