Wiring is one of the most essential things in your home that we do not think about often. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), outdated wiring is one of the most common ways house fires start.
“Between 2014-2018 plugs and wiring were responsible for 34,000 house fires, causing 470 deaths, caused 1,100 injures, and property damages cost over $1.4 billion per year.”
Do not become one of these statistics; instead, watch for the signs and call an electrician if you see one.
How will I know when my wiring is outdated?
Thankfully, there are multiple signs you can watch for with outdated wiring. Some of the most common are listed below.
First, it is important to note if you see these signs, do NOT try to fix it yourself; instead, call a locally certified electrician.
In the early ’60s to late ’70s, homes were built using aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring is more likely to cause sparks. Copper wire is how the wiring is done now because it is more heat resistant and is less likely to short circuit and cause sparks.
Check out your breaker box. What are the amps, and do they frequently blow? If you have fuses that are over 20 amps, the chances are that you need an update. Older wiring could not power today’s appliances like recent wiring can. Your circuit breakers are designed to trip when your circuit becomes overloaded.
Typically, this doesn’t often happen; if you notice that your circuit breakers are tripping more than a few times a month, it may mean that it is unable to handle the number of electronics you are using.
If your lights frequently flicker or dim, it is a sign your system may be overloaded, and it is time for upgraded wiring. Sometimes you can fix flickering lights simply by changing the bulb or checking to see if the socket is faulty.
Buzzing, Burning and Discolored Outlets
If you hear buzzing, crackling, or sizzling noises coming from an outlet, and it is not due to a burnt-out bulb, it is time to call a professional electrician to make sure it is not because of bad wiring. These noises can also be an indication of something called arcing. Electrical arcing typically occurs when the circuit breaker becomes overloaded.
If you smell something burning and cannot find where it is coming from, you need to call a professional electrician to come to check out your wiring. This could be a hazardous situation, and you need to have it looked at immediately to ensure that your electrical wiring is not shorting out or becoming too hot in the walls.
If you notice any scorched outlets or see smoke coming out from one, this is a sign that the wiring in your home is damaged. To help prevent a fire, call and have your wiring inspected by a professional electrician. Also, if you feel buzzing in your outlets, it can mean the wiring has become damaged and needs to be fixed.
You should never get a shock when you turn off a light switch or touch an appliance. If you do, then it signifies a wiring issue.
Not Just the Outdated Wiring
Frayed wires could be a sign of rodent damage. Frayed wires are dangerous because they can be fire hazards and cause shocks. Have an electrician inspect your wiring and replace any that are damaged.
Two-prong ungrounded outlets are a safety hazard because they do not shut off automatically if something is too strong for them. Since they do not shut off on their own, this would be considered a fire hazard. It is a good idea to replace the two-prong outlets with grounded three-pronged ones.
Related Questions:
When should you upgrade your wiring? Most people say you should upgrade your electrical panel every 25-40 years. The wiring inside of your house should also last roughly 24 years.
Will upgrading my electrical panel and wiring increase the value of my home? No, but it can bring your house up to market value. If your buyers are asking for an inspection, your home will pass it without a problem.
Is an electrical replacement worth the cost? Yes, it decreases your risk of a fire. You will get more consistent power, and you can add circuits if you want during the upgrade.
Summary
Outdated wiring is not something we often think about, but maybe it should be. With a little bit of time and one phone call, it can save you a lot of money and make your home a safer place.
If you have questions about the wiring in your home or are experiencing electrical issues, Bratcher Electric in Wayne Michigan can help. With more than 50 years of experience, our full service electrical contracting firm will bring your home or business up to date and safe in no time. Our electrical services include new home wiring, generator service and installation, electrical code and service upgrades, surge protection and much more! Call for a Free Consultation!