Electrical wiring from the 19th century and early 20th century are different from what is available now in both design and structure. Older houses are more prone to have dangerous, outdated, or broken electrical components that can cause expensive damage, especially if you do not have a home protection plan.
If you live in an older home, look for these electrical issues to avoid dangerous problems and expensive repairs.
The Absence of Electrical Grounding
Electrical grounding in any building provides a channel for electricity to flow in case of a leak. Consequently, power flows into the ground to prevent the electrocution of anyone who comes across a faulty item. The electrical rod should be grounded at least eight feet in the earth to function as expected. The rod may be connected to a cold-water pipe. In an ideal electrical system, each bracket is ground with a different wire to a neutral bar. If not, a metal covering may indefinitely run to the panel without breaking. Some older homes do not have these concepts, and you may find earth cable dangerously dangling all over, resulting in electrical problems.
Insufficient Power
Inadequate electrical power for current household appliances is an issue you will probably have if you live in an old house. The reason is that the electrical grid was designed using the technology then. When the house was built, people didn’t have as many electrical devices and appliances as they do today. You can rectify this issue by restructuring and replacing your current electrical system with a modern one to supply sufficient power to your devices. Failure to do this may lead to damage to your appliances.
Old Wiring
An electrical system’s wiring often lasts for up to three decades. Exposure to moisture and improper protection of the electrical cables lead to corrosion. Rodents and pets in the house can also damage the wiring over time. If the insulation of the exposed electrical wires is compromised, they may be dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with them. The greatest danger posed by exposed wires is an electrical fire.
If you have recently moved into or live in an older home, get a professional to evaluate your electrical wiring network. Your home protection plan can help cover the cost. Do not try to fix the problem yourself if you have no electrical experience or knowledge; call a professional electrical expert.
Burnt or Rusty Wires to the Socket
People residing in older homes sometimes notice that their sockets become warm. This may be noticeable when operating light switches. This may be an electrical short brought about by resistance in the cables going into the socket. Consequently, you may notice sparks from the socket, and the wires will eventually burn and damage the insulation. When this happens, the circuits on your electrical appliances will also short. Also, as some cables in older homes may be exposed, they will corrode, and rust will hinder an efficient electric flow. You will have poor electrical conductivity as electricity is transmitted through metallic conductors.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
This is a possible sign of poor connection and could eventually lead to arcing. Corroded or loose connections can recurrently make contact resulting in overheating, sparking, and fire.
Breakers Tripping Regularly
This is typically a sign of circuit overload and excessive usage of electricity. Consider upgrading your electrical service or adding a circuit.
Prevent Expensive Repairs with a Home Protection Plan
Consider obtaining a home protection plan if you live in an older house. These plans provide discounted replacement and repair on a home’s components such as electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems. A total home protection plan can also cover major appliances such as swimming pools, refrigerators, dryers, and washers.
