Although wires of the modern age are strong – over time they do deteriorate and weaken, which, if left untended to can lead to potential hazards.
Especially if you are a new resident of the property, and do not know when the wires were replaced last, or if the electrical code is up to date.
Safety Hazards of Old Wiring
Fire is one of the biggest safety issues where old wiring is concerned – the smallest bit of faulty wire can cause a fire that is extremely hazardous. That is why it is best to keep an eye on your wiring, by paying a professional electrician to take a look at your electrical system. This can cost you from $150 to $300, but it is extremely worth it!
Another benefit of replacing your old wire system for a new one is so you can maintain insurance. Insurance carriers may refuse to insure your house if it has an old system, so it is best to keep it updated.
How to tell if your Wiring System is Faulty
If you have just recently moved into your house, and do not know how old the wiring system is – and want to find out without paying for a professional, you can look for these signs:
- Your fuses blow often.
- Your breakers trip often.
- Your lights dim and flicker.
- When you touch a switch or appliance, you feel a tingle down your arm.
- You can smell burning from an appliance or specific room.
- Your outlets are discolored and warm when you touch them.
- The outlets in your bathroom, kitchen and any other area exposed to damp conditions do not have ground fault circuit interrupters on them.
If any of these conditions apply to your house, it is best to have a professional come in and check things out – to avoid any big problems in the future.
Aluminum Wire Hazards
Older houses built in the 1960’s and early 1970’s have wires made of aluminum material instead of modern copper wires. If this is the case in your house, you should seriously consider updating your electric system – because aluminum wires are considered a high hazard risk. They loosen more easily, as compared to copper wires. When they loosen, the gaps in between the wires can overheat easily and cause fires, especially if the wires are a part of running appliances or lights.
If you are lucky, you will not have to replace your whole system. You can resolve the problem by simply installing some copper connectors at circuit breakers and receptacles. A professional electrician can determine whether that is enough, or if the wiring is too old and needs a complete redo.
If you have the finance, it may be best to make the upgrade anyways – because it can prevent problems in the future that will inevitably appear due to the choice of wire material.
We hope this article has cleared any of your queries concerning your electrical system!
