Moving into an older home can have many surprises, both favorable and unfavorable. On the plus side, older homes often offer larger room sizes, higher ceilings, and more storage space than many newer homes. Unfortunately, an older home can also offer some potential safety issues, such as those related to an aging, damaged, or inadequately installed electrical system. If you have recently acquired an older home, here are some important points you may need to discuss with an electrical systems services professional.
An insufficiently sized electrical panel
An electrical panel that uses antiquated fuses or is insufficiently sized for the amount of electricity needed in the home can raise the risk of experiencing dangerous electrical shorts or create an increased risk of an electrical fire due to overloaded circuits or fuses. Having an electrical service professional update the home with a modern electrical panel capable of handling both 110 and 220v power needs in the home is a good way to fortify the electrical system and provide a safer user experience.
Antiquated wiring
Homeowners with older homes will also want to have the wiring system in the home examined to ensure that it has been properly updated to eliminate older wiring types capable of causing an electrical fire. An electrical services professional will be able to examine specific points in the wiring system to verify the wire type and help the homeowner arrange for the installation of new wire if needed.
Too few electrical outlets
Homes that are several decades old rarely have enough electrical outlets to supply power to all the appliances and electrical gadgets owned by the average family. While utilizing extension cords and power strips can help meet some of the demand, depending on these options can quickly overwhelm an older electrical system and increase the risk of experiencing a devastating electrical fire.
A better option is to have additional outlets professionally installed to ensure the home can safely handle the load placed on it by the average family. When having outlets added to the home, it is also important to ensure that ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are added in areas where moisture can create shock hazards.
Taking proactive measures to ensure that any older home you acquire will have a safe, efficient electrical system is an important part of ensuring your family's safety and comfort. To learn more about the electrical problems homeowners can face when moving into an older home, take time to meet with an electrical systems service such as Potts Electric in your area.