There are many benefits to owning an older Columbus home, including the charm, unique design, and details not included in many houses being built today. However, there is also a potentially scary drawback when you ponder the condition of the older electrical wiring. And if you know that there have been multiple owners, you begin to worry about who might have tried some DIY electrical repairs over the years. So your thoughts go to the worst-case scenarios, and you cannot relax until you have called (877) 577- 2759 to schedule an appointment with the experts at Reliable Electrical Services for an electrical safety inspection.
The Common Electrical Issues Found In Older Homes
When you live in an older home, there are sure to be some character flaws you are willing to overlook, like creaking floors and squeaking doors. However, the common issues related to old electrical systems can pose some significant safety issues. The typical problems our pros often discover include:
- Old fuse boxes rather than up-to-date breaker boxes for added safety
- Knob and tube wiring dating back to the 1950s cannot safely deliver the power needed by modern appliances and electronics. Overheating and electrical fires are widespread with this old wiring,
- Aluminum wiring is another common yet outdated form of wiring that presents many safety issues due to the impact heat has on the wire and its potential for excessive expansion.
- Damaged or worn-out circuit breakers eliminate the added safety that these devices are meant to offer homeowners. After years of use, these essential items should be replaced to ensure electrical safety.
- Two-prong outlets are a good indication that the entire electrical system is outdated. These outlets have no added ground wire for increased safety. It also means that your home probably does not have the increased security of GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupters in potentially moist locations like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area. These outlets prevent electrocution and other electrical hazards by opening and stopping the flow of electricity when it detects an issue
- Lack of modern outlets for newer and larger appliances. There could be only one or two outlets per room which will not meet the needs of a modern technology laden home. In addition, there is often a lack of larger outlets and dedicated circuits needed for appliances like a clothes dryer, large air conditioner, or home theater technology.
The Inspection Process
When you call (877) 577- 2759 to schedule an electrical inspection for your home, you will know that shortly, you will have the peace of mind you need. Our licensed electricians will start at the entrance of the electrical service for your home and inspect all of the components, including:
- The electrical panel
- Each breaker
- Any exposed or available wiring
- Electrical connections, junction boxes, and electrical outlets
- Any other accessible electrical components
After our thorough inspection, you will receive a detailed list of our findings, including any upgrades or repairs that we recommend to ensure the electrical safety of your loved ones and home.