Homes constructed between 50 and 100 years ago are known for their lasting strength. They have been built with robust materials and feature a level of character and craftsmanship rarely found in newer residences.
While these houses are filled with charm and unique design elements, they often have outdated electrical systems that can lead to significant safety hazards. If you’re purchasing one of these historic beauties or are already the owner of an older home, understanding the importance of electrical inspections is essential.
Electrical safety inspections are important for spotting and addressing possible issues and ensuring that your older home’s electrical system adheres to contemporary standards. During a safety check, your electrician will examine your home’s electrical components, including wiring, outlets, switches and more. They’ll assess your system’s safety and compliance and recommend necessary repairs or improvements.
Let’s have a closer look at why you need routine safety checks:
Technological advancements have improved electrical systems, offering superior safety features and more reliable power. As your older home was built before these developments, its electrical system probably has some typical issues of historic houses. Here’s what your electrician could come across during an inspection and what they might recommend as a solution.
Prior to 1989, single-station, battery-only-powered smoke alarms were typically required to be installed in homes, new or existing.
In 1989, newly constructed residential homes were required to have interconnected (hardwired) smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside the sleeping areas. With interconnected smoke alarms, all the smoke alarms will sound if any individual smoke alarm detects smoke.
In 1993, the standard required the installation of hardwired smoke alarms inside bedrooms or sleeping areas. Smoke alarms were required in bedrooms to address the concern associated with sound level losses when occupants sleep with the bedroom doors closed.
In 1996, the requirement to have hardwired smoke alarms with battery back-up in new construction was added to address non-operability during power outages.
Homes from the 1940s or earlier often feature knob and tube wiring, a system that uses insulted knobs and tubes running through the wooden framework in the walls and attics to carry power. Such systems tend to be dangerous and inefficient, especially if the insulation on the old wiring is compromised, which is very likely after being exposed to the elements for several decades.
Safety inspections help you identify outdated wiring that could cause a catastrophic event. Your electrician could suggest replacing your system with new wiring.
Our power consumption far surpasses that of homeowners 100 or even 50 years ago. With power-hungry appliances like air conditioners, water heaters and refrigerators, we have a much greater demand for electricity.
However, older homes weren’t built to meet these demands and are often equipped with insufficient circuits. Such limitations can result in blown fuses, frequent trips and overloaded breakers, all of which can lead to hazards. After an inspection, your electrician will advise whether a panel upgrade is necessary to better accommodate your power needs.
Grounding plays a vital role in electrical systems by allowing fault currents to disperse safely into the ground. As a result, electrical shorts are avoided, and the system remains stable.
Unfortunately, older homes often have grounding issues, including problems with their electrical receptacle. The two-prong outlets frequently found in old houses can’t effectively contain stray electrical currents. While replacing these with a three-pronged socket might seem like a quick and safe solution, this can be risky unless the three-pronged receptacles are properly grounded through a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
GFCIs offer protection against electrical shocks in areas with a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens or outdoor spaces. As many old houses don’t have these devices, safety inspections are crucial for pinpointing areas where you should install them to ensure compliance with today’s electrical codes and create a safer living environment for you and your loved ones.
It’s typical for older homes to have non-functional receptacles that no longer deliver power. Beyond being frustrating, dead outlets can pose a threat — they usually stop working due to a break in the wiring. Loose or frayed wires create conditions where the electrical current could ignite sparks. If your home has this issue, your electrician might suggest replacing the wiring or the outlet.
Your home may also not have enough receptacles, causing you to use power strips or extension cords. Although these suffice as a temporary solution, they should never be a permanent fix. These devices have a limited load capacity, making them vulnerable to wear and tear. Along with upgrading your electrical panel, your electrician could recommend installing additional outlets.
Safety inspections and maintenance are essential for staying compliant and protecting your home, family and belongings. In addition to these critical reasons, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
You should schedule an inspection at least twice a year. However, you might require more frequent checkups. Here are signs your older home needs an electrical inspection:
Act now to ensure your home meets current standards and is protected from electrical hazards. Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating is here to be your partner in optimizing the reliability and performance of your electrical system. Our expert electricians in Florida and surrounding Southeastern states will perform a thorough inspection, uncover potential problems and help you upgrade your older home.
We take pride in delivering electrical services and are dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction. Your home’s safety and security are our top priority, and we’ll always go the extra mile to offer you peace of mind.
Schedule a checkup with Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating today. If you have any questions or need help preparing for an electrical safety inspection, contact us online today.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
