How Investing In Electrical Wiring and Upgrades Keeps Your Family Safe From Hidden Fire Hazards

At Mr. Electric, we pride ourselves on helping both residential and commercial property owners keep their electrical system in top shape. From installing surge protection systems to upgrading panels and performing inspections, we do it all. Let’s look at some of the dangers of outdated wiring and the upgrades that can enhance electrical safety.

The Hidden Hazards of Outdated Wiring

Outdated wiring describes obsolete or degraded electrical systems that no longer meet modern safety codes or handle the power demands of contemporary appliances. Common types of outdated electrical wiring include aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring, and cloth-insulated wiring.

Aluminum wiring was used between the 1960s and 1970s as an alternative to copper. The problem with this type of wiring is extreme expansion and contraction, which can loosen connections at outlets and cause dangerous overheating. If your home was built during this timeline, it’s best to call a local electrical service provider to inspect your wiring and make recommendations.

Knob-and-tube wiring, as the name suggests, uses ceramic knobs to support wires and porcelain tubes to pass through joists. It entirely lacks a ground wire, and its older insulation degrades easily. Just like aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring presents fire hazards and may not have the ability to handle modern electrical loads. If you have this type of wiring in your property, contact a licensed electrician to upgrade your electrical system.

Key Upgrades That Keep Your Family Safe

• Capacity Upgrades

Older 60- to 100-amp fuse boxes or breaker panels frequently overload because they do not have the capacity to handle modern loads. They do not just pose safety hazards; they can cause partial outages when an electrical system is overwhelmed. Having a licensed electrical service upgrade your existing panel to a modern 200-amp panel increases capacity, enhances safety, and supports modern upgrades. When you need electrical panel replacement, work with a licensed electrician that can assess your property’s power demands and offer expert guidance.

• Whole-House Surge Protection

In addition to electrical panel replacement, it’s important to install a comprehensive surge protection system that will protect your home from power surges. Remember, power surges are among the common causes of electrical fires in homes, especially those with outdated wiring. Whether caused by lightning strikes or overloads, they can be destructive if you don’t have a reliable surge protector in place. Call a local electrical repair service provider to install a whole-house surge protector and safeguard your electronics and appliances from voltage spikes.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCI outlets cut power when they detect current leaks, protecting against both fires and electrocution. Older homes built prior to the 1970s and 1980s may lack GFCI outlets, making them unsafe. Installing GFCI outlets doesn’t require rewiring an entire property. Electricians can add these outlets without having to rewire a property.