While buying an old home is a great idea it also has many issues of its own. The most prominent one? Electrical problems. Ah, those beautiful homes that have wooden floors and nooks that you want to snuggle in could be a bit shaky with electricity and can be a bit difficult to deal with.
Some homes may have electrical surprises to be found including old wiring circuits that are clogged and overloaded, to name but some. It’s similar to finding a skeleton inside the closet however rather than bones it’s the wiring that is bad. With the assistance of the most reliable electricians in Barrie, the electrical issues in your home can be resolved quickly.
Circuit breaker problems
Circuit breakers serve as heroes of the electrical system in your home However, like every other they are prone to being overwhelmed. Older homes have outdated electrical panels. These panels might not be equipped to support the latest gadgets that we love.
It’s similar to having a traffic light for the electric services circuit of your home, which is the circuit breaker panel. If there are too many vehicles (or appliances) that attempt to use the same route (or circuit) at the same time the traffic police simply switch off the switch and bring the entire party to a standstill. This is the reason your circuit breaker is tripping. If this happens often, it could be that many appliances are connected to outlets or something else is wrong with the electrical system.
Old wiring
Old wiring is akin to old cars: it’s old, it’s been for a long period, and can’t be thought of as being in great condition.
Older homes are wired to power and current consumption, which isn’t effective enough to meet modern needs. Let’s compare the wiring of your house with a system of old and thin pipes for water conveyance. Then, think about what it would take to push more water into these pipe systems than was originally designed to pass through. This is essentially how it happens when connecting many appliances today to wiring that’s several decades older.
This can lead to circuits that are overloaded sparks, overloaded circuits, and even fires in the most extreme cases. Although it may appear to be fine from the exterior, the wires might be hiding all sorts of troubles that have been a problem in the past. This is the reason why homeowners should think about having an electrical inspection of their homes to be sure that there are no issues with flickering lights or malfunctioning outlets.
Non-functioning outlets
There’s nothing as frustrating as putting something into a socket only to discover that the socket is not working. This problem is common in the majority of old houses built a few decades ago. It’s like trying to pour water into a glass however, the tap has been damaged and is unable to provide water.
This outlet’s rebellion may be the result of various causes. Maybe the problem is in the wiring, or perhaps some of the breakers have failed. It could be as easy a problem as an unconnected connection. It is recommended to contact an electrician to determine the cause and determine the cause. It is not a good idea to be awed or risk yourself and the surrounding area by generating sparks.
Blinking lights
The fluorescent lights can be very annoying when they begin to flicker. It’s so boring and difficult to watch, just as if you were watching a horror film which doesn’t try to make you feel scared. In old homes flickering lights may be a sign of a bigger issue with the electrical system.
These blinks could be the result of unbalanced wiring the inability of several appliances to be connected to one circuit, or an insecure switch. It’s more beneficial to keep a closed eye on this however, one shouldn’t do this. If you notice that your lights are flashing constantly it is a sign you should seek out an electrician, especially if it is accompanied by other electrical issues.
Inadequate Grounding
The concept of grounding is an electrical security measure. It protects your body from electricity to prevent electric shocks. Older homes don’t have adequate grounding, and this can be a risky thing. Let us provide an analogy: electricity is similar to being a playful puppy. However, if it’s not secured (grounded) it turns into an issue child and a mischievous.
A house that has an unsound grounding system could cause malfunctioning appliances and, sometimes, fires. The problem may not be obvious to the naked eye, but it’s hidden within the walls. That’s why it’s vital to get the electrical system of the home examined by a licensed electrician. They can assist in identifying issues with grounding and recommend solutions to ensure the family and your members can be secured.
Overloaded Circuits
Consider the electrical system at your house as a road with a lot of traffic. A traffic jam (overload) happens if there is a large number of vehicles (appliances) in the roadway (circuit). It happens when you overload a socket by adding numerous items. It is likely to result in short circuits. Older homes have outdated wiring systems that can’t handle the load of modern and sophisticated electrical appliances.
Circuits that are clogged pose a significant danger to fire. When a lot of current flows through wires, they become hot and the insulation melts. This could cause sparks, and in the worst-case scenario, it could cause the possibility of a fire. The accumulation of dust could cause fire hazards. To reduce the risk of fire be sure not to overload the outlet. Likewise, when you’re always interrupting breakers, then it is time to upgrade your electrical panel. Install electrical services in Barrie when your home’s circuit is overloaded.
Electrical Panel Issues
The electrical panel in your home is the main control point for the power of your home. It is the place where all power is sourced and divided into different sections of your house. Older houses have older electrical systems, which can be cause for concern because they aren’t able to keep up with the current consumption rate.
Imagine that your electric panel is a kitchen for your home. It must be spacious enough to handle every baking and cooking that you are doing. If your kitchen isn’t big enough it is likely to be working in a cramped area, which isn’t ideal. This is also true for the electrical panel of your office, home or whatever structure you’re in. If it’s old and heavy-loaded, it could result in issues like the tripping of breakers and dim or intermittent lighting as well as electrical fires. The replacement of an electrical panel is expensive, however, it will pay off in the form of improving the security and efficiency of your house.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Knob-and-tube wiring is similar to an old rusty skeleton that has been hidden in the walls of your home. It’s a traditional electrical technique that was used during the building of homes before 1940. The wiring can be extremely hazardous and is a serious risk to the life of anyone.
Think of the electrical wires with the cover taken off and exposed wires as they traverse those walls in your house. This is an overview of the wiring used in knob-and-tube. If there’s no grounded system, it’s as if you are playing electrical roulette. In time, the insulation will get worn out and crack, and pose a risk to electric shocks. If you are inclined to suspect that your home has knob-and-tube wiring, it is recommended to get a professional electrician to come to your home to examine the wiring.
Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was utilized in the majority of homes built in the 1970s, and 1960s. What seemed to be an ideal plan at first glance was a strategy for the event of an electrical fire. As opposed to copper wires, aluminum wires shift their cross-sectional areas when they are warm or cool. This can cause weak connections, which can be a hazard to fire.
The connections may be loose and in time create heat and cause the insulation of that wire to burn. This is a very serious issue that could cause electrical fires. If you suspect that your house has aluminum wiring, it’s advised to have it examined by an experienced electrician. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best actions to take which could include replacing the aluminum wiring with copper.
Insufficient Outlets
The older homes were not built to be able to adapt to modern living styles which are defined by technology. Maybe you’ll discover that there are a lot of plugs and sockets and that you need to find a place to connect your devices. It’s like trying to get a lot of people on a bus in a way that they’re compressed, which is difficult for all.
In your purse, or at your desk, each device you use, whether it is a charger for your phone laptop, computer, etc. is powered by electricity. With only a few outlets to choose from, you may have to plug in extension cords, which is extremely risky. There is a chance of disconnection of one device to connect to another. This problem is common in developed countries however it can be still a nuisance. More outlets can be put in to fix the problem but it is advised to hire an electrician who can do the work securely.
Conclusion
So, there you go – the list of the most common electrical issues that may be encountered in older homes. It might be complicated but don’t worry. Being aware of these potential issues can help you to protect yourself.
Be aware that if you are in any doubts regarding electrical issues in your house don’t hesitate to get the help of an electrical service in Barrie. Prevention is better than treatment. It’s always worthwhile to invest a small amount of money to ensure that the safety of electrical equipment is implemented to prevent numerous problems and sometimes, death.
Your home needs to be a safe place, not one with electrical problems. So, professionals will take care of the difficult aspects of the procedure while you concentrate on the home.
