Does your wiring need to be replaced

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

How old is the wiring in your home? are you ready for an upgrade?

The lights and appliances are working fine and that means your wiring is too, right? Not necessarily.

Wiring is seldom inspected after installation and the wiring in your home may need an update. This is especially true if your home is more than 40 years old.

Why update wiring?

Installing sufficient wiring goes beyond a safety issue. It also enhances your home’s functionality, reliability, and safety. It helps to keep up with today’s ever-increasing power needs. This applies not only to the installation of current electrical wiring, but wiring to your phone, Internet, cable, and so much more.

Waiting is a risk...a huge risk.

According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association), faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires in the United States. The National Electric Code (NEC) updates electrical codes and standards for outlets and wiring every three years.

Their mission is to keep up with technology designed to keep your home and family safe. Has the wiring in your home gotten any attention since the last NEC code updates? 

Older wiring

Aluminum wiring used in the 60s and 70s, non-metallic wiring installed in the 40s and 50s, and knob and tube wiring in pre-1930s homes are well-known safety hazards. They commonly have loose connections and frayed wires resulting from wear and tear.  Just like anything else, they age.

Two-pronged, ungrounded outlets

These are an enormous safety hazard – for you and your electronics. Without proper grounding, electrical excesses have nowhere to go. This could go into your devices – or you – even if you have a surge protector. Reduce shock risks by rapidly addressing this sign of wiring that is behind the times.

Missing GFCIs

Identified by the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on receptacles, GFCIs protect you from shock in high moisture areas.

They are currently required in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, utility rooms, garages, spa/pool areas, unfinished crawlspaces/basements, and any areas outside of your home. 

Missing AFCIs

AFCIs prevent fire by acting as a circuit breaker, which disconnects in the event of a potentially dangerous arc. They are required in bedrooms in all 50 states, though some states require them in all circuits throughout the home. Make sure to verify your state's requirements.

Childproof outlets require equal pressure in all prongs simultaneously for electricity to flow. They cost pennies more than a traditional outlet and are required in all newly built homes. This is an easy upgrade in a home.

Not enough power?

How many amps power your home? While 60 amps may have been sufficient in the past - today’s homes often need 100 to even 200 amps to successfully operate the huge amount of technologically, advanced appliances, mobile devices, and flat screens (etc). Without an adequate power supply, you could end up damaging these sensitive items beyond repair-costing far more.

Signs of Trouble.....

• Tripped breakers
• Blown fuses
• Using extension cords or adapters to compensate for a lack of outlets
• Flickering or dimming lights with the operation of neighboring appliances
• Rodent damage
• Popping, crackling or buzzing
• Hot or scorch marked outlets
• Burning smells or smoke

Protect your family and home, ensuring the smooth, efficient operation of all things electrical while boosting the value of your property. If electrical issues should cause damage-contact the crew at SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac to make it right!