Do you know the condition of your home electrical system and mainly its wiring? The wiring is so essential not only to provide reliable power but also to ensure the home’s safety. If the wiring conditions are questionable, your home could be at risk. Damaged or exposed wiring can lead to fires. To help ensure your home’s safety, Simon Electric will share some classic signs that your home’s wiring may need replacing.
Age of Electrical System in Older Homes
One sign you may need rewiring often centers around the age of the home or the last time the wiring was updated. Older homes that have never been updated don’t have the electrical system needed to meet modern demands. Homes built before the 1970’s often require total electrical upgrade of new wiring, breakers and an electrical panel upgrade. However, you may be in luck and the home may have been updated if you recently bought an older home. You can have the electrical system inspected to ensure your electrical system is up-to date.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
If you find you constantly need to reset the breaker in one or multiple circuits, this indicates a problem. The problem can vary. However, the wiring is usually at the heart of it. The wiring runs throughout the home and have many connection points, often to outlets and light switches. If there is a loose connection it can cause the circuit to overheat. The flow of energy is blocked and as such it will build up. This results in the breakers tripping. Another common problem with frequent tripping is when the system overloads due to demanding appliances. Both of these problems often point to the age of the electrical system which needs updating. It can also be due to a damaged wire, a misplaced nail or screw, or from rodent activity.
Dimming Lights Electrical Problem
Do you have lights that go dim but do not have a dimming switch? If the light dims when a vacuum cleaner is plugged in or another demanding device is in use, this indicates insufficient power. Older homes often only have 100 amp power systems. This is quite limited compared to modern standard. Newer homes have between 150 to 200 amp electrical systems. Dimming lights occur when there simply isn’t enough power to satisfy the needs. You may need an entire electrical upgrade along with new wiring.
Rodents Chewing Wires or Poor Home Renovations
Older homes aren’t the only ones finding themselves in need of rewiring. Even newer homes can be effected. Homes that have had a recent rodent infestation may find they have a number of electrical problems to repair. The plastic coating is made from a natural oil the mice and rats mistake for food and will chew the wiring. They can chew the wiring all throughout the home leading to complete circuit failures. Another common problem is renovations. During some renovations, the electrical system may get damaged and need to be repaired. However, during some renovations we have discovered cheap wiring has been used or we find flaws in the electrical design. During these two situations, you may find you need re-wiring services to repair your home electrical system.
Electrical Inspections, Fixture Installations & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
If you need rewiring, electrical upgrades, inspection, and more, contact Simon Electric today.
