10 Older Home Electrical Wiring Problems – Part 1
Electrical wiring problems in your older home will end up causing problems unless you’ve hired an experienced licensed electrician to perform a thorough safety inspection.
As time passes, typical daily usage and exposure to the elements will deteriorate an electrical system. Problems developed over the years may become hazards that can start fires when pushed beyond the breaking point.
The following are 10 electrical wiring problems that an electrician will look for in an older home.
1) Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was a money-saving substitute for copper in the 1960s and 1970s. Unfortunately, aluminum corrodes after contacting with copper, resulting in loose connections that cause arcing and fires. In this case, an electrician would have to retrofit affected light fixtures.
2) Backstabbed Wires
Wires pushed into the backs of switches and outlets as opposed to being connected to screw terminals are considered “backstabbed.” They have a greater chance of becoming loose and igniting a fire. The safest approach is having an electrician take out the outlet or switch and connect the wires to their proper terminals.
3) Flickering Lights
When it’s windy outside, lights flicker inside because frayed wires supplying electricity outside sway, causing shorting and arcing, which may cause a fire. The utility company must be contacted to immediately repair this dangerous problem.
4) Exposed Junction Boxes
Uncovered junction boxes will raise the chances of damaged wiring and electrical shock. Purchasing a replacement cover is not expensive and should be done as soon as possible for safety.
5) GFCIs Missing
Older homes may not use GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets that provide protection from shock and electrocution. They’re usually installed in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, and swimming pools, where water is present and pose a greater risk of fatal electrical shock. To improve safety, have an electrician install GFCIs in these areas.
Part 2 will discuss five more older home electrical wiring problems.
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