Aged or historic homes offer plenty of character, but safety isn’t usually their strong suit. Many of these older properties have outdated systems that could cause power loss or create the risk of fire or electrocution. Thankfully, electricians can modify your home’s shortcomings to ensure it lives up to modern-day standards. Here are three common issues to look for that may require an electrician’s help. 

An Overview of Electrical Issues in Older Homes

1. Old Wiring

Many old homes, especially those built between 1880 to the early 1940s, feature outdated systems called knob and tube wiring, which don’t have ground wires and don’t support three-pronged plugs. In addition to being inconvenient, this system poses significant risk of a starting an electrical fire. If you believe your old home may have this antiquated system, invest in rewiring services from a reputable electrician.

2. Dead Outlets

After spending a bit of time in an old home, you may have been surprised to find that you plugged in a charger, but your appliance or electronic device wouldn’t power on. In this case, your historic house might suffer from dead outlets. Since outlets are essentially the ends of the many branches of a household electrical system, it may signify a deeper problem, such as loose wires, necessitating professional repairs.

3. Flickering Lights

As much charm as older buildings have, flickering lights create a spooky atmosphere you may not enjoy. If the lights in your home blink on and off when you turn on another device, such as a vacuum or a hair dryer, you might be overloading your electrical system. Many older homes weren’t designed to accommodate the power draws of modern-day appliances. Talk to an electrician about upgrading with an additional panel to suit your needs. 

If you’ve encountered any of these issues in your home, reach out to Zelek Electric Co. of Old Lyme, CT. This family-owned company has been serving residential and commercial clients for over three decades. They’ll perform a thorough assessment of your system’s shortcomings. To learn more about their skills and services, visit the website. Call (860) 434-9726 to schedule an appointment with a respected electrician.