The older your home, the more likely it is that your wiring needs serious attention from an electrician. Earlier construction means both older materials and designs, leading to many problems for modern residents. Here's what your electrician should check for during an inspection.

What Your Electrical Contractor Needs to Fix in Your Older Home

1. Wear & Tear

After decades of use, attacks by pests, and potentially amateur repair work, your wiring is unlikely to be in top shape. Frayed wires are a common problem which creates a severe fire hazard. You may also find loose connections, worn switches and outlets, and burnt fuses and wires.

2. Insufficient Capacity

In past decades, people didn't use as much electricity. Homes had fewer fixtures because there weren’t as many appliances and electronics to plug in. Home electrical grids supplied less current than modern ones for the same reason. Even light fixtures might not provide enough power for modern bulbs, causing weak, flickering lights. Meanwhile, older electrical panels are often overloaded today because they weren't made to support as many circuits as we need.

3. Outdated Materials

Homes from the 60s and 70s often had aluminum wires instead of copper. It was less expensive at the time but no longer meets modern safety standards. You may also have ungrounded outlets with no third prong for stray current, or ordinary outlets where you need GFCI models for safety in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. You might even still have fuses instead of circuit breakers in your breaker box.

If you need wiring and light repairs to update an old home, choose Service First Electrical and Plumbing. Based in Texarkana, AR, and serving mainly Arkansas and Texas since 1967, this family-owned business's trained electricians and plumbers offer quality repairs with a focus on community and customer satisfaction. To get a quote, call (870) 775-1035, or learn more about their services online.