Older homes have an unmatched charm and character, making them great long-term investments. However, you must have the electrical wiring checked in old houses because their current systems are outdated. Residential electricians need to inspect the home to detect faulty wiring before purchase, which keeps you safe while saving time and money.

4 Reasons to Schedule an Electrical Inspection

1. Checking the Safety

First, you want to know that the electrical system can function correctly. The knob and tube wiring in older homes—consisting of insulated knobs and tubes rather than single-cable rubber wires—is outdated. The electrical switches, outlets, and breaker box may also need replacing. In some cases, previous owners have performed DIY fixes that are inefficient and unsafe.

Faulty systems can lead to fires, circuit outages, and other pressing issues. A residential electrician will identify any threats and suggest necessary fixes to make the system safe. It’s also crucial to get the system up to building electrical code to help you avoid fines from the city.

2. Confirming Circuit Capabilities

Older electrical systems weren’t designed to handle entertainment systems and high-powered modern appliances. When you overload them, they’ll trip breakers or fail entirely. A residential electrician will test the tolerance of the wiring and if it can manage your modern appliances. If the system cannot handle your electronics, you’ll want to expand or replace it.

3. Ensuring There’s Room for Expansion

Older electrical systems can be expanded when later building an addition or finishing a basement or attic. However, even additional exterior lighting or a more substantial add-on could overload your system. An electrician will confirm if the house's electrical service can handle an increased current from your expansions.

4. Testing Appliances

Ensure older appliances for your home are in working order, so they don’t short circuit and cause damages. A residential electrician will test the electrical components to see if repairs are needed. They’ll identify and recommend if any heating elements or the entire appliance needs to be repaired or replaced.

When you’re looking for a skilled residential electrician, contact RM Electrical. For over 10 years, they’ve served St. Clair, Monroe, and Madison Counties in Illinois from their Belleville office. This family-owned and -operated company addresses comprehensive home and commercial needs such as repairs, home addition wiring, and general electrical service. Call (618) 939-0422 to schedule an inspection or visit them online for more information on their services.