Older homes weren’t designed to handle today’s power demands, so electrical repairs and upgrades are common. As wiring and equipment age, the safety risks to a home increase. Fortunately, many of these issues are easy to fix. Find out more about common electrical problems found in older homes below.

What Electrical Issues Are Found in Older Homes?

1. Outdated & Damaged Wiring

Many older homes have aluminum wiring. While it may have once been a less expensive material to use, aluminum is no longer as safe or efficient as modern copper wiring. Schedule an inspection before you purchase an older home. An electrician will carefully inspect the wiring and can replace frayed or damaged strips that may pose a risk of fire or shock.

These professionals may also discover that the whole home needs to be rewired, which may or may not fit into your budget plans for purchasing the home. The inspection results give you the most comprehensive assessment of the system’s integrity and capabilities.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Tripped circuit breakers are nothing new to old homeowners. It often happens when too many appliances are plugged into a single circuit. It’s common in the kitchen or living rooms where many high-draw appliances and gear are used at once.

Old circuits weren’t wired to handle modern washing machines, large refrigerators, or multimedia centers that consume a significant amount of power. Not only is this issue frustrating, but it’s also a safety concern since overloaded wiring and outlets can spark and ignite fires in appliances. An electrician can install new circuits if needed so that power use is distributed evenly throughout your home.

3. Dead Outlets & Fixtures

Dead outlets and fixtures occur when electrical connections burn out. The wall plates or connectors often have burn marks or are melted from the dangerous heat that was generated. An electrician can repair or replace these outlets.

This is a great time to also think about where you could use more outlets. Older living rooms may not have a lot of outlets to plug technology into because many electronics were not common during those times. Your electrician can add more outlets so you don’t have to run extension cords throughout your home. They can replace outdated outlets with safer ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. 

If you need electrical inspection or repairs, contact A-Abel Family of Companies in Dayton, OH. Since 1937, these professionals have provided a wide scope of services to residents throughout the Greater Miami Valley region. Their skilled team offers HVAC and plumbing repairs and replacements, as well as bathroom tub and shower remodeling and pest control services. Visit their website to explore their full scope of work, or call (937) 434-4343 to speak with a representative.