House hunting is often an exciting experience, especially for first-time homebuyers. As you go to showings and open houses, you’ll want to make sure all features of the property are in good condition. Electrical systems, in particular, may pose safety hazards if components are damaged or do not work properly. Electrical contractors may need to correct the following problems before you negotiate a deal on a home. 

4 Possible Electrical Issues In Houses for Sale

1. Inadequate Outlets 

Older homes often do not have enough outlets to accommodate all of the smartphones, tablets, computers, and electronics your family may own. Modern homes should have one three-pronged outlet per 12 feet of wall space. If a prospective property does not have enough outlets, you may need to use adapters and extension cords, which could cause circuit overloads and tripping hazards. 

2. Outdated Breaker Box

Breaker boxes function as switchboards for a home’s incoming electrical supply. Electricity from your utility company enters the breaker box, where it distributes to individual circuits that supply power to outlets and lights. Old breaker boxes often cannot support the increased voltage load of modern appliances and electronics. As a result, the breakers may not trip in the event of overloads, causing house fires or electrocution. 

3. Lack of Circuit Interrupters 

GFCIs, or ground fault circuit interrupters, compare differences in input and output currents in order to detect leaks in the flow of electricity. If found, the outlets will automatically shut off power to any devices affected by the leaks. Without GFCI outlets, you may experience electrical shock and bodily injury while plugging in or unplugging electrical devices.

4. Old Wiring 

Over the years, humidity can dry-rot the protective plastic around wiring, exposing the copper fibers to flammable materials, such as building lumber and insulation. Pests may also chew through wires, making it more likely to emit sparks and cause electrocution. These wires are typically found with outdated outlets. Your contractor will have to remove the old wires and then run new ones to prevent fires and other hazards.

When you need to correct electrical issues in a home before purchasing it, get in touch with Bonham Electric, Inc. This electrical contractor provides electric panel upgrades, wiring installations, and additional outlets to residential and commercial clients throughout Dayton, OH. Call (937) 233-7662 anytime you need 24-hour electrician services in an emergency. Visit the website to learn more about this electrical contractor’s green solutions for homes and businesses.