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Electrical Updates for Your Older Home image

Electrical Updates for Your Older Home

Oct 22, 2014

Older homes possess an extraordinary amount of character, but behind the history and ornate detail can be aging electrical wires begging for an upgrade. If you’re adding on to your older home or bringing in appliances that require large amounts of electricity, it’s time to upgrade your system.

 

Knob & Tube Wiring or Aluminum Wiring

Homes built before 1930 were likely wired with knob & tube (K&T) wiring, an early standard method of wiring that has since been replaced by cables. Not only is knob & tube wiring an outdated electrical practice, it can also be dangerous as K&T wiring never included a safety grounded conductor and often lacks the amount of power needed to supply modern day homes.

Aluminum wiring is another safety hazard that is often found in homes built in the 1960s and 70s. As aluminum wiring’s connections can become loose over time, homes wired with aluminum can be prone to overheating and lead to fires at receptacles where high-energy appliances are plugged in.

 

Amperage

When many older homes were built we didn’t use the high volume of electricity that we do now which means that many homes aren’t prepared to withstand our current use of power. “If there is less than 100 amps of electrical current being supplied to your home, you’re likely not up to insurance code and need an upgrade,” says Greg Quinn, Quinn Electric.  In order to stay safe and within code parameters it’s best to call in a professional to increase your amperage and install a new electrical panel.

 

Outlets

The most important thing when it comes to outlets is making sure that they all include a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFI or GFCI) receptacle. Greg Quinn adds that “having a GFCI receptacle is imperative in places in the home where electricity and water can meet like the bathroom, kitchen and basement.”

How do you know if your home has GFCI receptacles? Take a look at your outlets. Older homes with two-prong outlets are not grounded, while newer homes with three-prong outlets are wired with GFCIs to ensure you are protected from severe shocks.

 

Always remember that the best way to get a project done safely and up to code is to call the experts. Visit the directory at www.LightingtheQCA.com to find all of the qualified electricians in the Quad Cities’ region. 

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