Take the Right Steps When Rewiring Your Home – Part 2
As discussed in Part 1, replacing and upgrading a home’s wiring is a big and costly project, but it is often necessary to ensure your family’s safety. Upgrading the wiring of your home may also be necessary because insurance carriers occasionally refuse to provide coverage or charge higher premiums. Part 2 will cover Warning Signs, Aluminum Wiring, and Increasing Capacity.
Warning Signs
Many homeowners have no idea when their house’s electrical system received its last inspection. The fee paid to a licensed electrician to do a checkup is well worth the peace of mind, especially if you’ve been experiencing the warning signs below.
- Constant burning smell from an appliance or room
- Frequently tripping breakers and blown fuses
- Lights flicker or dim regularly
- Outlets feel warm, look discolored, or occasionally spark
- Touching an appliance causes a tingling sensation
It should also be mentioned that having many two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout your home may also compromise safety. Kitchens and bathrooms, areas where water is present, that are not equipped with GFCI outlets, are also unsafe.
Aluminum Wiring
In numerous homes constructed during 1960s and early 1970s, aluminum wiring was installed rather than standard copper wiring. This eventually was considered a hazard because aluminum wiring connections often become loose as time passes. This can result in overheating and potentially a fire at outlets where appliances are plugged. A safety inspection can verify whether or not aluminum wiring needs to be replaced immediately to ensure the safety of residents.
Increasing Capacity
60 amps was once considered the standard capacity for electrical power needed by each household. Nowadays, 200 amps are usually needed to adequately provide electricity for air conditioning, large flat-TV screens, computer equipment and peripherals, and numerous devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Not having sufficient electricity is certainly inconvenient, but it may also cause damage to sensitive electronic equipment. Such devices may suffer damage when voltage suddenly drops. In addition, a shortage of outlets may force residents to use extension cords and power strips, which may result in safety issues.
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.