Electrical malfunctions are responsible for around 45,000 house fires each year. It is important to be aware of your electrical situation to ensure the safety of your home.
There are many ways to identify outdated and old electrical wiring in your home to avoid fire and other damages to your home.
Identifying Outdated Electrical Wiring in Your Home
Here are some of the most common types of outdated electrical wiring.
Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was widely used about 50 years ago because it was a cheaper alternative to copper. However, gaps in aluminum wiring overheat and can cause house fires, commonly referred to as “creeping.”
Cloth Insulated Sleeves
Until about 75 years ago, cloth insulated sleeves were used to cover the wiring. This cloth wears and tears over time which can be hazardous. If you notice wiring with cloth sleeves, consider replacing it.
Knob & Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring was popular from the late 1880s until the 1940s. Porcelain knobs were used to anchor wires to studs, floor joists, and insulated tubes to pass tubes through the walls. It is not grounded, so it can cause a fire.
Old & Outdated Electrical Panels
Check your home for older electrical panels, also known as fuse boxes. Older fuse boxes are prone to tripping often. Old boxes are not made to withstand the amount of electricity we use today.
Common Signs You Should Replace Your Outdated Wiring
There are a few tell-tale signs that you should replace your outdated wiring, including:
- Circuit breakers and fuses trip often
- Vibration or tingling when you touch a wall switch, appliance, or receptacle
- Dimming and flickering lights
- Discolored outlets and switch plates that are warm to the touch
- Two-wire (two-prong), ungrounded outlets throughout the house
- Absence of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in areas that may be exposed to moisture, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room
Typical Problems with Old Wiring
Old wiring can cause many problems, such as:
- Cracked, missing, or damaged wire insulation
- Wiring surrounded by building insulation of any type
- Exposed splices
- “Overfused” circuits
Knob & Tube Wiring vs. Upgraded Wires and Cables
Make sure to update your home’s wiring system if you live in an antique home.
Knob & Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring may be found in homes built before the 1930s. These systems feature ceramic or porcelain knobs and protective tubes that keep copper wires suspended inside cables. This configuration keeps the wires from coming into contact with other surfaces.
There are a few cons to knob and tube wiring. It is not grounded, so there is a higher risk of fire. The components are more prone to overheating, which can cause them to crack or break over time.
If you have knob and tube wiring, consider upgrading your wires and cables and installing GFCI receptacles.
Upgraded Wires & Cables
Newer wires & cables are safer, with internal power cables designed to handle higher loads.
Can You Keep Outdated Wiring?
The short answer is yes. You can keep outdated wiring under a few conditions. These conditions are:
- Using proper materials and techniques
- Splicing the old wiring with new non-metallic (NM) cable can be done with the use of junction boxes to protect all connections
- Local electrical code requirements must be followed, especially for any electrical projects
Conclusion
If you are unsure if your wiring system is up to date, call a certified electrician for an inspection. You do not want to risk your safety with outdated wiring! For expert, dependable, highly-skilled electricians, contact U.S. Electric today!