Your lights and appliances are working fine, so that means your wiring is too, right? Not so much. It is a good idea to have your older wiring inspected, especially if your home is more than 40 years old or if you have aluminum wiring in your home.
Why update wiring?
Installing sufficient wiring goes beyond safety. It also means enhancing your home’s functionality, reliability, and safety to keep up with today’s ever-increasing power needs. This applies not only to the installation of current electrical wiring, but wiring for your phone, Internet, cable, and more.
Waiting can put you and your home at risk.
According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association), faulty wiring is the leading cause for residential fires. The National Electric Code (NEC) updates electrical codes and standards for outlets and wiring every three years. Their mission is to keep up with technology designed to keep your home and family safe. Has the wiring in your home gotten any attention since the 2014 NEC code updates? Chances are it’s been far longer than that.
You might be in need of a wiring update if you have....
Older wiring
Aluminum wiring used in the 60s and 70s, non-metallic wiring installed in the 40s and 50s, and knob and tube wiring in pre-1930s homes are well-known safety hazards, as are loose connections and frayed wires resulting from wear-and-tear.
Two Prong, ungrounded outlets
These are an enormous safety hazard – for you and your electronics. Without proper grounding, electrical excesses have nowhere to go but into your devices – or you – even if you have a surge protector. Reduce shock risks by rapidly addressing this sign of wiring that is way behind the times.
Missing GFCIs
Identified by the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on receptacles, GFCIs protect you from shock in high moisture areas. They are currently required in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, utility rooms, garages, spa/pool areas, unfinished crawlspaces/basements, and any areas outside of your home. If you are lacking these inexpensive, easy-to-install devices in any of these areas, you may be in for a shocking experience.
Missing AFCIs
AFCIs prevent fire by acting as a circuit breaker, which disconnects in the event of a potentially dangerous arc. They are required in bedrooms in all 50 states, though some states require them in all circuits throughout the home.
Other wiring problems include..
Tripped breakers
Blown fuses
Using extension cords or adapters to compensate for a lack of outlets
Flickering or dimming lights with the operation of neighboring appliances
Rodent damage
Popping, crackling, or buzzing
Hot or scorch marked outlets
Burning smells or smoke
Protect your family and your home by contacting The Handy Connection for an electrical safety and wiring inspection today.