If you are living in an old home, there are potentially endless reasons why you would want to upgrade its electrical system. Generally, old homes that were built nearly six decades ago have amperage of 60. While this was pretty sufficient during this time, it will never be enough to support the energy demands of today’s power-hungry electrical equipment. The prospect of upgrading your property’s electrical systems can present a challenge in terms of cost. However, the perceived benefits may well surpass the total installation cost.
Generally, the process of upgrading your electrical system involves removing the old, non-compliant or potentially hazardous electrical components such as; distribution boards, wiring, as well as electrical fittings that are replaced with the industry’s latest electrical requirement for enhanced electrical performance. Making electrical upgrades on your systems will make a massive improvement in your home both in terms of safety and function. Today in this post, we want to give you a few compelling reasons why you should seriously consider upgrading your electrical system.
The need to enhance your home safety:
Did you know that faulty wiring is the major cause of residential fires? It means that the older your home is, the higher the chances of it experiencing a potentially catastrophic electrical fire. A significant number of old homes feature the outdated knob and tube wiring, which not only lacks the much-needed grounded wiring, but uses unsafe materials whose insulation deteriorates rapidlywith time.
Flickering or dimming lights, tripping circuit breakers, sparking outlets, the absence of a ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, and a tingling sensation when you touch an electrical device are all possible signs and symptoms of faulty wiring. You will need to seek the help of a highly experienced electrician to help examine your home and determine whether it needs an upgrade or not.
You need more power:
As previously mentioned, 60 amps was the standard household power nearly sixty years back. However, today’s household electrical equipment such as televisions, computers, heating and cooling units, dryers, refrigerators, and home theatres are power-intensive; meaning that your home needs more amperage.
And if you were not aware, not having adequate power is not only an inconvenience but can also pose a great threat to the safety of your electrical equipment. And even with sufficient electrical power, you also need to stop using many extension cords or power boards, which are a potential safety hazard. An electrical upgrade of your systems will not only ensure your home runs on the recommended power requirement, but will also ensure there are enough outlets in your home to support multiple devices and appliances.
To ensure your home is up to date with the latest electrical codes:
Bearing in mind that electrical building codes may change on a yearly basis, the chances are always high that new safety codes may have been implemented since you last updated your home electrical system. This is why you would want to consult an electrician to help you assess your electrical system to determine whether your home needs an upgrade or not.
This is highly recommended if you are seeking to either rent out or sell your property. Electrical and building code violations, such as an outdated electrical system, can potentially prevent a potential sale. So, if your property was last upgraded many years back, it is highly advisable to ensure that you update your home electrical system. It is one of the ways to increase your overall home value.
It is also imperative to note that many old homes are equipped with aluminium wiring, which is regarded to be a major safety hazard. According to electrical experts, this type of wiring tends to loosen up with time. This phenomenon can result in overheating and potential fire at the point where you plug in an appliance. A qualified electrician will examine your home and flash out all aluminium wiring and add copper connectors at your circuit breakers and power points to help keep electrical dangers out of your home.
