Sarasota is a beautiful town with a unique history. Many of our downtown areas exhibit the charm and nostalgia of bygone eras- and provide a healthy dose of history as well! The Sarasota School of Architecture was a distinct style of home building that is characterized in many of our most popular neighborhoods, and retro-style homes from the 50s and 60s are located on some of the most prestigious real estate in town. This architecture is beautiful, and a draw for many homebuyers – but the electrical wiring in older homes isn’t quite as charming. If you have purchased one of these older homes, they may have an electrical system that hasn’t been updated in many decades. If that is the case, there is a real potential for danger.
There are red flags that may indicate your electrical wiring is too old. Still, you don’t have to wait until there is an issue or any damage – call a professional to perform a comprehensive inspection of your home’s wiring system. Their report can help you to understand your current situation and any recommended solutions to bring your home up to date and up to code.
Identifying Old, Outdated Electrical Wiring
Old wiring can exhibit strange things occasionally. If you notice these warning signs on a regular basis, it is definitely time for remediation. That being said, even one red flag is cause for concern, and you should call a professional master electrician to take care of the problem.
Basic Guideline: If the wiring is 40 years old or older, it is most likely a safety hazard. Look for these signs of an electrical issue:
● Flickering lights, and lights that dim and fade for no discernible reason
● Tingling, electrical pulses, or minor shocks when touching light switches or outlets
● Circuit breakers or fuses that trip on a regular basis
● Burning smells coming from appliances or outlets
Why is Old Wiring Problematic?
Outdated electrical wiring can result in higher insurance premiums. It may even prohibit you from utilizing some of the latest model appliances, But the biggest problem with old wiring is the safety concern associated with it. Over time, the insulation encapsulating the wires will erode or break down until the wiring is fully exposed. The insulation on these wires was not meant to last as long as newer wires. If your wiring is exposed, your wiring system is too old and is a safety hazard.
Exposed inner wiring can result in short-circuiting and power failures. Even more dangerous, deteriorated insulation can lead to a more significant risk of electrical shocks or electrical house fires.
If you are unsure about the electrical wiring in your home, don’t put yourself or your family at unnecessary risk. Not addressing the warning signs of an outdated electrical system is dangerous and can result in much more costly repairs in the future.
A qualified master electrician can perform a comprehensive inspection of your home to help you to determine if you need to update your existing system. It will provide peace of mind to know that the potential dangers in your home have been rectified.
Promise Electric employs a team of master electricians to service Sarasota area homes and businesses. We work on every size and scope of electrical projects – call today to discuss how we can help you to make your home wiring as safe as possible.
When is the last time you had a Sarasota area electrician evaluate your home wiring system? Today is a great day to call for an inspection to protect your home and family.
