One of the worst things about electrical problems is that often you don’t know that there's an issue until it’s too late - and this is especially true with older buildings. If your home is getting older, there is a good chance that you are at risk of experiencing some sort of problem with your electrical system. While some of these problems can cause minor inconveniences and slightly higher electricity bills, other problems pose more serious threats to your home and family. Let’s take a look at some of the most common electrical problems in old Victoria BC homes.
Faulty Cables and Wiring
Wires have come a long way in the last few decades, but plenty of houses still contain old types of wires. Older wiring often still works, but can quickly become a safety hazard. One main way to tell if your wires need replacing is to take a look at the insulation surrounding the wire. If that insulation is deteriorated, those wires need to be changed ASAP before they have a chance to start a fire.
Old Breakers and Service Panels
There are plenty of old buildings that have breakers and service panels that have been discontinued for years, and some older buildings even still use fuse boxes instead of breaker panels. This type of equipment was discontinued for a reason - because something better is available to do the same task!
Low Electrical Loads
Older houses were built in a time when there weren’t as many gadgets around our homes, and the electrical systems reflect that. Most older electrical circuits are not built to handle the electrical load that many modern devices need, and this can lead to overloaded circuits. An overloaded circuit can cause all kinds of issues, including permanent damage. Have a certified electrician inspect your home’s electrical system if you believe that the circuits aren’t built to sustain a high electrical load.
Faulty Outlets
If your outlets only have two slots instead of three, it is likely that they are outdated and in need of replacement. That third slot is for a ground wire, and can be important to stop many different electrical issues. Don’t mess around with old, faulty outlets!
Old Light Fixtures
Do you have an ancient light fixture in your home? Does it flicker constantly or perhaps need to be placed in an exact position to turn on? If so, it’s time to replace your lighting. Older light fixtures often have loose or faulty wiring which can be frustrating to deal with and even dangerous, so it is best to find a newer alternative.
Our Victoria electricians gets called to plenty of older homes to replace existing electrical components and manage problems that old electrical systems have caused. If you would like to learn more about potential problem areas in your older home’s electrical systems, our team would love to help!
Why wait until there is a problem to bring your home up to today’s standards? Contact us today to get started.
