When you buy an old house, you never know what to expect when it comes to the electrical wiring. An electrical inspection before you buy is always a good idea so you can anticipate the upgrades you must make.
Electrical work has probably been done over the decades, but the electrical system may still be too dated to keep up with modern appliances and electronic equipment. This guide describes six electrical upgrades you may need.
Knob and tube wiring was used many decades ago, and it is still in place in some old homes. This wiring is dangerous because the connections may be loose or the insulation might have become brittle and cracked. Exposed wiring caused by these defects poses a fire hazard.
Aluminum wiring was also used at one time and has been phased out for safety reasons. If your home has it, then an electrician should inspect your wiring. The wiring may need to be replaced or repaired to reduce the risk of the connections corroding and causing a fire.
Adding more outlets may be at the top of your wish list. Multiple televisions, computers, gaming systems, and high-tech appliances weren't dreamed of when old electrical systems were designed. You may overload an outlet or a circuit by using power strips or extension cords just so you can plug everything in.
Avoid this potentially hazardous situation by having multiple outlets placed where you need them. Install modern USB outlets so you can charge your devices easily.
Put GFCI outlets in your bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and laundry room to protect your family from an electrical shock. Add more outlets to your kitchen to power the small appliances used for meal preparation.
A new panel might be necessary if the current one shows signs of rust and age. A new panel is also necessary when you need more circuits and power for your home. Newer homes are usually built with 200 amp electrical panels.
The panels provide more power, and they are larger with more circuits. This allows you to use several appliances and electronics at once without tripping a breaker.
Outdoor outlets are handy for powering tools and lawn equipment. You can also plug in an electric grill or provide power to outdoor lights and holiday decorations. If your old home doesn't have an outdoor outlet, then you'll probably want one installed for convenience and safety.
Bringing your old house into the future could entail adding a home automation system. An electrician might make a few changes to your existing wiring to turn your home into a smart home.
Your home may need a whole-house surge protector and data cables. You may want to hardwire security cameras for the clearest videos and the most security.
Turn one of your spare bedrooms into a home theater with the help of an electrical upgrade. An electrician helps plan the design to avoid overloading the circuit. Data cables and outlets are installed so they are behind walls and out of sight.
Your home theater has a professional look when it's set up by an electrician. Doing it yourself might leave extension cords showing or it might overload a circuit so the breaker flips when you watch TV and use other appliances at the same time.
If you're tired of struggling with an outdated electrical system in your home, or if you’re buying an old house and want to renovate it to have the latest electrical conveniences, then call Palmer Electric Inc. We can provide all the electrical services your home needs.
