Do you know how old the wiring is in your home? Outdated and damaged wiring can lead to significant electrical safety hazards and damage. To minimize the risk of an electrical fire, it is important to recognize the signs that you need to replace the wiring in your house. As leading providers of residential electrical solutions, the team at BNR Electric has provided some information on common indicators of outdated and damaged wiring.
When to Replace the Wiring in Your House
Knowing the condition and age of the wiring in your house is crucial for minimizing the risk of electrical hazards and optimizing energy efficiency. The following signs are common indicators of old or outdated wiring in a home:
You Have Aluminum Wiring
Though aluminum wiring is typically safe for a home, it can be more susceptible to overheating. You can identify an aluminum wiring system by observing the outer jacket of the cables at your electrical panel. If they are marked with AL, ALUM, or ALM, they are made from aluminum. If your house is using aluminum wiring, it could be worth hiring a professional electrician to replace it with copper wires.
Your Lights are Flickering
Wiring can deteriorate over time, causing consistent flickering and dimming of lights even if they are properly connected. If your bulbs are new and securely connected but tend to flicker multiple times a day or dim throughout the week, you may need to replace your wiring.
Problems with Your Outlets
Are your outlets discoloured or hot to the touch? In addition to discolouration and heat, outlets can also come loose from the wall and expose the wiring. These can be signs of severe wiring issues that can lead to electrical fires and power surges. If your outlets are blackened or turning brown, you should call an electrician immediately.
Frequent Breaker Tripping
A circuit breaker is designed to trip (switch off) as a safety measure to prevent overheating or power surges when it exceeds the amperage it can handle. Though occasional breaker tripping is normal, multiple instances per week is a sign that you may need to replace the wiring or electrical panel in your home. Please note that an electrical panel must be replaced by a licensed electrician.
To learn more about the common signs of damaged and outdated wiring, contact the team at BNR Electric. They can be reached at 604-819-7887 or through our online contact form and will be happy to provide you with the perfect solution for your home.