Electric Wiring | Thomas Blake Electrical

When Should You Replace Old Electrical Wiring?

Did you build your home many years ago and are yet to replace the wiring? It may just be time to replace old wiring to enhance the safety of your home and its inhabitants. According to a recent study, defective or old wiring has emerged as the major cause of house fires or short circuits. Electrician Coorparoo says that materials like wire insulation may become damaged over a period of time. A large number of home electrical fire incidents involve receptacles and outlets, poor wiring, and other faulty electrical wiring. The electrical system in your house needs regular inspection and replacement. A thorough rewiring with the latest electrical panel may cost you, however, it really is the only option if you wish to live in a safe and comfortable home.

Here are a few signs when you should consider replacing your old electrical wiring:

Consistent fusing:

If you have a fuse breaker that consistently trips, this is a major indication that something is amiss. It may be a result of several single appliances being plugged into a circuit that may cause it to overload. You may unplug all the appliances and then plug them back in separately. If the fuse still trips, then that’s where the main problem is occurring. It could also indicate that there is a major fault in the circuit. It is best to seek professional advice from a renowned electrician in such a scenario.

Old switches or socket:

If your home has switches or sockets that are outdated then there is a strong possibility that the wiring is damaged. Another indication will be the presence of black rubber wiring. This is regularly the situation with houses that are more than 40 years old and not yet modernised. It is worth noting that rubber compounds tend to brittle as they age and can cause fire incidents.

You need extension cords consistently:

If you have been requiring extension cords at a regular interval, it is a sign that you are running short of outlets. If your room has only one or two outlets, it is time for an electrical review and update.

Stained outlets:

When you spot discolouring or staining on your electrical outlets, it means your home is witnessing a surge in power. This can pose a grave risk of fire hazard and should be addressed at the earliest possible point. You may hire Electrician Brisbane to get the problem checked.

Aluminium wiring:

In the earlier times, electricians frequently opted for aluminium wiring as it was economical. They also ignored optimising these systems for aluminium’s idiosyncrasies. It caused major failure rates at connection points and led to short circuits and electrical sparks. Aluminium is not bad but it is not as effective as copper. The possible safety hazard of aluminium wiring is called creeping. It is also recognised when connections slacken over a period of time. The gaps between the wiring and connectors may cause overheating and fire incidents.

Conclusion:

Your home wiring should be in an ideal condition for the safety of your house and its residents. If you feel a slight shock or tingle after touching a switch, call Electrician Capalaba and get all problems fixed. When you come across any of the above mentioned electrical issues, it is ideal to seek professional assistance. If you think you have faulty, damaged or old wiring, you should call a professional electrician immediately.