If you’re among those who have fallen for the charms of a vintage property, you may already be aware that older construction often comes with outdated electrical systems. These systems were designed for use in an era when households had fewer electrical needs than their modern counterparts. Additionally, older wiring, outlets, and panels may become worn out to the extent that they pose fire risks.
If the wiring in your vintage home is struggling to meet the electrical demands of your family, rest assured that Stott Brothers Electric is equipped to address these shortcomings, ensuring that your home is safe, functional, and up to the job of meeting the needs of today’s technology-driven lifestyle.
Outdated Wiring Systems
Outdated wiring is one of the most common problems in vintage homes, particularly those that haven’t been updated at some point. Several decades ago, most houses were built with either knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring — and neither of these meets modern standards. For instance, knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding, which is necessary to minimize the possibility of electrical shocks. Aluminum wiring, popular in homes built during the 1960s and 1970s, is susceptible to overheating.
Indications of outdated or otherwise malfunctioning household wiring include flickering lights, discolorations or scorch marks in the area immediately surrounding electrical outlets, or a burning odor with no identifiable cause. Don’t wait to have your household wiring updated if any of these are part of the picture, particularly mysterious burning odors. The delay could have tragic results in the form of a household fire. Replacing your current wiring with copper wiring will not only meet today’s safety standards, but it will also enhance your system’s overall efficiency.
Insufficient Electrical Panels
Vintage homes were built to handle a far lighter electrical load than their modern counterparts. Today’s families have multiple appliances, computers, smart devices, and HVAC systems that create a greater need for electricity. If you still have an outdated fuse box or electrical panel in your home, it can become overwhelmed by your household energy usage. Indications of this include circuit breakers that trip frequently, buzzing noises from the panel, or appliances that simply don’t work as they should.
Today’s panels are typically rated at 200 amps, which is sufficient to handle the energy load of the vast majority of modern households. As an added bonus, this upgrade adds value to your home.
Overloaded Circuits
Vintage homes with outdated wiring are also vulnerable to circuit overload. When these homes were built, fewer outlets were installed. These outlets met the demands of homeowners in the past, but modern households find they have to rely on extension cords and/or power strips to meet their need for electricity. However, plugging too many devices into the same circuit can result in overheating and create a fire hazard.
This issue can be resolved by installing additional outlets and/or dedicated circuits in areas with high electrical demand such as kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. For an extra layer of safety, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be installed in locations exposed to moisture. GFCI outlets work by automatically shutting off power when their sensors detect water, significantly decreasing the risk of electric shock.
Outdated or Faulty Outlets
If your vintage home still has old-school two-prong outlets, consider having them upgraded to the safer three-prong type. The reason that three-prong outlets are safer is that they’re equipped with a grounding wire, which protects you and your family from shocks and reduces chances of electrical fires. They take excess electricity caused by power surges or defects in appliances and redirect it into the ground.
Old, worn-out outlets may also fail to hold plugs securely, which can result in electricity output jumping between contacts, creating an elevated risk of fire.
Fortunately, replacing old outlets with their three-pronged, grounded counterparts is a straightforward upgrade. If you have children in the home, consider getting tamper-resistant outlets installed as well.
Reach Out to Our Professionals for More Information
Home and business owners in Port St. Lucie and surrounding Florida communities have come to count on Stott Brothers Electric for all of their electrical needs. We are a full-service electrical contractor committed to providing top-quality results, including repairs, panel upgrades, landscape lighting, and EV charging solutions. Ask about our maintenance plan. Not only does it provide peace of mind from knowing that your electrical system is operating safely and efficiently, but you’ll also receive numerous discounts and perks.
If you’re in the vicinity of Port St. Lucie, call us at Stott Brothers Electric today to discuss your situation or schedule service.
