As a property owner, your electrical wiring is probably not a major concern. However, if you rarely think about your property’s wiring until an issue arises, it may be time to call a trusted electrician in Austin for an inspection. Old wiring often poses serious risks if minor issues go unattended, and that’s why early intervention is crucial. At Mr. Electric of Austin, we leverage extensive expertise and knowledge to inspect, detect, and diagnose hidden wiring issues before they escalate into serious issues. Here’s how old wiring increases the risk of electrical fires to help you make informed decisions.
Material Deterioration
Over time, the insulation on outdated wires wears out, exposing the electrical conductors. If your electrical system is old or outdated, such as knob and tube or cloth-covered wiring, then it poses serious fire hazards. The materials of old wiring often become brittle and fall off, leaving conductors exposed. When left unchecked, these wires can rub against each other or contact flammable materials, causing fire hazards.
Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was common in the 1960s and 1970s. This type of wiring was banned due to its high susceptibility to corrosion and overheating. If your building was built around this time, then you may have aluminum wiring. Consult a trusted electrician in Austin to inspect and determine if it is in good condition. In most situations, a complete rewiring is necessary to mitigate further deterioration and minimize the risk of fire hazards.
Lack of Grounding
Older wiring systems, like cloth-covered or knob and tube, often do not have a ground wire. A crucial safety feature that protects against electrical faults and fires. You can determine if your current wiring is grounded by checking the number of prongs. A two-pronged system often indicates it is ungrounded and poses serious risks to your home. A professional technician can update your wiring system and incorporate ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to protect your property against electrical faults and fires.
Outdated Capacity
Outdated wiring that is several decades old is likely not designed to handle the high power demands of today’s numerous and powerful appliances. Whether it is an air conditioner, entertainment equipment, or kitchen gadgets, relying on old wiring can overwhelm the system and increase the risk of shorts, overheating, and fires. If you have plans to upgrade your home with modern appliances, it may be time to have a professional electrician assess your current system. Unlike untrained individuals, technicians can assess the current voltage in your building, account for future demands, and recommend the best course of action.
Overloaded Circuits
When you introduce modern devices to an outdated wiring system, they will likely overload the circuits. This may not raise concerns initially, but the increased electrical current can cause wires to overheat, leading to sparks and fires. As mentioned, before upgrading to modern devices, consulting a technician to inspect your system is crucial. Although rewiring your entire home may come at a cost, the long-term safety and cost savings make it a worthwhile investment.
How to Protect Your Home?
The best way to protect your home from wiring-related fire hazards is to schedule routine inspections with a qualified electrician in Austin. A highly trained expert can assess and pinpoint signs of deterioration before they escalate, such as frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, and burning outlets. By replacing outdated wiring and upgrading your home’s system, you can ensure your electrical system meets modern safety and capacity standards.
Contact us at Mr. Electric of Austin to book a consultation with our licensed electricians and enjoy optimal functionality for many years to come. We provide comprehensive electrical services, including rewiring, repairs, and maintenance, giving you peace of mind year-round.
