Top 5 Electrical System Fixes for Older Homes

Did you know that most circuit breakers only have about a 40-yr life? Circuit breakers are the safety nets of an older home’s electrical system. Many older homes still rely on the original electric panel and circuit breakers installed at the build of the home. If the circuit breaker has unknowingly ceased to function, it could spell serious trouble - trouble that is seldom discovered at a home inspection prior to purchase. There are many other culprits that often go unnoticed when inspecting an older home. Badly-done homeowner electrical repairs tend to top the list, and are not only expensive to correct, but often dangerous.

There are a number of things you can do to make the electrical system of your older house safer if you’re not quite ready to make the leap to complete replacement.

Top 5 Electrical System Fixes for Older Homes:

1. DITCH THE EXTENSION CORDS Extension cords are meant for temporary use only. Ditch them anywhere they are permanently installed, and have a licensed electrician run wiring to additional new receptacles.
2. REPLACE ALL DAMAGED SWITCHES AND RECEPTACLES  Also, change out any receptacles that can no longer securely grab the prongs of an appliance cord. This is most likely to occur at  locations where cords are repeatedly plugged in and out, like at the kitchen counter. A loose connection between receptacle and cord can cause arcing. Any receptacle where an electric cord can be pulled out with no resistance should be replaced.
3. REPLACE THE 100 AMP PANEL WITH A 200 AMP PANEL The change-out will require an electrician to run new service wires to the home. Because new panels are required to have special AFCI breakers for most circuits, you gain an added level of protection for the aging wires still in the wall. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers sense when any wiring in the circuits they protect is frayed or otherwise damaged  and arcing/sparking is occurring between two disconnected pieces of the same wire or two adjacent wires in a cable—and they cut off the power to the circuit.
4. or REPLACE THE BREAKERS IN THE PANEL If replacing the electric panel is more than you can afford, think about having an electrician replace the breakers in the panel. The panel box typically has a longer life than breakers anyway, and you will get AFCI-breaker protection for the 120-volt general purpose circuits. The only problem with this strategy is that it’s hard to find replacement breakers for some old panels.
5. LOOK FOR EVIDENCE OF BAD DIY REPAIRS  and have a professional electrician fix them.

At the first sign of trouble, such as lights that blink, appliances that work intermittently, breakers that keep tripping, or the acrid, burning smell of a short circuit, always shut off the circuit at the panel and seek the assistance of an experienced, licensed professional electrician, like Karen Proctor Electric. We specialize in electrical repairs of all types.  

Our knowledgeable, experienced electricians bring you the highest quality service in the Middle Tennessee area, including Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Ashland, Dickson, and Springfield. Karen Proctor Electric also offers free estimates, and competitive rates. Could your home's electrical system benefit from the attention of a licensed electrician? Call Karen Proctor Electric today. Our phone number is 615-642-1792.