Three Electrical Risks in Older Homes

by | Oct 17, 2013 | Electronics

Homes built before 1970 may have electrical hazards that can lead to fires. Modern appliances and electronics put extra strain on your entire electrical system. Updating with modern features such as Square D circuit breakers and arc fault circuit interrupters will make your home safer.

Insufficient Amps
The average home built prior to the 70’s was equipped with an average of 30 amps. Today’s average home has 100 to 200 amps. Anything under 100 amps will make it difficult to deal with the electronics and appliances used in today’s home. The regulations now dictate homes are equipped with at least 100 amps. You should check to see how many amps your home is equipped with and if it does not meet the standard requirements you should arrange to have an electrician install a new system such as Square D Circuit Breakers.

Poor Wiring
Homes built prior to 1970 contain knob and tube wiring which is a known fire hazard. Many changes have taken place to cables and wiring used in newer homes. These changes are designed to provide ground protection and are suited to modern features such as recessed lighting. They also provide a better rated insulation temperature. It is very possible that since the home was originally built some updates have been made to the wiring. However, to be safe it is advisable you have an electrician take a look throughout your home to check for any knob and tube wiring and update it as soon as possible. This may prove to be an expensive undertaking but will be safer as the older the wiring the more chance of fire. Your electrician may be able to make some minor modifications to save money as opposed to rewiring your entire home. Be certain that the changes done meet the new requirements.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
Arc faults can occur when there are faulty electrical connections due to corrosion as well as in the cases where electrical wiring has been installed improperly. Arc faults cause a searing heat when an unexpected jolt of electricity is discharged between conductors. In older homes arc faults can occur for any number of reasons. Having arc fault circuit interrupters installed will prevent them.
Arranging for upgrades such as Square D Circuit Breakers will help lessen the risks of fire in your home.

Modern appliances and electronics put extra strain on your entire electrical system. Updating with modern features such as Square D circuit breakers and arc fault circuit interrupters will make your home safer. Choose from a variety of different types from.

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