Does Your Florida Home Need an Electrical Wiring Upgrade?
If your appliances and lights function, you probably give little thought to your electrical wiring. However, it’s important to pay attention to this hidden part of your home. If your house is more than 40 years old and still retains its original wiring, it’s time to consider an upgrade. In Sarasota, for example, the median home age is 39 years. Bradenton homes are close behind with a median age of 33. Keep in mind that homes of any age can run into electrical problems. Look for these strong indicators that it’s time to take action.
Functionality Problems
Don’t wait for a serious malfunction to clue you into problems with your electrical wiring. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment cause nearly half of home electrical fires. Of these, 16 percent are the result of unclassified wiring problems. Early warning signs of wiring issues include:
- Breakers that trip repeatedly and without apparent cause
- Lighting that dims or flickers
- Minor shocks or a gentle tingling from touching appliances
- A persistent burning smell in the home
Visual Indicators
A quick inspection of your home can reveal some visual clues that indicate the need for an electrical wiring upgrade. Look for the following.
- Discoloration around electrical outlets
- Two-prong outlets instead of grounded three-prong outlets
- Lack of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in rooms with water, such as the kitchen or bathroom; outlets with a GFCI have two small buttons in the center
What To Do
If you suspect that your home may need an electrical wiring upgrade, either because of its age or because it’s showing one of the signs mentioned above, you should schedule an inspection with an experienced electrician. Wiring upgrades are not something you should attempt as a DIY project. An inspection will alert you to potential problems. Your electrician can recommend the best options for upgrading your electrical wiring to suit your lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate if your home has electrical wiring problems of any kind. Contact an electrician now to learn more.
