Although your lights and appliances turn on and work properly, it, unfortunately, doesn’t always mean that your wiring is in pristine condition. Because most of the wiring on your property is beneath walls or hidden, it often remains ignored and rarely inspected once it's installed. However, you could be dealing with outdated, faulty, or downright dangerous wiring that should be replaced. This is especially the case if your home is over 40 years old.

Why It Is Important to Update Wiring

Any time you’re dealing with insufficient wiring, you’re at risk for serious safety hazards. In fact, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires. Due to this, the National Electric Code (NEC) releases updated electrical codes for all outlets and wiring every three years. The updates are also to ensure that your home can properly and safely handle electrical demands due to our increased reliance on technology. If your home doesn’t meet the 2020 electrical codes, it’s time for an upgrade now. Our South Bay electricians at Carter Services are happy to assist you with all of your wiring and rewiring needs.

Common Signs Your Wiring Is Outdated

Oftentimes, homes that were built years ago have the outlets and wiring that were acceptable for that time. And because appliances continue to work and the power seems to run as it should, many homeowners don’t even think about updating their wiring until something goes wrong. Don’t wait until an electrical emergency or repair is needed. Instead, protect your home, your appliances, and your loved ones by having one of our electricians perform the necessary updates.

You might need your wiring updated if:

You Have Antiquated Wiring

Depending on the year your home or building was built, it could have a variety of obsolete wiring systems that pose potential safety hazards. If your home was built prior to the 1940s, it most likely has knob-and-tube wiring. Many properties built in the 1940s and 50s have non-metallic wiring and those built between the 60s and 70s typically have aluminum wiring.

The dangers associated with antiquated wiring include:

Worn out insulation due to heat caused by overloaded circuits or bites from pests
Increased chances of shocks
Increased fire hazards

Your Home Still Has Two-Pronged Outlets

While they were considered safe once upon a time, two-pronged outlets are now considered a great safety hazard for both you and any of your devices. Even if you have a surge protector, these outlets don’t provide proper grounding, which means that there’s nowhere for excess electricity to go except into your devices or, worse, you. Don’t run the risk of getting shocked each time you use a device or plug one in. Instead, have an electrician install three-pronged outlets, which have proper grounding.

You Don’t Have GFCIs

These are commonly recognized by their “Test” and “Reset” buttons. Their purpose is to protect you from shock in any high moisture environments, which is why they are required in any bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, etc. Fortunately, these are inexpensive and easy to install.

Your Home Lacks AFCIs

One of the best ways to prevent fires in your home is to have AFCIs installed. These devices act as circuit breakers and stop any potentially dangerous electrical arcs.

You Don’t Have Enough Power for Your Home’s Electrical Demands

Do you know how many amps it takes to power your home? While your current amperage might have been enough to meet your home’s electrical demands in the past, we are using more and more devices and appliances that require more electrical power. Without proper amperage, you run the risk of seriously damaging any electrical appliance or device.

You Don’t Have Enough Outlets

If you are using multiple extension cords or adaptors because your home doesn’t have the outlets necessary to power all of your appliances or devices, it’s high time to update your wiring. Too many extension cords or adaptors creates a serious risk of an electrical fire. Additionally, it can affect the function of your devices; too many extension cords or adaptors reduces the voltage, which means your appliances aren’t getting the proper amount of power.

We Also Suggest Updating Your Wiring Should You Experience:

Any burning smells or smoke
Crackling, popping, or buzzing sounds
Rodent damage to your wiring
Outlets that are hot to touch or scorch marked
Blown fuses
Tripped breakers
Flickering or dimming lights when other appliances are in use

Let Us Protect You!

Get your home up to the NEC’s 2020 codes and ensure the safety of your home, your loved ones, and your devices. Contact Carter Services today at (310) 872-1898 to request an appointment.