So, your appliances and lights are working fine, that means that your electrical wiring is working okay, right? Well, there is some truth in this but in some cases; the wiring might not be working right. The wiring is seldom inspected and might require an update especially in cases where the home is over 40 years old.

Why Do you Need to Update your Home’s Wiring?

The installation of proper wiring goes beyond safety. This installation ensures that our home is functional, reliable and in a position to keep up with the needs of power. This kind of installation doe not only involves electrical wiring, it also involves internet wiring, cable wiring, phone wiring and many others.

Do Not Risk

Reports from the National Fire Prevention Association or NFPA show that incorrect wiring is the main cause of fires in residential premises. After every three years, the standards and electrical codes for wiring and outlets are updated by the NEC or National Electrical Code. The aim of the updates is to ensure that electrical wiring is up to date with current technology and they are designed to keep your home safe. If your home has not got the 2014 updates, then you should ensure that it has to prevent any accidents that might be related to older wiring settings.

Your Home Will Need An Update If…

It has Older Wiring

Older wiring such as the tube wiring used in the 1930, non-metallic wiring used in the 50s and the aluminum wiring used in the 1960 and 70s is considered unsafe. Other hazards include frayed wires and loose connections that might be as a result of normal wear and tear.

There are ungrounded 2-pronged Outlets

These are huge risks for you and for your electrical appliances. Without the recommended grounding, there will be no place for electrical excesses and this will go into the electronics or people regardless of whether you are using a surge protector or not. This type of wiring has been overtaken by time and needs to be replaced immediately to reduce shock risks and risks of losing your electronics.

There are No GFCIs

GFCIs are the measures put in place to protect people from shock in areas with high moisture content and can be identified by the reset and test buttons. They are required in the kitchen, bathroom, garages, pool and spa areas, basements and crawlspaces, utility rooms and any other areas outside the house. The lack of these inexpensive devices can increase the risks of shock and you should not risk it because they are quite easy to install.

There are No AFCIs

AFCIs act as breakers and prevent fires caused by electricity. When there is a potential arc, the AFCIs will disconnect and this is why they are required in the bedroom in most states but some states require them to be installed in all the rooms.

There No Childproof Outlets

A childproof outlet makes it difficult for a child to insert objects into outlets and this reduces the risks of electrical shocks. These outlets will require simultaneous pressure for electricity to flow through them, something that will only be made possible by a plug and a considerable amount of pressure that children cannot apply but easy for grownups. Childproof outlets will only cost slightly higher than normal outlets but are required in all new homes and will ensure that your child is safe.

The Power Is Not Enough

Well, a few years back, 60 amps was what was needed to run a home efficiently. With advances in technology and additions of new appliances, you will need between 100 and 200 amps to have an efficient home. Without sufficient power, your appliances would end up dead and this is the reason why you need an update. This will ensure that your home has adequate power to run all the appliances.

Other Signs that You Need an Electrical Update

There are other signs that will tell when you need an electrical update including blown fuses, tripped breakers, rodent damages, and smoke or burning smells, flickering and dimming lights, the use of adapters and extensions because of few outlets, buzzing, popping or crackling noises, scorch marker outlets among others.

An Electrical update will not only ensure that your family is safe from electrical related accidents, but the process will also ensure that your appliances are operating smoothly and efficiently. Contact Failsafe Electric today and we will send our professional electricians to get the process started.