Homes that are built more than 20 years ago are bound to experience more and more electrical issues
Homes that are built more than 20 years ago are bound to experience more and more electrical issues. This is because at this point, fixtures tend to wear out either due to day-to-day use, or the lack of maintenance would soon have to manifest.
In any case, homeowners would have to act on any of these issues right away since these could pose safety hazards to any member of the household. Some issues could also end up becoming fire and electrical injury risks if left unaddressed.
This article will discuss the usual electrical problems encountered by owners of homes built more than two decades ago. While some are not considered as grave electrical problems, others are considered as such, and the homeowner should immediately seek licensed electrical help to avoid untoward incidents and inconveniences.
Outlets and light switches are warm to touch
Sometimes outlets and switch plates in older homes seem warm to touch. This is not something to ignore though as it indicated a deeper issue within the electrical system. It could indicate that there is a serious wiring problem that causes the circuits behind the specific warm switch or receptacle plate to heat up or become warm to touch.
Frequently tripping breakers
Older homes usually experience tripping breakers because usually, their power supply could no longer meet the electrical demands of the household. Homeowners should have their electrical services upgraded through a licensed local electrician contractor.
Permanent use of extension cords
One of the common sights in an older home is permanently used extension wires. Owners of older homes seem to rely so much on extension wires that they no longer put them away after use. Unfortunately, over-dependence on these extension wires is a symptom of an electrical issue. It suggests that there is not enough electrical supply in that home.
What is even more dangerous is that using extension wires increases the risk of overloading. Overloaded circuits tend to overheat, and eventually cause damage to the appliance, or could even spark electrical fires.
Malfunctioning lights throughout the house
Older homes also tend to have malfunctioning lights throughout the home. Usually, the malfunction manifests through flickers or dimming even if the bulbs are just recently replaced. While these instances are usually reminiscent of scenes from horror movies, the reason behind these electrical issues is far from the supernatural. These are caused by electrical wiring issues, that need to be addressed by a licensed electrician right away.
It is also possible that poor, loose, or corroded connections cause these issues from taking place. unfortunately, the arcing could start an electrical fire. Homeowners should not forego the problem and have it fixed even before it becomes a full-blown electrical emergency.
