Older homes possess a lot of charm —but can often possess a lot of structural issues as well, left often from an older generation’s style of construction or materials. Older homes often have certain electrical hazards that many newer homes lack. So, if your home is not recently constructed, pay careful attention to these common electrical hazards in older homes in order to keep your property and family safe!
Arc Faults: When a connection between wiring, cords, or appliance is broken, an arc fault occurs. This issue is more common in older homes as the breaks in connection generally happen more often due to years of accumulated damage. An arc fault can cause a house fire to break out, so be sure to keep careful check on your appliances and electrical circuiting.
Chewed Wires: Older homes —and new homes as well—can suffer from rodent infestations. Electrical wires chewed through by rodents can become a huge fire hazard. In older homes, the animals have had years to gnaw and bite the protective wiring, putting your home at risk. Be sure to routinely check the wires and replace if necessary.
Cracked Wire Insulation: A cracked wire insulation can spell disaster to your property if gone unchecked and unfixed. Cracks can occur for a variety of reasons, such as heat, corrosion, or bending stress, but age is another huge factor that contributes to damage. The electrical wiring in older homes has suffered years and year of stress and damage. When examining your electrical wires, be sure to look for any visible cracks.
Old Appliances: An older home often has older appliances. If you haven’t gotten around to a full-scale renovation in your home and instead are using the original appliances, be sure to investigate the connection cords of each electrical appliance carefully. Old appliances consume a lot of energy and if a cord is broken, could be the start of a potential home fire. When your old appliances start to show signs of wear and tear, that’s a great sign to replace them with a newer model.
Loose Connections: With age, the connections to outlets or switches loosen overtime. A loose connection can release spark and energy, easily starting a fire if left unfixed. Take a look around your property and check on the condition of all of the switches and outlets; if any seem broken or improperly connected, then maintenance is highly recommended in order to keep your home safe from fire.
–
Owning an older home can be a great experience, but it is crucial to remain aware of the electrical hazards in older homes that aren’t as commonly found in newer models. With a little bit of electrical maintenance and proactive checking around your house, you can ensure that you keep your property fully functioning and minimize any risk of a home fire.