Ensuring Home Electrical Safety: What to Do When Wiring Isn’t Safe

Electrical safety in your home can often be overlooked but is crucial for the well-being of your family and the longevity of your property. Regular inspections and updates are essential to maintain a safe environment. This article will guide you through the process of ensuring your home wiring is safe and what to do if it's not.

When to Hire a Home Inspector

Hire a home inspector. Such inspections are usually conducted when you're considering purchasing a home, but they can be performed at any time. A home inspector is familiar with current electrical codes and can provide a detailed report on the condition of your electrical system. This report highlights issues such as proper wiring sizing, circuit breakers, and the requirement for GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets.

Evaluation and Remediation

After the inspection, you can consult a licensed electrician for an estimate to address any serious issues identified. While many jurisdictions allow homeowners to do this work themselves, it's often safer and more reliable to use a licensed electrical contractor, especially if you lack the necessary expertise.

It's important to note that a house built to code 50 or 100 years ago can still be as safe as it initially was. However, it may lack features like GFCI outlets in the bathroom and kitchen, which you can upgrade for added safety. While you are not required to bring an older private dwelling up to modern standards, certain areas mandate such updates in rental units.

Steps to Assess Your Home’s Electrical System

Whether you've recently purchased an old home or not, here are some steps to assess the safety of your electrical system:

Consult a licensed electrician. They can help you determine the condition of your system and identify any necessary upgrades or repairs. Inspect the main breaker box. If the circuit directory is missing or unclear, you need to call an electrician to check your wiring for safety. Look for missing labels. If some circuit breakers are unlabelled, or you see more than two sets of writing, you should consult an electrician. Appraise your circuit usage. If your appliance usage exceeds 80% of the rated main breaker, you may need an upgrade and a new connection from the utility. Very old houses with a main circuit breaker of less than 60 amps typically require an upgrade.

If any of these issues are unfamiliar or incomprehensible to you, don't hesitate to call an electrician to examine your wiring.

Individual Indicators of Unsafe Wiring

Unsafe wiring can be indicated by several signs. For instance, having more than two sets of major appliances suggests the house may have been illegally subdivided. If you experience tripped circuit breakers, it's essential to have that circuit examined for any damage. Always call an electrician without resetting the breaker that tripped.

Conclusion

Know the signs of unsafe wiring and take preventive measures to ensure your home is safe and up to modern standards. Regular inspections and updates not only enhance your sense of security but also protect your home and its inhabitants from potential electrical hazards.