Knowing When it is Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical System

Since I started working in Arran last year, I've came across many electrical systems that look like the one above.

In many older homes, electrical systems do not get updated nearly as often as they should be. When an electrical system begins to age, it can become an inconvenience at best and a fire hazard at worst. For this reason, it is important to know when it is time to upgrade your home’s electrical system.

Why You Need to Upgrade an Electrical System

Electrical systems are typically products of the time during which the house was built. Many older homes are only equipped to handle a very low amount of amperage which means that, if the appliance is big enough and places too much draw on the system, the breaker or fuse that the electricity flows through will trip more easily. If the breaker does not trip and the amperage running through the electrical system is too large to handle, the wires will overheat and can start a fire.

A common problem with older electrical systems is that breakers will cease to trip when they are overloaded, which frequently leads to overheating and fires. Sometimes, this is due to an old breaker, but it can also be because of a loose connection within the electrical system. Faulty wiring and loose connections can also raise the risk of electrocution. For these reasons, it is best to replace the electrical system in older homes.

Old VIR cables

How to Tell if Your Electrical System Needs Replacing

There are many signals that can tell a homeowner when their electrical system needs replacing, but the best way to know for sure is to ask a licensed electrician for help. Some indicators that you may have an outdated electrical apparatus include:

Circuit breakers tripping or fuses blowing frequently

A low number of outlets in the home

Lights that dim when other appliances are turned on

Minor shocks when touching an electrical appliance

Burning smells in any room

A lack of three-pronged outlets throughout the house

If any of these issues can be found in a home, it is likely that the electrical system will need to be replaced.

Any electrical work should always be done by a qualified electrician. To learn more about when it is time to upgrade your home’s electrical system or if you are concerned that your electrical system might need to be replaced, contact Alistair @ Clydeside Electrics