Common Electrical Problems Your Electrician May Find During An Older Home Inspection
If you are thinking about buying a house and you have found one you want, you will need to have a series of inspections done, one of the most important being of the property's electrical system. This is especially true if you are buying an older home. Check out some of problems an electrician may find during an electrical home inspection.
Metal Junction Boxes And The Risk Of Fire
The wiring going into your appliance or into any other type of metal junction box in your home's electrical system should be installed with clamps. The vibrations and movement of the metal box can cause the wires touching it to become compromised, causing it to be a serious fire hazard. The vibrations create an abrasive action on wires touching metal, causing the inner hot wires to be unsafely exposed. Every junction box should be installed according the regulations in your area, but ensuring the metal junction boxes in your home are properly repaired and protected is vital to your and your family's safety. Your inspector will have a look at the most common metal junctions in the home for making sure clamps are in place.
Antiquated Breaker Boxes Converted To Modern Versions
Old houses are notorious for having antiquated breaker boxes. However, today, most of the main breaker boxes that used fuses are no longer in service. However, when the wiring was changed over in your home's modern breaker box, making sure it was wired properly is vital. The electrician switching out an antiquated system with a newer system should have the licensing and adequate experience for doing so in the safest manner. Your electrical inspector will be able to tell you if your breaker is in good working condition.
Improperly Wired Outlets Can Cause Fire And Electric Shock
If the older home you are considering has not had its antique outlets replaced with modern GFCIs, your electrical inspector will cite it during his or her inspection. GFCI outlets have helped to prevent many electrocutions in the home. However, like most outdated breaker boxes, many older homes have had modern outlets installed in them as well. Your electrical inspector will look at the outlets to ensure there no issues like arcing or reversed polarity.
Well-Executed Electrical Inspections Include Buried Wiring
The older home with an outdoor shed on the property may also have buried wiring going from the house to the shed. The wiring used a few decades ago could be unsafe and at high risk of corrosion when buried. Your electrical inspector may find issues with the underground wiring and ask that is be repaired prior to second, follow-up inspection.
One of the greatest benefits of knowing your home has a safe electrical system is your peace of mind. When shopping for an older home, always keeping in mind the advantages of some modern upgrades, like the electrical system, is important to remember.
For professional help, contact a company such as All American Air & Electric, Inc.