Common Electrical Repairs for Aging Homes

If you are a vintage home enthusiast or find yourself trying to update an older home, an obvious challenge will be outdated building systems. Particularly troublesome is the original electrical wiring. It is hard to believe, but when it was installed, it was state-of-the-art technology. But technology changes over time, and that is certainly true with wiring. Safer products have become standard for modern construction, and society has benefited from the changes.

Whether you are trying to restore a vintage home—keeping the original character, or you are trying to update a vintage home to meet present needs, you are likely to experience some struggles with outdated electrical wiring. Here are some of the most common Electrical Repairs you will encounter:

Electrical Repairs: Outdated Wiring

The current standard of residential wiring uses three conductor copper wiring, with two hot wires and one neutral or ground wire, with multiple layers of plastic insulative coating. However, this technology became standard in the late 1970s: homes built before that time used an older technology.

• Homes built between the 1880s and the 1940s used knob and tube wiring: Two conductor copper wires (no ground wire) wrapped in cloth or rubber. Although building code does not require knob and tube technology to be removed from an existing home, some problems make this very desirable. First, rubber insulation breaks down over the years and can expose live wires to flammable materials. Second, modern appliances are manufactured with a ground wire to prevent shock and electrocution. Knob and tube wiring does not accommodate the safety ground feature, leaving occupants vulnerable without their knowledge. Third, making changes without expertise can make modifications more dangerous; DIY remodeling with knob and tube wiring can be hazardous.
• Homes built between the 1960s and 1970s may have used three conductor aluminum wiring, two hot, and one ground wire. There was a building boom during a time when copper was very expensive, so aluminum was substituted for copper. Aluminum is great for some applications—it is still used for power transmission wires since aluminum is lighter than copper and carries more current by weight than copper. However, two problems developed. First, electrochemical corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals encounter each other. Corrosion happens within confined spaces and goes unnoticed for a long time. Second, residential current causes thermal expansion—the wires expand and contract with use. Both problems lead to short-circuits and often result in home fires.

Rewiring without opening every wall takes skill. Seek an experienced electrician for the best results.

Electrical Repairs: Undersized Service Panel

The electric service panel receives electricity from the public utility, splits the current into separate circuits, and transports the current around the home. Since electricity had limited applications in earlier times, the amount of current brought into the original service panel of vintage homes was much smaller.

• Before the 1950s, service panels received 30 amps and used replaceable fuses. Service was limited to 120 volts, so it would not serve modern dryers, electric ranges, or HVAC systems.
• Between 1950 and 1965, the service panel received 60-amp service, which would accommodate 220-volt appliances.
• In the 1960s, service panels were manufactured to receive 100-amp, 220-volt service.

Do not be surprised to learn that 100-amp/220-volt service is inadequate for your family’s needs.

Electrical Repairs: Faulty Connections

Whether because of substandard wiring, poor installation, or inferior repairs, electrical connections can be faulty and dangerous.

• If a switch, outlet, or appliance is hot to the touch.
• If lights frequently blink.
• If a connection sparks.
• If visual evidence of a spark marks a switch or outlet.

These are fire hazards and indicate faulty connections that need to be repaired by a licensed electrician.

Electrical Repairs: Outdated Fixtures

If you intend to keep the architectural distinctiveness of a vintage home but are concerned about vintage light fixtures, the fixtures can be rewired to meet modern standards.

To explore your options further, request an inspection by an experienced, licensed electrician.

If you have an older home, let us help with your electrical repairs!

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your electrical repairs.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.