Are You Aware Of What Lurks Within Your Walls?

You upgrade your TV from time to time.

You upgrade your phone from time to time. 

You upgrade your car from time to time.

But when was the last time you even looked at the wires inside your walls and considered whether they needed to be upgraded? Technology changes and yes, it has even changed with the wires in your home!

If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, you should have the wiring in your house examined. Even if there have been extensive upgrades to your home, it is not uncommon for people to overlook the electrical system for something that is much more visible like hardwood floors or that really nice bathroom. Good modern wiring is a great benefit in our technological age. Also, it’s much safer. How do you know if your wiring needs replacing?

Let’s look at different types of wiring…

Knob and Tube:

In the oldest homes, knob and tube wiring are present. Identify this type of wiring by the large knobs that large black insulation tubes connect to. There is no ground wire in this system which is a standard safety feature in modern wiring. If no damage has occurred to the insulting tubes, this wiring can still function but is not ideal.

Aluminum:

An older house may also have aluminum wiring in it. If this is in your home and if there have been any renovations, specifically wall outlets and light switches, that have been replaced or worked on, there may be damage to the wires that can lead to a build-up of heat

Old or Cloth Romex:

There may be old or cloth Romex wiring in your home. Newer Romex wire, or NM cable, uses plastic coating to protect the outside whereas the older stuff uses a cloth or cotton substance on the outside and rubber on the inside.

BX:

Its spiral patterned metal casing can identify BX wiring. While this is more durable than others and it can be resistant to some types of weather, this wiring can have rubber on the inside of the metal which wears out and can cause shorts and sparks.

The Big Question: Should it be Rewired?

With any of these older wiring systems, the recommended power limit will not always be able to handle some of the newer, larger, and more powerful appliances in our modern homes. It may only be a matter of time before your old wiring must be replaced. If you are finding problems with surges and shorts or if you want someone experienced to take a closer look at your wiring, contact us. We will be happy to use our expertise to work with you on what will be best for your house and home.

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