Our homes are where we go to feel safe. It is a terrible shock when disaster strikes our safe place. There are a number of things you can do to make your home as secure as possible. In the U.S. there are 28,600 electrical fires each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These fires result in an average 310 deaths and 1,100 injuries annually.
If your home is more than 40 years old and still has its original wiring, it is at high risk for an electrical fire. Even homes with wiring 25-30 years old should be brought up to current code.
If you are planning major remodeling, you may have to rewire part or all of your home in order to satisfy building codes. The amount and extent of the remodeling will help determine if rewiring is necessary.
Are there signs that indicate my house needs to be rewired?
Older homes, built in the 1950s and earlier, typically have wiring coated in a rubber material that can become brittle with age and break apart. In these cases, the wiring itself often cannot be seen because the coating covers it up. If your outlets are ungrounded, there’s a good chance your home has this older type of wiring.
Homes more than 20 years old may not be wired to handle modern consumption demands. In the U.S., homes use much more electricity than they used to. If your breakers are tripped frequently or if you have fuses that blow when new appliances are added, that is an indication of a serious problem. Lights flickering or dimming can be caused by a loose connection, but could also be the result of a circuit overload.
Feel secure with new wiring for your home
If you’re in doubt, call an expert. No one wants to experience the nightmare of a house fire. Have a qualified electrician check your wiring. People are often shocked to see the electrical hazards present in their homes.
You can get peace of mind without spending a lot of money. If your home is more than 25 years old, have it checked by an expert. That way, you will be able to rest easy, knowing you did all you could to protect your loved ones and your biggest financial investment.
Click the following link for statistics on home fires from the U.S. Fire Administration.