Shopping for a home or undertaking a remodel is a great way to get a space that meets your needs. However, during the process, you might encounter several electrical problems, especially in older homes. Having a qualified electrician on your team is the best way to ensure your plans can be executed safely and on time. Here are three of the most common electrical problems to look for in any inspection or renovation project.

1. Outdated Electrical Wiring in the Home

Many older homes built more than 40 years ago still have knob-and-tube wiring. Back in the day, this type of system was efficient, but by this point, much of it is deteriorated and could put your home at risk for a fire. In fact, faulty wiring was the biggest cause of residential fires in a 2009 study. 

While you have your walls knocked down, it's a good idea to replace this ancient electrical system with an up-to-date one. Not sure if it's time to replace your wiring? Here are a few warning signs:

• Lights that flicker or dim
• Fuses that blow on a regular basis
• A burning smell when using electricity

2. Faulty Electrical Outlets

Another common problem in older homes is faulty electrical outlets. This can happen for a number of reasons. Over the years, many electrical outlets simply wear out and don't provide a snug connection with the plug. This problem can cause fuses to blow or your circuit breaker to trip.

The wiring on your outlet can also go bad. If the connection is too loose, the outlet can spark when you try to use it. Often, this results in burn marks around the outlet, so always do an inspection of each outlet before buying a home. Additionally, feel each one to make sure it isn't hot. Try testing each outlet to make sure it works without any issues. 

3. Poor Condition of Circuit Breaker or Electric Panels

In some cases, it's not the outlets or the wiring that's the problem, but the circuit breaker. The circuit breakers in many older homes simply weren't designed to handle the usage of all of our modern electronics. If this is the case, your breaker might frequently trip, especially if you're using more than one appliance at a time.

Another reason that your circuit breaker might be in poor condition is because it has a short circuit. This occurs when wires in the walls shift position and touch in places they should not. Obviously, this creates a surge of electricity and overloads the system.

Get Help for These Common Electrical Problems

If you're remodeling your home, don't leave the electrical aspect up in the air. Learn more about how David Gray Electrical Services can help during a remodel.

Ready to get started? Call us at (904) 467-0784 or get a free estimate today.