Buying an old home often means investing in a piece of history with unique details and time-tested architecture. While these properties may be built to last, many elements of the infrastructure are often past their prime. Older electrical systems, in particular, leave homeowners with an increased risk of shock, fire, and power failure. If you’ve recently purchased a house that was built decades ago, here are a few common issues you may need an electrician to fix. 

What Electrical Issues Should You Be Aware of in an Old House?

1. Faulty Wiring 

Old or damaged electrical wiring can cause a lot of inconsistencies with appliance usage and lighting systems. It also poses a risk of becoming overheated and sparking a fire. A licensed electrician may need to replace bad wiring if you hear buzzing or vibrating within walls, smell burning odors, have scorched or overheated outlets, or are consistently dealing with blown fuses. 

2. Outdated Systems

Homes built before the 1960s were often equipped with knob-and-tube electrical systems. These systems contain wiring in porcelain cylinders to keep surrounding wood structures from overheating and catching fire. 

However, these designs grow less reliable with age, especially if insulation has been placed near wiring. Additionally, the outlets' lack of a ground wire means they're unable to handle appliances with three-pronged plugs. If your house has this kind of system installed, professional rewiring is necessary to keep the property safe and adaptable to modern living. 

3. Flickering Lights 

If you spot flickering light fixtures, it’s possible that aged and corroded wiring may be to blame. However, loose or corroded connections are other common causes of this disruptive problem. To get a proper fix, have an electrician inspect the lighting and restore the connection. 

4. Dead Outlet

Electrical outlets are dead if they won’t provide power when devices are plugged in. Sometimes, you can fix a dead outlet by resetting the breaker. However, if that doesn’t restore the power flow, you’ll need an electrician to replace melted wires, secure loose connections, or provide other common outlet repairs. 

5. Tripped Breakers

Older homes weren’t designed to accommodate the constant heavy flow of power that today’s electronics require. When these systems are overloaded, breakers in the electrical panel will shut off and need to be reset to restore power. If you’re experiencing frequently tripped breakers, you’ll likely need to upgrade the electrical panel so that it can support modern energy usage needs. 

If you’re moving into an older home, stay safe with help from Etheridge Electric Company. Providing comprehensive electrical services in the Hahira, GA, area, this experienced contractor offers in-depth home inspections to pinpoint and fix common issues—such as bad wiring and outdated panels. Whether you need rewiring or a new lighting installation, you can count on this team to deliver dependable results that will prevent fire risks, excessive energy use, and power failure. For more details on these guaranteed solutions, visit this licensed electrician online or call (229) 794-2148.