Buying A Home? Avoid These Electrical Pitfalls

A faulty electrical system can turn your dream home into a headache (or hazard). In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we offer some tips on how to sidestep common electrical pitfalls and why calling in a certified electrician can save you time, money, and stress.

The Panel’s Age and Condition

The electrical panel is your home’s command center for electricity. Panels from the last century often lack the capacity and safety features of modern units. Even if they keep the lights on, panels with the following red flags warrant a call for an electrician:

• Panel uses fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• The circuit breaker trips when you run multiple devices or appliances.
• There is rust or corrosion on the circuit breaker.
• The panel overheats, hums, buzzes, or has scorch marks.
• The panel is over 25 years old.

When you schedule your electrical inspection before your home purchase, our electrician will absolutely assess the condition of the electrical panel. Still, it's worth knowing about these signs of trouble.

Overloaded Circuits and “DIY” Add-Ons

Electricity has the potential to cause great harm - or worse. That is partly why electrical systems in homes and businesses are governed by building codes, standards, and regulations. In fact, even your property insurance provider will object to unauthorized electrical work.

One of the biggest consequences of "DIY" work - even when seemingly successful - is overloaded circuits. These can overheat wiring and lead to short circuits and fires. Ask the previous owner if there has been electrical work done since their purchase; if so, then by whom.

Hidden Wiring Hazards

Knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum conductors, or exposed wires hidden behind walls often lurk in older homes. These systems may have served adequately decades ago, but they don’t meet today’s safety standards. Just as the age of the electrical panel is important, so is that of the wiring.

During our electrical inspection by Mr. Electric, our electricians use non-invasive tools - like thermal imaging and voltage testers - to detect hidden dangers without unnecessary demolition. It's better to be safe than sorry, and especially so when it comes to wiring.

Ungrounded Outlets: Where's the Electricity Going?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and proper grounding are lifesavers in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. Even so, there are many homes that do NOT have these protections. You can identify these outlets by their "test/reset" buttons. AFCI outlets are similar but target arcs and are typically found in living rooms and bedrooms.

Pay More Attention to the Fixtures

A massive chandelier might look great - if they're throwing it in with the property - but look beyond the glitter. Poorly installed light fixtures can indicate deeper wiring shortcuts like extra elbows in runs, wires overstretched, or improper mounting. Electricians pay attention to the infrastructure which supports the pretty lights.

Protect Your Investment Upfront

Buying a home should be the start of wonderful memories, not the beginning of unexpected repairs. You don't want to move in and find out - months later - that the electrical panel is older than the internet. Schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection with Mr. Electric so that you can move into your new home with a peace of mind knowing your electrical system is future-proof.

We are proud to offer emergency services, so feel free to contact Mr. Electric when you need urgent electrical repair service. Our team is on standby for your call or message today.