Do you live in an older home? If you do, you should schedule an electrical inspection to ensure the wiring is up-to-code.

Houses built between 1965 and 1972, for instance, used aluminum in their wiring systems. Unfortunately, aluminum can overheat, potentially causing fires. If your home is even older, you might have knob and tube wiring, which may also pose a safety hazard.

So what is an electrical inspection, and what are the benefits? Find out as we cover everything you need to know.

Signs of Outdated Electrical Wiring

If your lights often flicker and dim, or you experience the occasional power surge, you may have older wiring in your home.

According to the NFPA, electrical malfunctions or failures were the second leading cause of house fires between 2012-2016. An electrical failure can result in a fire that can damage your property and potentially cause injury or death.

Here are the signs to look for to spot old wiring:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Buzzing sounds
  • Frequently tripped circuit breaker
  • Aluminum wiring
  • Knob and tube wiring
  • Smoke coming from outlets or appliances
  • Burning smells
  • Scorch marks
  • Frayed wires

The Benefits of an Electrical Inspection

Licensed electricians can perform an electrical inspection of your home to make sure that it’s code-compliant and has all the required safety features.

If your home is 40 years old or older or if you noticed any of the above signs, you should schedule an electrical inspection for your safety.

Other benefits of a home electrical inspection include the following.

Spot Degrading Electrical Wiring

An electrical safety inspection can spot issues like degrading wiring or components. Electricians can also look for any installation mistakes made by past contractors and address them.

An inspection can also spot older types of wiring, such as knob and tube or aluminum, that could lead to electrical fires.

Ensure Safe Operation of Appliances

Older wiring isn’t equipped to handle the demands of modern appliances.

Older wiring, like knob and tube, doesn’t have a ground system. This means that it doesn’t protect your appliances or sensitive electronics. In the event of a power surge, you could damage your electronics and other devices.

Electrical inspection services can identify older wiring, and you can bring your home up to code, making it safe for your family and your electronic devices.

Avoid Property Damage

Avoiding property damage is another huge benefit of getting a residential electrical inspection.

Old or damaged wires are a fire hazard, and sparks from damaged wiring can lead to house fires. Fire damage is costly and can often be prevented.

You can also save on your energy bills, as older wiring often isn’t as efficient as it could be.

Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Older wiring in the home might only seem like an inconvenience, but it can also be a safety hazard. Getting an electrical inspection can give you the peace of mind you deserve and protect your property and family.

At White Electric, we provide everything from electrical upgrades to installations and more in North Dallas, Denton County, and surrounding areas. Reach out to us to set up an inspection today and spot any issues with your electrical wiring.