Is it Time for an Electrical Wiring Upgrade?

Many older homes in the Coastal Bend area have outdated electrical systems that are simply not up to the load requirements of today’s modern appliances and electronics, and they may even represent a safety issue in rare cases. By upgrading the electrical wiring in an older home, you will be able to install more demanding appliances, use more devices at the same time and make sure that your home is as safe as possible.

When to Consider Upgrading Your Electrical Wiring

An electrical system that is overloaded or in disrepair can display many possible symptoms, including:

• Lights that dim when large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners turn on
• Lights that flicker constantly
• Breakers that trip often or fuses that blow frequently
• A zapping or tingling sensation when touching metal fixtures or appliances
• A burning smell or wires that are warm to the touch
• Electrical outlets that spark, are warm, or are melted

In addition to these symptoms, if your home has an inadequate number of outlets, older two-prong outlets that are not grounded, a lack of GFCI-protected outlets in the kitchen or the bathroom, or outdated knob-and-tube wiring, which has conductors that are separated and supported by ceramic knobs, it is important to consider upgrading your electrical system. It will allow you to support larger electrical loads, operate more appliances simultaneously, and protect yourself and your home from electrical and fire hazards.

The Importance of a Modern Electrical System

Older electrical systems often had much smaller load capacities, with panels that support only 50 or 60 amps. A modern panel with 200 amps will allow you to run the largest air conditioners, refrigerators and power tools, provide more circuits and more outlets in each room, and prevent frequent tripping of breakers. In addition, features like heavy-duty wiring, a completely-grounded system with three-prong outlets, and ground-fault protection in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens will prevent electrical shocks and reduce fire risks.

For more information about upgrading your electrical wiring, talk to our professionals at CCAC, Inc. We serve Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend region.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

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