Do you know about your home’s wiring?

The age of your home can reveal a lot. It can be particularly helpful when trying to flag potential electrical issues that homeowners should be keeping a close eye on. The following categories outline what to look out for.

Common electrical needs by age:

If your home was built between 1900 and 1940:

The first wiring installed in homes was called knob and tube. To stop the wires from overheating and causing potential fires, they were encased in long ceramic porcelain tubes, which contained the heat. Lumber was drilled with holes to accommodate these tubes. Knob and tube wiring is notoriously unsafe and should be removed. An entirely new electrical system must be put in its place.

If your home was built between 1940 and 1960:

Chances are, the electrical system you have in place isn’t big enough or sufficient for your needs. A telltale sign? You might notice that your lights dim from time to time. Electrical systems with a small service size of less than 100 amps were common. The good news is that an electrician can easily upgrade much of this wiring.

If your home was built between 1960 and 1980:

Aluminum wiring is what you have to look out for. Between 1964 and 1973, this type of wiring was known to catch on fire. Many houses were lost because of it. It is essential that your home no longer has any aluminum branch circuits.

If your home was built between 1980 and the present:

This is where regular professional maintenance comes in. Keep on top of any developing issues. Attempting to diagnose or make repairs yourself can be very dangerous. “Handyman wiring,” or unauthorized electrical work, simply isn’t worth the very real risks of getting hurt or compromising your home’s electrical system.

Professional electricians like Ion Electric are familiar with existing legislation and safety requirements, including Colorado’s Safety Code and the National Electrical Code. Give us a call to discuss any safety or upgrade questions you may have.