ClickCease

Our Expert Tips

Preventing Electrical Fires in Older Homes

crown icon
24/7 Emergency Services
crown icon
Licensed & Insured Electricians
crown icon
Royal Customer Service Treatment
    crown icon
    24/7 Emergency Services
    crown icon
    Licensed & Insured Electricians
    crown icon
    Royal Customer Service Treatment

Preventing Electrical Fires in Older Homes

exterior view of older, single-family home in Massachusetts

Older homes come with their share of charm and character, but they also pose unique risks to everyone in your household.

Older, outdated electrical systems quickly lead to electrical fires, especially in homes built before modern codes were established. When you have aging wiring, outdated panels, and limited circuits, you’re leaving your home vulnerable to grave danger. According to the National Fire Protection Association, faulty electrical systems are one of the leading causes of house fire! 

The good news is that there’s always a solution. The licensed Norwood and Newton electricians at Castle Electric are always here to upgrade your electrical panels, make repairs, and provide all of the service you need.

Reach out to us for help, or read on to learn the risks with older homes and how to take proactive steps to keep your home safe.

Common Fire Risks in Older Electrical Systems

Older homes were built during a time before modern appliances, smart home hubs, electronics, and modern renovations. Here are some of the most common hazards of homes with older electrical systems that weren’t designed for today’s energy demands:

  • Faulty Wiring: Wiring insulation will eventually degrade and expose your wires to risk. Problematic knob-and-tube and BMX wiring is especially common in older homes and needed to be replaced by a licensed electrician as quickly as possible. 
  • Outdated Panels: It’s likely that your fuse box or electrical panel in your older home isn’t equipped to handle the modern electrical loads. Your panels can overheat and lead to potential fires.
  • Ungrounded Outlets: Your outlets need to be grounded to have a safe path for electricity to follow through. Your home needs ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to safely ground your electricity, especially in rooms with moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

5 Tips for Minimizing Fire Risk

You can minimize the risk of electrical fires in older homes with a combination of preventative maintenance and some savvy upgrades. Here’s where to get started:

1) Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections 

Hiring a licensed electrician is well worth the investment to inspect your wiring and panels. Schedule an electrical inspection every few years to catch potential issues as early as possible. Our team will come out to identify any issues, including degraded wiring, loose connections, and other hazards, before they lead to dangerous and costly problems.

2) Use Surge Protectors

Surges are a part of home ownership and can happen when lightning strikes or your utility company is doing routine work. The stress on your home’s wiring can ruin your appliances, electronics, and smart devices. Use surge protectors to help protect your belongings and reduce the risk of an electrical fire.

3) Upgrade Your Electrical Circuits as Needed

When your circuit breakers frequently trip, you are probably overloading your circuits. Give us a call to inspect your panel and consider upgrading or adding circuits to increase your electrical load. We’ll make sure your electrical panel is disturbing your electricity appropriately to avoid overheating and the potential for electrical burns, fires, and sparks.

4) Replace Old Outlets and Switches

Your older home may have two-prong outlets or light switches that are hot to the touch. Don’t wait for disaster to strike. The team at Castle Electric will come out to ground your outlets, update your switches, and look over your electrical panel to create a safe, efficient system.

5) Install Smoke Alarms Near Electrical Panels

All homes need reliable smoke alarms, but it’s crucial to place them near electrical panels and rooms where appliances are used frequently. Older homes need more smoke detectors than newer ones to add a layer of protection and send an early signal when something goes wrong. 

What to Do if You Suspect a Fire Hazard

If something is wrong in your older home and you suspect you’re facing an electrical hazard, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent potential fires.

  • Turn Off Power to the Area: Immediately switch off the power at the breaker to any areas where you notice burning smells or see sparks. 
  • Avoid Using Faulty Outlets or Appliances: Never continue using outlets or appliances that are damaged, scorched, or buzzing. Unplug the appliance or device and call our electricians right away.
  • Call a Licensed Electrician: It’s always best to call a professional anytime you suspect a fire hazard or you’re not sure if the area is safe. Our licensed electricians can assess the issue, go over the plan and upfront pricing with you, and get to work to quickly remediate it. 

Call Castle Electric for Safe, Efficient Electrical Service

Owning an older home should bring excitement and wonder, not stress over whether or not your space is safe. The Newton and Norwood electricians at Castle Electric are always here to upgrade your electrical panel, ground your circuits, perform electrical inspections, and make sure everything is in good working order.

Schedule your appointment today to enjoy more peace of mind!

Ready for 5-Star Service?

Contact Castle Electric for all your electrical needs in the Newton, MA area!

Book Now Book Now