Signs Your Electrical System Needs an Update

The average homeowner assumes that if their lights and appliances are working well, then nothing is wrong with their wiring. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. All may seem well on the surface, but if the wiring in your house is 40 years old or older, you may need to update your wiring.

In today’s post, we’ll walk you through the signs that it’s time to give your home’s electrical wiring a much-needed makeover.

Are you seeing sparks or flickering lights?

Picture this: you’ve just plugged in your shiny new lamp and are ready to read your favorite book before bed. But before you can even turn the page, you start seeing sparks around the outlet, or your brand-new lamp with a brand-new bulb starts to flicker.

These are both telltale signs that your wiring needs serious attention. Frequent sparks, flickering lights, or even outlets that emit a glow are red flags that it’s time to call Yoder Electric ASAP.

Is your circuit breaker tripping more than usual?

It’s normal for your circuit breaker to trip every once in a while, especially if you live in a region that’s prone to power surges and outages.

However, if you notice yourself resetting the circuit breaker much more frequently than usual, it’s a clear sign that your electrical wiring is struggling to keep up with the demands of modern living. The problem with outdated wiring is that it might not be equipped to handle a modern load, causing problems for your electronics and inconveniences for you.

Much of modern technology has different power needs than older devices, even basic things such as lamps and phone-chargers. So if you live in a house with a system that was installed in 1973 or before, you might need to rewire it ASAP to prevent circuit breaker issues.

Is there anything else I need to look out for?

While flickering lights and tripped circuit breakers are very common signs that you need new wiring, they’re not the only signs. You should also be on the lookout for the following:

• Are you using extension cords or adapters to compensate for the lack of outlets? This is a classic case of overloading, and if you have to do this, it might mean what you have in your home can’t take the load. 
• Do you have rodent damage? Rodents chew through everything they see, whether or not it’s food. Your wires are no exception. So even if your wiring is brand-new, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of mice or rats.
• Smell something burning? Call us ASAP! This is not just a warning for bad wiring; this is a potential fire hazard, and you should call a professional immediately.

Protect and update your wiring with Yoder Electric!

These are all signs that it’s time to give your home’s electrical wiring a makeover. Safety is paramount, and consulting certified professionals from Yoder Electric is the best way to navigate wiring updates.

At Yoder Electric, we work with you every step of the way to make sure you get exactly the wiring you need for your home and lifestyle. Contact us today to ask questions and learn more about what we do!