Our Prompt, Professional DC Metro Technicians Provide Electrical System Upgrades to Enhance the Safety of Older Homes
Electrical problems cause more than 50,000 residential fires in the United States each year. Many of these fires occur in older homes with outdated and overloaded electrical systems. Is your home and family at risk? R&A provides residential electrical services and system upgrades to help clients protect what matters most. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss how our experienced, industry-certified DC Metro technicians improve electrical system safety in older homes throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
The DC Metro area boasts a rich architectural tapestry that reflects the region’s historical evolution, serving as a visual chronicle of the distant past, with some of the oldest homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Though older properties often radiate with character, if they were constructed or had their current electrical system installed before 1973—as is the case with more than half of the homes in use in the U.S.—they simply weren’t built to withstand modern electrical demands. Outdated wiring, insufficient outlets, and aging components can pose serious safety risks.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until disaster strikes to do something about a dangerous, out-of-date electrical system. R&A owner and Master Electrician Robert Juarez explains what you can do—and how our experienced, industry-certified technicians can help—to improve electrical system safety in your older home.
Boosting Electrical Safety in an Older DC Metro Home
Modernizing an older home’s electrical system is a significant undertaking that requires expertise and precision. Here’s what our team recommends.
Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Safety is paramount when working with electrical systems. Before diving into improvements, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive electrical inspection. Our highly qualified technicians assess the condition of wiring, outlets, and electrical panels and identify potential hazards, such as knob-and-tube wiring or outdated fuse boxes, to set the stage for targeted safety enhancements.
Upgrade Wiring Systems
Outdated wiring, like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, raises substantial safety concerns. Consider upgrading to safer, more modern alternatives, such as copper wiring. Rewiring an older home ensures compliance with contemporary safety codes and expands its capacity for handling today’s electrical demands.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
One of the most effective safety measures for older homes is ground fault circuit interrupters or GFCIs. These devices monitor electrical flow and automatically cut power if they detect a ground fault, preventing potential shocks and electrical fires. We suggest installing GFCIs in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Upgrade Electrical Panels
Homes built before 1973 often have electrical panels that are ill-equipped to handle modern energy demands. Upgrading to a larger-capacity electrical panel that meets the power requirements of contemporary appliances and electronics enhances safety and provides the flexibility to accommodate future technological advancements.
Add More Outlets
Does your older home have enough outlets? Strategically adding outlets where needed can help you avoid using extension cords and power strips, which can overload circuits and pose fire hazards.
Watch Out for Overloaded Circuits
Older homes may have fewer circuits, making them susceptible to overloading. Be mindful of your electrical usage and avoid overloading circuits with multiple high-energy appliances.
Invest in Surge Protection
Protecting your electronic devices and appliances from power surges is vital. Installing whole-house surge protectors can safeguard your valuable equipment and prevent electrical fires, providing comprehensive protection against unexpected power spikes.
Stay Vigilant With Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to electrical system safety, especially in older homes. Scheduling routine inspections with our trusted technicians can help you catch potential issues or address minor concerns to prevent more significant, more costly problems in the future.