Electrical Upgrades in Lakeland and Land O'Lakes Florida

Signs Your Home Wiring Needs an Upgrade

There are many possible signs that it’s time for a home wiring upgrade, including:

1. You Have Old House Wiring

Rewiring a house is a large, complex project. But the good news is that old house wiring doesn’t always have to be completely replaced. However, some wiring definitely must go. Aluminum wiring used in the ‘60s and ‘70s, non-metallic wiring installed in the ‘40s and ‘50s, and knob and tube wiring in pre-1930s homes are well-known safety hazards, as are loose connections and frayed wires due to botched DIY alterations or wear and tear over time.

2. You Have Two-Pronged, Ungrounded Outlets

Two-prong outlets are an enormous safety hazard – for you and your electronics. Without proper grounding, electrical excesses have nowhere to go but into your devices – or you – even if you have a surge protector. Reduce shock risks by getting grounded wires and three-prong outlets installed.

3. You Are Missing GFCIs

Identified by the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on receptacles, GFCIs protect against shock in high moisture areas. They are currently required in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, utility rooms, garages, spa/pool areas, unfinished crawlspaces/basements, and any electrified areas outside of your home. If you’re lacking these inexpensive, easy-to-install devices in any of these important areas, you may be in for a shocking experience.

4. You Are Missing AFCIs

AFCIs prevent fire by acting as a circuit breaker, which disconnects in the event of a potentially dangerous arc. They are required in bedrooms in all 50 states, and some states require them in all circuits throughout the home.

5. Your Appliance Outlets Are Inadequate

Household appliances didn’t always have special plugs. But today, a 240-volt outlet is required for each oven, clothes dryer, and other heavy-duty appliance. Older 240 plug wiring features three prongs, but the most up-to-date 240 plugs have four prongs due to the addition of a ground wire for improved safety.

6. Your Home’s Electrical Panel Is Insufficient

How many amps power your home? Just a couple of decades ago, 60-amp circuit breaker wiring may have been sufficient. However, today’s homes often need 100 to 200 amps to successfully operate all the appliances and electronics you use simultaneously, from mobile devices and flat screen televisions to your refrigerator and air conditioner. The best way to meet your home’s growing energy needs is to get upgraded breaker box wiring installed.