The microwave is on and the lights start to flicker? You put your hand near an outlet and detect a faint burning odour? In a house of a certain age you may be making do with two-prong outlets. Such things should not be overlooked if they are indicative of old wiring in your home.
For 35 years plus, Nichols Electric and Plumbing has been at the service of Monroe County families to ensure their homes are safe and in good working order. Should you have any queries as to the state of your electrical system, our licensed and insured staff can be contacted at (585)-479-3615.
It is a fact that much of the wiring in Monroe County was put in place decades ago, before there was any thought of electric vehicles or the electronics and appliances we live with now. It was not meant for the demands of today. But in most cases you will get some indication from aging wiring before it turns into a hazard. The question is whether one knows what those indications are.
Why Outdated Wiring is an Issue
There are genuine risks with an older system. An overloaded circuit, a loose connection or insulation that has seen better days are prime causes of house fires. Then there is the matter of your home not functioning as it should. Once pinpointed though, these are problems that can be put right.
Typical signs your wiring needs some attention include:
- Appliances put to use and the lights dim or go out
- Fuses blowing with some regularity or breakers tripping
- Switch plates or outlets with a warmth about them
- A fishy or burning smell in the vicinity of an outlet
- Scorched or discoloured switches and outlets
- Anywhere you look in the home, two-prong outlets
- Some crackling or buzzing from the walls
A professional opinion is in order if you see any of the above.
Older Wiring to Be Wary Of
You would be wise to know if your home is fitted with any of the following, as they are more risky than the materials once used and an inspection may be called for.
- Knob-and-tube, a holdover from pre-1950 construction
- Aluminum, which was all the vogue in the 60s and 70s
- Cloth-insulated types that have a way of cracking up
- Ungrounded systems without the protections of modern circuits
Too often a homeowner is in the dark as to what is behind the walls until trouble rears its head and the fix is more involved.
Overloaded Circuits
Homes these days are full of devices, from space heaters and kitchen gear to computers and chargers, far more so than in the past. Older circuits cannot always cope and will put out heat when overburdened; something you want to avoid in your walls. If power strips and extension cords are de rigueur in every room, your home is probably short on the outlets and circuits required for the way you live. A qualified electrician can see to this, as is often the case in older properties in Monroe County.
Make the Call
Wiring is not an area for conjecture, no matter how obvious or not the warning signs. An inspection is advisable if your home is of a vintage and has not been looked at, or if the symptoms have made themselves known. We can test your outlets and panel, make an assessment of visible wiring and tell you what is required. With free estimates there is no obligation to put yourself on the spot.
We have been serving Monroe County and environs for over 35 years at Nichols Electric and Plumbing. Our 4.9 star rating on Google is testament to the work we do and the 3,800 reviews from our neighbours are an honour. We are here Monday to Friday 8AM to 4:30PM and stand behind our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Do not let a minor matter with your wiring get out of hand. For a home that is up to date and secure, give the team at Nichols Electric and Plumbing a ring at (585)-479-3615.
