Handyman in Kelowna: The Hidden Dangers of Outdated Electrical Systems

If you’ve been toying with the idea of home electrical repair in Kelowna, you may have considered the age of your electrical system. As a homeowner, you may have remodelled a room or two, purchased a new fridge, updated your bathroom plumbing, and so on. Are electrical systems built to last forever? The answer, unfortunately, is no.

Is it better to repair your electrical system or replace it entirely? Read through our guide to learn more about the warning signs of aging breaker panels and more — and get in touch with experienced electricians who can look at your system to diagnose any problems you might be having.

Common Signs of Trouble Caused by Aging Electrical Systems

Are you unsure whether your home’s electrical system is outdated? Check for the following signs to make a preliminary diagnosis:

• Lack of grounding: If you have a newer home, you probably have three-prong outlets with ground circuits (the hole for a third prong on each outlet) already conveniently installed. Older electrical systems, though, may only have outlets with space for two prongs. This isn’t an issue by itself, but it may lead to overloading your house’s wiring with more electricity than it can handle — which in turn can cause power outages, excessive heat, and even fires.

• Ancient circuit breaker boxes: Are you aware that all of your home’s electricity runs through the same location? You may not give much thought to your circuit breaker panel unless you’re experiencing a power outage. In newer homes, this is okay. In older homes with old circuits, these boxes experience much wear and tear, dust and debris, and heat generated by the electricity they channel. This means that they are potential fire hazards as well. As most circuit breakers are located in the garage, it’s possible that you won’t notice a problem until your residence is in need of electrical repairs.

Necessary Steps To Take After Diagnosing an Outdated System

Diagnosing electrical problems isn’t your final step in this equation. Consider the following action plan for ensuring that your home’s electricity is running smoothly and efficiently: 

1. Identify the Affected Area

Is your entire electrical system outdated, or does the problem only lie in a specific area of your home? Perhaps your bathroom remodel features newer outlets while the rest of your home is stuck in the past. Maybe your entire circuit breaker panel needs to be replaced. 

2. Prevent Additional Problems

Before you call for home electrical repair in Kelowna, it’s best to prevent any new problems from occurring. If you’ve located a specific fire hazard — let’s say a lamp plugged into an older, two-prong outlet right behind a curtain — it may be best to unplug it while you wait for a professional electrician’s opinion. The same goes for anything that’s emitting sparks, causing shocks, or making strange noises.

3. Contact a Professional Electrician

If you don’t have any electrical experience, don’t try to DIY these repairs. Electrical work, unlike plumbing or drywall installation, can be quite dangerous for those without training. Get in touch with a professional who can safely isolate, diagnose, and repair or replace your electrical system to ensure that your home remains functioning as it should for years to come.

Contact Handyman Connection for Home Electrical Repair in Kelowna

The dangers of outdated electrical systems are nothing to take lightly. Substandard electrical wiring can be hazardous and is even a fire hazard in some cases, so it’s important to ensure that your home’s electrical system is up to local standards. 

If you think your home might be running on an outdated electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact Handyman in Kelowna. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our client’s homes by providing them with the best electrical repair near me. To stay safe and sound, contact us today for a thorough evaluation and estimate!