Evaluating Electrical Hazards in Your Old House or Home

Older homes may have electrical wiring hazards.

Electrical wiring hazards in older homes come in many different forms. Wiring done to an older standard may be out of code. Older wiring will physically deteriorate. Old, poorly done additions or repairs may need refurbishing.

Safety

Have a professional inspector or electrician check your old home's wiring. If you are confident in your own abilities, wear insulated neoprene gloves to protect yourself from shock hazards while working on wiring.

Fuse Box

Many older homes have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. Ensure that only correctly rated fuses have been installed. If you see several fuse boxes connected by a motley collection of wires, have an electrician replace the whole system with a breaker box.

Cotton Insulation

Early electrical wiring used asphalt-saturated cotton insulation. Besides being a fire hazard, this type of insulation disintegrates over time, leaving bare wire exposed.

Grounding Considerations

Older homes had the two-pronged National Electrical Manufacturer's Association 1-15R style electrical outlet, which lacked a ground. Look for plumbing with grounding wires wrapped around it instead of being securely attached.

References

• Inspectapedia: Old House Wiring Inspection and Repair
• Frentz and Sons: Plug and Receptacle Configurations
• Capital Home Services: Knob and Tube Wiring