Replace Old, Unsafe Wiring, Scarborough
Older homes typically use the “knob and tube” wiring method or aluminum wiring, which are outdated and can be unsafe. We can assess your home for safety and replace old wiring with safer systems.
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Replace Old, Unsafe Wiring, Scarborough
Older wiring systems like knob and tube wiring, as well as aluminum wiring, can not only be outdated and obsolete, but dangerous for many reasons. Whether it has started causing more obvious problems around the home or is currently a covert issue, sooner rather than later is the time to replace your old, unsafe wiring. Electrical renovations like wiring upgrades can enhance the safety and comfort of your lifestyle while boosting your home’s value.
One the most common reasons that homeowners replace old wiring is to keep up with today’s quickly advancing technology. With how much the modern home has come to rely on electrical appliances and devices on a day-to-day basis, the average electrical load for homes has increased significantly. Electrical wiring from the early 1900s to the late 20th century is just simply not compatible, as they were initially designed to handle a smaller amount of electronics.
Putting strain on older wiring systems can be dangerous, resulting in a fire hazard. Accordingly, hundreds of house fires per year that result in significant residential structural loss are caused by electrical distribution equipment.
Old, unsafe wiring can also include work that was done by unlicensed individuals, especially if conducted before safety regulations were put into place. Modern standards established by the Electrical Safety Authority (formed in 1999) have greatly enhanced safety. Despite seeming like a fairly simple and accessible system, wiring is incredibly complex, with DIY jobs increasing the chances of improper connections and wiring splices, which can put homeowners at risk. In these cases, an inspection should be done as soon as possible and a professional should be brought in.
Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information on replacing old, unsafe wiring! We operate within the GTA to assess the safety of your home and ensure that it’s operating with the safest possible wiring system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which types of wiring systems are now considered unsafe and old?
Systems like knob and tube wiring and aluminum wiring are considered outdated and obsolete. As time passes and flaws are identified in facets of a type of wiring system, new materials are engineered to increase safety and efficiency. In the case of knob and tube wiring, its exposed nature to the elements and the fact that it is insulated with rubberized cloth makes it a major safety hazard (putting homeowners at risk for shock and house fires). Aluminum wiring, although malleable and easy to work with, is soft, making it likely to come loose from terminals and fray. This causes it to be high maintenance, requiring inspections every 3-5 years.
Will new wiring systems need to be eventually replaced?
A good rule of thumb is to have wiring upgraded at least once every generation (40-50 years). By then, significant technological advancements will have taken place in order to accommodate increased demands of electricity. If your home has not had a wiring upgrade since 1970s to 1980s or earlier, it may be time for an electrical inspection.
Can I do renovations without upgrading my wiring?
This can depend on how advanced your electrical system already is. If you have a copper wiring system and sufficient electrical capacity, you may be all set for renovations. If your wiring is outdated, however, it’s highly recommended to have this upgraded first. An incompatible wiring system can be dangerous, as it’s often one will less tolerance for higher electrical loads. Placing consistent stress on your wiring system puts it at risk for malfunctioning or short-circuiting.