There’s no shortage of charming, older homes in Carver, MA, given its rich history as one of America’s oldest towns. While older homes offer distinct character and appeal, they also tend to come with common electrical issues. Learn what problems your home’s electrical system may face and how to fix them in this guide from Crowe Electric.
We’re a team of friendly, licensed electricians in Carver, MA, and specialize in everything from repairs to whole-house surge protector installation.
Limited Outlets
Building codes frequently change over time so homeowners looking to renovate their outdated space often have to bring their dwellings up to code. One issue that often affects older houses is a lack of outlets where you need them. As our needs change and more devices become a part of our everyday lives, the number of outlets in your home might not be suitable.
Don’t fill your available outlets with extension cords and power strips, then stuff those with plugs, as this can lead to a circuit overload and cause issues like:
- Flickering lights
- Tripped breakers
- Sparks from the outlets
A better solution is to install more outlets in the house. A qualified electrician in Milton can use both arc fault and ground fault circuit interruptors to power your home’s devices and appliances without the risk of fire or shocks.
Outdated Electrical Panels
Any homeowner in Carver can experience common electrical issues like flickering lights or burning smells coming from the breaker box. This tends to stem from the electrical panel serving the home. While panels can last for several decades, it might be time to upgrade yours if you experience frequent breaker trips or blown fuses.
Installing a new breaker box comes with several benefits, including:
- Reliable electricity for all your devices
- Improved power capabilities
- Reduced risk of electrical fires
- Fewer short circuits
- Peace of mind
Contact an experienced electrician in Plymouth County to provide you with a modern electrical panel. They can assess your home’s electrical needs and equip the space with a panel that can accommodate all of your high-powered devices and appliances.
Buzzing Light Switches
Perhaps no electrical feature is as prominent in older homes than light dimmers. While this lighting solution creates the perfect ambiance, original dimmers and light switches might be near the end of their lifespan. Keep an eye out for buzzing noises coming from the switch, and avoid using the light if the switch feels abnormally warm.
Upon inspection, professionals will likely find damaged wiring and faulty connections. Swapping out the old dimmers and switches for more modern features will still give you control over your home’s lighting, while electrical repairs can stop the buzzing noise.
Knob and Tube Wiring in Carver Homes
Ask a professional why you’re experiencing common electrical issues like tripped circuit breakers, and they’ll tell you it could be due to your home’s wiring. Older houses will likely need new electrical wires if the owner has yet to upgrade the system. Homes built in the early 20th century, in particular, need to replace the outdated knob and tube wiring from this era.
The biggest issue with this form of wiring is that it doesn’t account for grounding installation and, therefore, may lead to a stark voltage drop. Modern electrical systems utilize grounding rods so strong currents dissipate safely rather than leading to a power surge or severe shock.
Flickering Lights
Even if your house doesn’t have knob and tube wiring, it doesn’t mean you’re immune from common electrical issues. Many Carver residents report dealing with flickering lights. Instead of worrying that your house could be haunted, have an electrician inspect your wiring to check for damage.
Lights will typically flicker because of an electrical problem, such as:
- Loose connections
- Outdated or frayed wires
- Faulty fixtures
Ignoring this issue won’t make it go away on its own. Your home will be at a greater risk of electrical fire if you continue to use poor wires. Hire a professional electrician to update the wiring and, if necessary, replace your lighting fixtures to ensure the flickering stops.
Upgrade Outdated Electrical Systems in Carver, MA – Contact Crowe Electric Today
Say “goodbye” to common electrical issues in your home with the help of Crowe Electric. We proudly serve Carver, MA, and other communities in Plymouth County. Enjoy a wide range of services, from generator installation to lighting repair, with impressive results and affordable prices.
Reach out to our team today to see how we can help you. Contact Crowe Electric online or by phone for more information. Get help now.