Revitalizing Your Vintage Abode: 7 Electrical Upgrades Recommended By An Electrician Near Me | Myrtle Beach, SC

2/8/2023

Before buying an old house, it is crucial to have an electrical inspection before you complete the sale. Old wiring can be dangerous, and the home may not have the capacity to support modern electricity needs. Electrical wiring can deteriorate over time due to age, corrosion, and damage caused by pests.

During an electrical inspection, an electrician near me can identify any issues with the wiring and provide the information you need to make the necessary upgrades. An electrician near me can also provide insight into whether or not the current electrical panel can handle the increased energy demands of modern household appliances.

Overloaded electrical systems and old or faulty wiring can increase the risk of an electrical fire in your home. Read on to understand more about the electrical upgrades you should consider for your old home.

New Wiring

Knob and tube wiring is an outdated type of electrical wiring used in older homes and poses a significant fire hazard. If you own an older home, having an electrician near me inspect your wiring as soon as possible is important. The wiring may not handle the amount of electricity we need today, and it can overheat, creating a fire hazard.

In addition, the knob and tube wiring does not have a ground wire, which is essential for modern electrical systems. Without a ground wire, there is no way to safely divert excess electricity to the ground in the event of a power surge. This means your Myrtle Beach, SC home could be at risk of electrical shock and fire.

For these reasons, it is important to replace the knob and tube wiring as soon as possible. An experienced electrician near me can help you replace the wiring with modern, safer wiring that will better meet your needs.

Add More Outlets

When an older home has limited outlets or those which are hidden away, it can be a real hassle. In our modern world, we depend on many devices and appliances which require electrical power.

This means that having the correct number of outlets is essential for your convenience and safety. Without enough outlets, you are likely to use electrical extensions, which can increase the risk of an electrical surge.

Additionally, limited outlets can be an inconvenience, as you may have to plug your appliances in turns. It would be best to have an electrician near me install additional outlets in your older home to meet the demands of your modern lifestyle.

Install New Electrical Panel

An outdated electrical panel can pose serious safety risks to any home. Older panels are usually smaller and may lack modern panels’ proper protection and safety features. You will need to have an electrician near me inspect it to determine if it’s outdated.

An expert can check the panel’s wattage and number of circuits to ensure it can handle your home’s electrical power demands. Too much power running through an old panel can cause it to overload and potentially blow a fuse or result in a fire.

Signs your circuit panel may be inadequate are breaker trips and flickering lights. Therefore, it would be best to upgrade your panel to ensure the safety of your home.

GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are critical safety devices in any home. They are designed to detect an imbalance of current and shut off the power to the outlet to prevent damage due to electrical shock or fire.

These devices are important in areas with water or moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, and basements. Older homes may not have GFCIs installed in these areas.

To ensure safety for you and your family, consider hiring an electrician near me in Myrtle Beach, SC to install GFCIs in your home. Not only do they protect from potential electrical shocks, but they can also help prevent fires and provide peace of mind.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is becoming an increasingly popular way to make life easier and more efficient. It allows you to command your home’s appliances and devices using your phone or voice. This means you may not have to manually adjust the temperature, lights, or other settings.

You may also set up a schedule so that everything turns on and off when you want it to. For example, motion sensor lights will automatically switch on when they sense movement and can be set to switch off after a particular length of time.

Smart home technology also makes it easier to monitor your home remotely, as you can receive notifications and be alerted if something is out of the ordinary. Have an experienced electrician near me install smart home technology to have a more secure, efficient, and comfortable home.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are a great way to ensure the safety of your family. Most old homes may not have this device, which is required in modern homes. In the unfortunate event of a fire, the smoke detector will alert you and your family of the danger and allow you to evacuate.

Not only do they detect smoke from a fire before it becomes dangerous, but they can also alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas.

Even if your home is old, there is no excuse not to have an electrician near me install smoke detectors. The small cost and effort to install them are well worth the safety and peace of mind they provide.

Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches are a perfect way to save energy in your Myrtle Beach, SC home and set the mood in any room. They are beneficial for older homes, as they can help reduce strain on lightbulbs that may not be as efficient as newer ones. Instead of having the lightbulbs on full brightness, you may use a dimmer switch to reduce the brightness and conserve energy.

Dimmer switches can also create a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere in any room. You can adjust the brightness to create different moods or better suit your activity in the room.

Get Help from a Licensed Electrical Contractor

If you own an old home, consider doing electrical upgrades to ensure you and your family are safe. Hire professionals at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach to inspect your home and identify any electrical issues.

Our licensed electricians can make repairs and upgrades that will bring your home up to code and make it a safer, more comfortable place to live. Don’t wait. Contact us today!

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