Wiring has really changed during the last 100 years
We have moved on from the original 2 wire system Knob and Tube Wiring which was ungrounded and unsafe for use today. Why?
The insulation is now old and brittle and breaking down.
Knob and Tube wiring is not compatible with fiberglass or blown-in insulation that has been added to an older home, because the knob and tube wiring system was designed for free-air dissipation of the heat from the current carrying conductors.
Wire Cable System with wax rubber insulation and a paper and Tar Jacket. Not the best of ideas *put 2 things that can burn (paper and tar) with electrical wiring that can spark if damaged, or spark from a loose connection and put them in the same assembly.
The grounded Cable System with the same insulation. It was well known for more than 50 years before implementation that a ground or “earth” connection would make electrical systems safer, but this was not implemenmted into the electrical code until the late 1950’s
Aluminum Wiring with paper and Tar jacket – Not a great combination. Combine the problems associated with aluminum wiring, with paper and tar, and we have a greater potential for fire under the right circumstances.
Copper clad aluminum. Should have just stayed with pure copper.
Aluminum Non Metallic Sheath Cable wiring banned in the late 1970’s– only copper allowed in homes since then.
Modern copper cable with superior thermosetting plastic insulation and nylon jacket 90 degree rated.
Fuse Panels to Breaker Panels / GFCI and AFCI Breakers / Surge Protection Devices
We have graduated from fuse panels to circuit breaker panels – even second generation Breaker panels and breakers with higher rupturing capacities – for better short circuit protection
And modern systems employ Ground Fault Protection / Arc Fault Protection / Surge Protection
With the Modern Electrical Code – Todays systems are much safer than those of even 15 – 20 years ago. Unfortunately existing older wiring systems are often ignored, and assumed to be safe, when in fact they represent a serious safety issue.
Unfortunately there are Sad Statistics when it comes to electrical safety
Unfortunately there are Sad Statistics when it comes to electrical safety.
Electrically caused fires in the USA take the life of (1) person every day on average.
In Canada the statistics are very similar, with 1 person every 11 days
I find theses stats unacceptable, and preventable.
Those are the fire statistics. Then there are the electric shock statistics, another serious issue, resulting in death and severe injuries to many people every year.
Unsafe wiring that has been illegally installed and improperly done is so wide spread, we see it on almost every single service call we do.
What does any of this mean for you?
It means that if you have an older home – there are updates that you should seriously consider. These are for the safety of your home and family.
If your house was built between 1900 – 1950 …. You may need a complete rewire, if a previous owner has not already done this.
If your home was built from 1950 – 1960 … You may still have an ungrounded system, and may require a complete rewire.
If your home was built between 1960 – 1980 … you may be lacking dedicated circuits for such things as counter receptacles, over the range microwaves, your refrigerator.
Your home is also likely lacking GFCI protection on outdoor receptacles and bathroom receptacles, and those within 1.5 meters of your kitchen sink.
If your home was built between 1965 and 1979 … do you know if it has aluminum wiring? This should be verified, and the entire electrical system assessed.
If your home has a fuse panel it is at least 30 years old …. It has already surpassed its rated lifespan (20-25 years) and is on borrowed time. You need to upgrade to Circuit Breakers.
Surge Protection should no longer be considered a luxury – It is a necessity in a modern home with modern appliances. So even if your home is new, Surge Protection should be installed.
Homes today have electronic components in every appliance, TV, sound system and computer, and if you do not have Surge Protection installed at your Main Electrical Panel, and at each point of use, then your electronics are at risk.
The above mentioned items are legitimate safety concerns and should be assessed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Captain Electric specializes in helping homeowners make their homes safer, more secure and comfortable.
