While many home projects are great for do-it-yourselfers, electrical work isn’t one of them. Residential electrical systems are intricate, tough to access, and very dangerous. Most of the Wichita area’s homes have 220-240 volts coming in from main supply lines, at an amperage ranging from 100 to 400 amps, with the figure depending on the home’s age and the complexity of its electrical system. It doesn’t take much electricity to cause serious pain or even death, but our electricians can help keep you and your family safe.
Where your home’s electrical wiring and components are concerned, it’s best not to leave anything to chance. Take the safe and easy road by hiring a licensed, insured, and qualified electrician. If you’ve lost power and see loose or hanging wires, or if there are sparks and fire coming from the wiring, the need for professional help is clear. And, naturally, you should hire an electrician for pre-purchase inspections, new construction, and post-disaster evaluations
Other signs that you need help, however, aren’t as obvious. Here are a few ways to tell when it’s time for an electrical upgrade.
Your Home Is Older
An outdated electrical system can be inefficient and hazardous. If your Wichita home is more than 25 years old and has had no electrical work done, it’s time to call us and begin the system upgrade process. This is particularly important for homes built between 1965 and 1975, when builders typically installed aluminum wiring that’s prone to the development of loose connections that can spark, arc, and catch fire. If your home was built in the 1940s, it likely has knob and tube wiring, which should be replaced immediately. Call or click today to find out how we can bring your home’s electrical system into the modern era.
Performing Other Home Upgrades
If you’re adding a room, renovating, or bringing in new appliances and electronics, take it as a sign that your home’s electrical system needs improvement as well. Anything from a new refrigerator or HVAC unit to a hot tub or dishwasher can overburden an electrical panel, damaging wiring, appliances, and other components. With our electrical upgrade services, you’ll have all the power needed to ensure that your other upgrades function properly.
The Panel Is Deteriorating
At the center of your home’s electrical system lies the service panel, which must be maintained regularly. If, during a routine inspection, you see condensation, visible burn marks, rust, or corrosion, there’s likely a significant problem that can put the entire system at risk. Call one of our electricians who can determine if the issue can be resolved or if panel replacement is necessary.
Using Fuses Instead of Breakers
If your home was built before 1970, it may have a fuse-based system instead of a conventional breaker box. These outdated systems simply can’t keep up with the complex electrical needs of today’s busy families.
Circuit breakers are designed to trip when overloaded, thereby stopping the flow of current. However, fuses short circuit, blow or melt when overburdened, which increases overall fire risk. Contact us today to learn how we can modernize your home’s electrical system.
Outlets Are Outdated
Electrical outlets have changed a lot over the past few decades. If your home’s outlets haven’t been updated, now’s a good time to start. One important upgrade is to ensure that outlets close to toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks have GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters. Without GFCIs, your home is non-compliant with building codes—and it’s unsafe. If the outlets only accept two-pronged plugs, it indicates that the electrical system is ungrounded and out of date.
Sparks, Smoke, Heat and Fire
While it seems obvious, it bears repeating. If a switch, outlet, or any other part of the home’s electrical system sparks or feels hot when used, it’s important to consult an electrician right away. Be sure to look out for burn marks near terminals, wire ends, and switch plates, which are signs of wiring damage and circuit overload. Pay attention to any strange smells, as they can indicate an electrical fire. No matter how minor these trouble signs may seem at first, they warrant an immediate call to an electrician.
Old Insulation
Check the wiring insulation under outlet plates and switch covers. If it’s made of rubber or fabric, consider asking us to replace it with safe and modern materials such as nylon, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, or polypropylene. These plates and covers are just part of the equation; our electricians can perform similar upgrades to insulation in your home’s hidden nooks and crannies.
Not Enough Receptacles
If you’re relying on extension cords to power your appliances and devices, it’s a sign that there aren’t enough outlets in the house. Our licensed and experienced electricians can install extra outlets that are properly placed and wired for convenience and safety.
Overburdened Outlets
Ideally, two-socket outlets should have only two items plugged into them. Occasionally, though, it may be necessary to use a splitter or a power strip to accommodate additional lights, appliances, and other items. These should be used sparingly, as overloading an electrical outlet can quickly put a heavy burden on the system.
If your outlets are loaded with add-ons, the risk of electrical failure and fire increases. Keep your family safe and sound with the wiring of extra circuits for more outlets around the house. With our electrical upgrade services, it’s never been easier to modernize your home’s wiring.
Widespread Electrical Failures
Complete or intermittent electrical malfunctions are a warning sign of deeper problems within a Wichita home’s electrical system—and these issues can create dangerous and deadly conditions. If your lights flicker or dim when appliances are used, the circuit may be overloaded.If your breakers are always tripping and fuses are blowing, there’s a fault that needs to be addressed immediately. Our electricians can resolve these issues by running new 20-amp lines for your home’s biggest appliances.
The Benefits of Electrical Upgrades
While the safety benefits are significant, our electrical upgrade services carry other benefits. These include:
- Greater peace of mind. Your Wichita home will be protected from circuit overloads, fire, and other perils.
- Increased value. System upgrades raise a home’s value by protecting expensive electronics and making room for power-hungry appliances such as dishwashers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- A lower cost. While our services require an upfront investment, you’ll save money in the long term. Safer electrical systems typically bring lower homeowner’s insurance expenses, and you’ll use less power (and spend less money) if the home runs more efficiently.
Whether you’re performing minor upgrades or a complete overhaul of an old and outdated electrical system, we want to help. Call or click today to consult a knowledgeable local electrician.
Contact Us Today
Eck Services is one of the Wichita area’s premier providers of wiring upgrades and electrical repairs. Along with rewiring, panel repair, and outlet installation, we also offer septic tank pumping, indoor air quality, and HVAC services. Request additional information online or call today to book an appointment with one of our friendly, punctual service technicians.
