Before we dive into some technical details of electricity, I want to make sure you know that my team and I truly appreciate you! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family, and to be able to share our expertise that hopefully creates a positive impact on your life. We want to wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving!
Is Your Wiring Up to Date?
A friend of mine is house shopping and has viewed several homes built in the 70s. Most of them did not have the correct type of outlets by areas with water. One had incorrectly wired outlets and doubled up breakers. Two had old style aluminum wiring which is a fire hazard since aluminum expands and contracts when heated and can loosen connections, especially if poorly installed.
In the 60s and 70s when copper was expensive, some homes were done with old style aluminum wiring and remain so to this day. Due the increased risk of fire, many insurance carriers require updating all the connection points. There are a few different techniques to do this. Many electricians suggest completely rewiring a house with old style aluminum wiring to be on the safe side.
For older houses built before the 50s with knob-and-tube wiring, many insurance carriers will not write new coverage. People who live in a home with knob-and-tube wiring and already have insurance coverage will not lose their current coverage. However, if they want to change carriers or want to sell their house, new coverage will likely be very difficult to obtain.
Two Types of Electrical Dangers: Ground-faults & Arc-faults
It is important to know what type of electrical wiring you have in your home and correct any potential hazards before they cause a fire or someone gets electrocuted. The two major types of electrical dangers, ground-fault dangers and arc-fault dangers, can both be prevented with the installation of two inexpensive, and potentially DIY-friendly, safety devices.
Ground-faults occur when electricity escapes a wire and takes a shortcut to the ground. The electricity escapes usually because there is a bare, damaged, wet, or poorly insulated spot in the wire. If your body provides a path to the ground, you could be electrocuted.
Arc-faults occur when electricity crosses a gap between damaged wiring, such as loose, overloaded or corroded connections at outlets, switches, appliances, and cords. This is the danger with old style aluminum wiring. This causes high-intensity heat that can ignite whatever is surrounding it – wall framing and insulation for example.
Ground-fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc-fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets detect these faults and instantly break the connection. This helps reduce the risk of fire and electrical shock. While the National Electrical Code requires GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and other damp locations, many older homes have not had their electric updated, as my friend has seen in her house search.
AFCI protection is now required in living spaces such as living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. There are combo AFCI/GFCI outlets that offer both types of protection and are typically the most cost-effective solution to addressing ground- and arc-faults.
If you have any questions or concerns about your home’s wiring, I suggest contacting a qualified electrician.
In case you missed it – we have created a guide on What Policyholders Need to Know About Home & Auto Insurance.
We hope this information helps you to make more strategic insurance decisions. We’d love to hear from you – please reach out! We are here to help.
