As a homeowner, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any electrical issues that may arise – from your Philadelphia Electricians. Not only can they be a nuisance, but they can also pose a significant safety risk. Electrical problems that homeowners face are usually specific to the area where they live. In this article, we’ll focus on Philadelphia and address some of the most common electrical problems homeowners face in that city and what you can do to prevent or fix them.
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Philadelphia is a place where old homes and buildings abound. As a result, electricians in Philadelphia often face unique challenges that don’t exist in other parts of the country.
Knob & Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring is a common problem in older homes in Philadelphia. This type of wiring was used from the 1880s to the 1940s and consists of ceramic knobs that support wires as they run through walls and floors, and tubes that protect wires as they pass through joists and studs. While knob and tube wiring was considered safe at the time, it is now outdated and can pose a fire hazard.
Often, Philadelphia electricians have to replace knob and tube wiring in homes. This can be a complex and time-consuming process as the wiring must be carefully removed without causing any damage to the surrounding structure. Additionally, the new wiring must be installed in a way that is up to code and meets modern safety standards.
Outdated Electrical Panels
One of the most common electrical problems our Philadelphia electricians deal with is old and outdated electrical panels. Many older buildings in Philadelphia were built with electrical panels that are out of code or unable to meet modern electrical requirements. If your home is over 50 years old, it is likely that your electrical panel is outdated. This can lead to power outages, tripped circuit breakers, flickering lights, discolored outlets, and even fires.
Replacing a panelboard can be a complicated and challenging task, as it requires rewiring and reconfiguring the entire electrical system. However, it is essential to ensure the safety and functionality of a home’s electrical system.
Philadelphia electricians can help homeowners determine if their electrical panel needs to be completely replaced and guide them through the process of upgrading.
Faulty Wiring
Unlike many other common electrical problems, faulty wiring is a problem that can affect homes of any age. However, it is particularly common in older properties. Philadelphia is an old city, and many homes were built before modern electrical systems were developed. Over time, wiring can become damaged, frayed, or corroded, which can cause shorts, fires, and surges.
Philadelphia electricians can diagnose problems with faulty or outdated wiring by a thorough inspection of a home’s electrical system. They can locate areas where wiring is damaged or corroded, and make the necessary repairs to ensure that the home’s electrical system is completely safe and functioning properly.
Improper Grounding
Proper grounding is critical to the safety of a home’s electrical system. Grounding ensures that excess electrical current flows into the earth, preventing the buildup of electrical charges that can be very dangerous and cause electrocutions or fires. However, older homes in Philadelphia may not have proper grounding, which can pose a safety risk to the household.
Philadelphia electricians can inspect a home’s electrical system to find out whether it is properly grounded. If it is not, they can take the necessary steps and install a grounding system that meets the latest electrical requirements.
Insufficient Electrical Capacity
Another common electrical problem in old houses is insufficient electrical capacity. As mentioned earlier, many homes in Philadelphia were built at a time when the need for electrical power was much less than it is today. As a result, these homes may not have sufficient electrical capacity to meet modern electrical demands, such as appliances, home entertainment systems, air conditioning, etc.
Professional electricians in Philadelphia can fix this problem by upgrading the electrical panel, rewiring the home, or installing additional circuits.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded circuits occur when too many electrical devices are connected to a single circuit, causing them to overload and trip the breaker. This problem is also common in older Philadelphia homes that are not designed to handle today’s power requirements.
Electricians can solve this problem by identifying the circuits that are most likely to be overloaded. We can fix it by redistributing the load to other circuits. They can also install more circuits to handle the electric power.
Electrical Surges
A surge is a sudden increase in voltage that can damage electrical equipment and devices. This is an electrical problem that is very common throughout the country, including Philadelphia. It can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, and faulty wiring. One way to prevent surges is to install surge protectors in your home. These devices help regulate the flow of electricity and ensure that appliances are protected from sudden surges.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are another common problem faced by Philadelphia residents. When the light in a home flickers, it could be a sign of a loose connection or a faulty light bulb. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious electrical problem such as outdated wiring or a damaged circuit. It’s important to have flickering lights checked by a professional electrician to take the necessary action.
Electrical Shocks
Some Philadelphia homeowners have reported being electrocuted when touching an appliance or outlet. Electrical shocks can be caused by faulty wiring, damaged appliances, and moisture. To prevent electrocution, make sure your outlets and appliances are properly grounded, and you should not use them when wet. You should have them checked immediately by a professional electrician to prevent serious hazards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several common electrical problems that homeowners in Philadelphia may experience. It’s essential to take these types of problems seriously. By addressing them immediately you can prevent any safety hazards and ensure that your home’s electrical system is working properly.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s always best to have them inspected and repaired by a professional electrician. Our team of experts at Golden Electrical Service is ready to take the necessary steps to prevent and resolve any electrical problems that might arise to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system for years to come.
