Your home was wired to last a long time. When your home was built, it was wired to the codes at the time with the intention that this wiring would be safe, durable, and reliable. However, the needs of a family in a new home 50 years ago and the needs of a homeowner in 2025 are very different. We aren’t just plugging in a few kitchen appliances – we are wired all the time and putting more strain on every home’s electrical panel. If you live in an older home, you may wonder if your wiring is still reliable or if it’s time to upgrade to a safer and more robust system. You never want to mess around with electrical safety, so when it’s time to upgrade, it’s time to call in the professionals.Electrician testing the electrical panel.

What are the Warning Signs That It’s Time to Upgrade?

While your electrical wiring is built to last, if your home is over fifty years old or you have aluminum wiring or other outdated styles of wiring, you may start to notice some signs that you need to have an electrician inspect your system. Aluminum was used years ago because it was cheaper to install than copper; however, over time, it has been determined that it’s far inferior. If you have aluminum wiring, you have a problem waiting to happen.

Besides the age and type of wiring, one of the most significant signs that it’s time to upgrade is flickering lights. Once you see flashing lights or occasional dimming, that’s a sign that the power is inconsistent and you have spikes and declines in the power running through your wiring, usually due to loose or faulty wiring. Damaged insulation is another indication that exposed and faulty wiring may be having issues you can’t see. Any sparking, especially when it’s consistent, as you plug and unplug items, is another good indication that you need to have your system upgraded. Sparking outlets can be extremely dangerous, especially if you have children living in or visiting your home, and if you’ve ever been shocked when plugging something in, this is a problem. Burning smells are another clear indication that you have faulty or loose wires, and, of course, any electrical burning needs to be addressed immediately.

But for many homeowners, even if they aren’t noticing dangerous sparks or burning, the most obvious sign that it’s time to upgrade is that the electrical system in their home just can’t keep up with today’s electricity needs. Typically, the first sign of this is that your home simply won’t have enough outlets to accommodate all your appliances and devices, and you find yourself relying more and more on extension cords, surge protectors, and outlet blocks that convert two plugs into six. While most of the time these extra cords are more of a tripping hazard or aesthetic issue, overloading the outlets you have can also mean more tripped breakers – another annoyance.

Are There Risks to Ignoring Old Wiring?

If your outdated system is merely annoying and requires you to purchase another power strip or extension cord, there may not be a significant risk in ignoring the old wiring. However, if you notice surges, dimming, sparking, shocks, or burning smells, that’s not just an annoyance. If you are experiencing electrical surges through your wiring, causing issues, it means your home is at risk of an electrical fire. If or when that happens, electrical fires can be devastating to your home, destroying it from the inside out.

Even if you avoid a fire, there is still a safety risk in ignoring old wiring that is causing problems. Minor electrical shocks can be irritating, but if your outlets are sparking or shocking, anyone who touches them, including curious children, can be at risk of serious injury.

Bottom line: once your electrical system is giving you signs that it can’t keep up, ignore it at your own peril.

Do You Need a Professional Assessment?

Can I assess the system myself? Well…

Are you an electrician?

A licensed electrician?

A licensed electrician currently practicing?

If not, you have no business doing any more than the basics with your home’s electrical system, especially if you are dealing with a system that is over fifty years old. Most of the time, the worst you’ll do is give yourself a nasty shock, but if you start messing with old wiring to “check it out”, you could end up with a seriously dangerous situation. If you are concerned about the wiring in your home, it’s time to call in the professionals who know what they’re doing, can provide an informed assessment, and offer the guidance you need to move forward. Many homeowners are concerned that if they request an assessment, they’ll be perceived as a target and pressured into unnecessary upgrades. However, most trustworthy electricians simply want to make sure that your home is safe and capable of handling the demands you place on it.

Upgrading your wiring is an investment that is well worth it for safety. No homeowner wants to risk losing everything to a house fire, especially when it could have been easily prevented. If you live in an older home, look for a trusted electrician with a good reputation to inspect your wiring and let you know if it’s time for an upgrade.

Don’t wait for a warning sign to become a disaster. Schedule a professional electrical inspection with Oakwood Electric & Generator today and make sure your home’s wiring is safe, reliable, and ready for today’s demands.