When it comes to owning a home, few things are more often overlooked — and yet more potentially hazardous — than outdated electrical wiring. However, many older homes in Ontario and across Canada still rely on electrical systems installed decades ago — a time when few people had multiple charging devices or large appliances that drew power steadily throughout the day and night. At Elcolem, we’re experts at finding and fixing the silent dangers of older wiring so that you can protect your family, your property, and your peace of mind.
Why Old Wiring Is a Serious Safety Concern
Knob and tube wiring and aluminum wiring are also standard in older homes and quite dangerous:
Risk of Fire: Deteriorating insulating material, bare wires, and loose connections pose a high risk of electrical fires.
Power Failures: Older grids struggle to manage current energy loads, resulting in blown fuses or tripped breakers.
Electrical Shock: Worn or improperly grounded wires can lead to electric shock — even from regular wall sockets.
Insurance: Many insurance providers will not cover homes with outdated wiring unless it has been updated.
Common Warning Signs of Unsafe Wiring
When you see any of the following signs at your own home, hire a professional, licensed electrician:
- Power surges or lights that flicker often
- A burning smell or discolored outlets
- Familiar hums in your switches or receptacles
- Chances are you’re tripping circuit breakers or blowing fuses a lot
- Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets
- Warm or vibrating wall plates
And they’re not just little irritations — they’re red flags that your electrical system may be in trouble.
Types of Outdated Wiring to Watch For
Knob-and-Tube Wiring: Found in homes constructed before the 1950s, this set-up doesn’t have a grounding wire, and it’s unable to manage the electrical load of modern appliances. It’s also more susceptible to insulation breakdown and overheating.
Aluminum Wiring: Common in the 1960s and ’70s, aluminum wires can expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate, exacerbating loose connections, a leading contributor to the risk of arcing and fire.
Ungrounded Wiring: Without grounding, there’s nowhere for extra electricity in your system to go. This leaves you open to shock and damage to electronics.
Why Professional Inspection Matters
At Elcolem, our certified electricians conduct comprehensive home electrical inspections to:
Whether you’re purchasing an older home or currently living in one, a thorough inspection can help you head off disaster before it strikes and boost your confidence in your electrical system.
Upgrade for Safety and Peace of Mind
Updating the wiring in your house is not just a matter of safety, but it’s also about ensuring that your system works well when you need it to work the most. Swapping copper wiring, adding grounded outlets, and changing the breaker panel are all significant steps toward futureproofing your home.
Count on Elcolem for Professional and Trusted Electrical Services
You don’t have to wait for a warning sign to respond. If your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t undergone an electrical inspection in the past few years, contact Elcolem today! Our licensed experts are here to ensure your home’s wiring is safe, functioning correctly, and up to code.
Call now or book your inspection online – your safety is our priority.