Electrical Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a New Home

Residential properties must be wires with copper conductors.

When purchasing a home, buyers should ensure they get a good deal. While most buyers pay attention to interior design and plumbing fixtures and often ignore the electrical systems. Overlooking the home’s electrical system can be risky, especially if it’s an older home. The buyer may end up investing significant money in electrical installations and rewiring.

Aesthetic appearance can be deceiving; prospective buyers should look beyond the cosmetic and focus on the backbone of a home.

Following are some tips to guide buyers.

Hire an electrician to inspect the home’s wiring

Home inspectors can point out a few electrical problems, but consulting with an electrician is even better. Electricians are trained to have an eye for potential wiring and other issues. They catch problems with the electrical system that a home inspector might not.

The prospective buyer must be on the site so that potential issues can be discussed then and there. It will provide insight into the costs of renovations and rewiring if needed.

Inspect all electrical systems

Wires, boxes, and conduits must be securely fixed and have no physical signs of deterioration. The property must have a ground rod or another approved grounding method.

The minimum residential service size acceptable in most municipalities is 120–240 volts and 100 amps; 120- to 208-volt service is also common.

Electrical panels must be sufficiently equipped

The circuit breaker must have the main disconnect. In some older homes, the circuit breaker has a multi-throw disconnect instead of a main disconnect. Since most municipalities no longer allow this disconnect, the component must be replaced.

Also, the panels should be clean and tidy. Each breaker should only supply a single wire and must be clearly labeled. All breakers must be tested to ensure they’re in working condition.

Type of electrical wiring

Residential properties must be wires with copper conductors. However, aluminum was commonly used until a few decades ago. The latter can be dangerous and cause several problems.

Similarly, knob and tube wiring is troublesome and must be replaced. Consult an electrician before purchasing a house that has aluminum or K&T wiring.

The bottom line

Be thorough and instinctive when purchasing a home. It’s essential for first-time buyers. If an electrical system is cluttered, messy, or disorganized, it’s likely to cause problems later.

ACT Electric performs quality, licensed, bonded work at affordable prices for residential and commercial services. From troubleshooting to whole-house electrical renovations, our primary concern is the comfort and safety of our customers. Give us a call at (480)986-1722 today!