Most electrical systems installed before 1980 were not designed for the power demands of modern homes. If your house is older, watch for these warning signs.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that dim when you run the dishwasher or flicker when the AC kicks on signal that your panel is maxed out. This is a common sign of an undersized main panel.
Outlets with Only Two Prongs
Two-prong outlets mean your home isn't grounded. Modern appliances require three-prong grounded outlets, and ungrounded circuits can damage electronics and create shock hazards.
Aluminum Wiring
Homes built in the 1960s and 70s often used aluminum wiring, which expands and contracts more than copper and can loosen connections over time — a fire hazard. An electrician can retrofit connections with copper pigtails as a cost-effective fix.
- Fuse box instead of circuit breakers
- Burning smell from outlets or switches
- Outlets or switches that are warm to the touch