If your home is pushing 50 years old and hasn't been inspected by an electrician in a while, chances are it's time to update the electrical wiring in your home. However, it can be difficult to determine whether it's actually time for an upgrade. The team at Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie is dedicated to helping our customers identify the signs of aging wiring. If any of the following apply to your home, consider reaching out to our technicians.

Your Current Wiring Is Getting Old

As your home ages, wiring can wear down and become less effective. However, newer homes don't always need to have the entire property rewired. You may be able to get away with only replacing a few sections. But if your home was built before 1980, you may need a whole-home rewire. Materials used during this time are well-known safety hazards and must be replaced.

You Have Ungrounded, Two-Pronged Outlets

Two-pronged outlets can be a huge safety hazard. They lack proper grounding and can cause damage to your electronics. Even if you have a surge protector, it won't be enough to prevent electric shocks and broken devices. We recommend reducing your risk of shock by getting three-prong outlets and grounded wires installed.

GFCIs Are Missing

Do you see "TEST" or "RESET" buttons on the receptacles in your home? If not, you're missing GFCIs that protect against electric shock in high-moisture areas. Regulations require this type of receptacle in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and other areas prone to water damage and high moisture content. Fortunately, these devices are easy to install, and our team can take care of missing GFCIs promptly.

You're Missing AFCIs

Like GFCIs, AFCIs are crucial for avoiding electric shock and other hazards. AFCIs act as circuit breakers and disconnect if there's a risk of fire. Updated codes require ACFIs in all bedrooms, and some states mandate them in all rooms of the house as well.

Your Appliance Outlets Are Inadequate

Today, many household appliances require special plugs. For example, ovens, dryers, and heavy-duty appliances often need 240-volt outlets to work correctly. Older 240 plugs don't always meet standard safety requirements, so it's a good idea to talk to Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie about installing up-to-date plugs with four prongs.

Your Electrical Panel Doesn't Cut It

While updating the electrical wiring in an old home, you may find that the electrical panel is too outdated. Decades ago, a 60-amp circuit breaker would work just fine, but today, most homes need a little more to be properly powered. If you have mobile devices, televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners all plugged in at once, you may need an upgraded breaker box.