What We’ll Cover

• Look for visible warning signs such as hot outlets, flickering lights, cracked or damaged switches, and buzzing sounds.
• Inspect systems for common older properties, including ungrounded outlets, outdated breaker boxes, and disorganized or mislabeled electrical panels that may contain dangerous double-tapped breakers.
• Be aware that outdated wiring, particularly aluminum wiring from the 1960s or 70s, is sensitive to temperature/moisture and can pose a fire threat.  
• Watch out for insufficient outlets leading to extension cord overuse and signs of uncertified DIY electrical fixes.
• Check for external issues like mature trees that are too close to power lines.
• A professional electrical inspection is recommended before making an offer, contact 4-Star Electric today!

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Purchasing a new home can be an exciting, yet stressful process! It’s challenging to remain practical about safety and budget constraints when you’ve fallen in love with what appears to be the perfect place. 

At 4-Star Electric, we recommend looking past the aesthetics of your possible new home, and diving right into details about the property’s electrical system. 

We believe that every customer deserves trustworthy, timely and reliable electrical service, no matter the issue. From residential installations, to timely  repairs and quality inspections, we’ve been Calgary’s electrical service leader since 1989. Together, let’s explore why making a thorough assessment of any potential electrical problems before purchasing can save you a considerable amount of time, money and headaches.

Keep an Eye Out

When touring a potential home, keep this list of common electrical warning signs and electrical problems handy before making an offer.

Hot Outlets

Hot outlets are most commonly associated with faulty or outdated wiring in a home. If they are hot to the touch or sparking, they need to be replaced immediately.

Flickering Lights

Despite what every Hollywood movie tells you, flickering lights in your dream house don’t actually mean that it’s haunted. (Sorry to disappoint!) 

A visit from your neighbourhood electrician may not be as exciting as one from the Ghostbusters, but flickering lights can indicate a loose electrical connection.

The fix is typically straightforward in a single light fixture, but in multiple fixtures or rooms, the issue could be deeper in the circuit. 

Not Enough, Or Poorly Placed Outlets

Older homes typically have fewer available sockets, resulting in the overuse of extension cords. Temporary extension cords are okay, but issues can arise if they are permanently fixed in the same socket, as most older homes are not equipped to handle today’s energy demands. 

An experienced 4-Star electrician can install additional breakers and outlets for all your electricity needs.

Ungrounded Outlets

Usually found in older homes, ungrounded outlets can possibly lead to shocks and electrical fires when left unaddressed. This is because it can provide an avenue for stray electrical currents to escape due to electrical faults or a power surge. 

Contact our team today to upgrade any outlets, especially those outdoors or in bathrooms, to GFCI outlets.

Outdated Breaker Boxes

Circuit breakers help prevent home electrical fires and other issues by automatically shutting down power when the system becomes overloaded. Older properties may have outdated circuit breakers that cannot support the electrical needs of your modern home.

Disorganized or Mislabeled Electrical Panel

A disorganized, messy or mislabeled electrical panel may be a confusing mess, hinting at unsafe wiring throughout the home. It can also make it hard for you to address issues down the line, such as figuring out what caused a breaker to trip, or if the power goes out in your home.

If multiple wires are attached to a single circuit breaker, it’s referred to as a double tapped breaker. Circuit breakers should only have a single wire, and more wires can result in loose wires or other dangers like an electrical fire. 

If you are considering a home with double tapped breakers, contact an electrician to add more breakers to your breaker box. 

Missing Outlet Covers

Outlet covers are designed to protect wires from dust and debris, and keep you and your family safe from electric shocks. Missing outlet covers can be dangerous for pets and small children, and they should be replaced before you move into a new home.

Cracked or Damaged Outlets & Switches

Outlets and switches with cracks or exposed wires can be a sign of wiring problems within the home, especially if they are blackened or have a burnt odour. Damaged outlets and switches may indicate sparking or short-circuiting, and can be a serious fire hazard.

If you spot signs of damage while touring a potential property, it’s best to contact a 4-Star electrician for a professional inspection before making an offer. 

Outdated Wiring

When touring a home, let 4-Star Electric’s CALL acronym help you determine if there are issues with the wiring:

• Check: Check for physical damage on wires and wire covers
• Ask: Ask about blown fuses and tripped breakers
• Look: Look for signs of sparking and short circuits 
• Listen: Listen for buzzing sounds from outlets

All of these warning signs point to outdated wiring throughout the home. Older homes, built in the 1960s or 70s in particular, could still contain aluminum wiring. It was popular during this time period due to its relatively cheap cost. But it’s sensitive to temperature changes, causing it to expand and contract, weakening its integrity. Aluminum wiring is also sensitive to moisture (corrosion) and oxygen (oxidization), which could all lead to it losing its conductivity and becoming a fire threat.

Rewiring with copper is one of the best ways to eliminate any issues associated with aluminum wiring. Contact the whole-home rewiring experts at 4-Star Electric today! We have the most thorough process in the business!

Evaluation

Your personal, licensed electrician will conduct a thorough inspection of your home to identify areas wired with aluminum wiring. They will also take notes on the age and condition of the wiring, looking for signs of deterioration or improper connections.

The electrician will then assess the potential risks associated with your wiring.

Recommendation

Based on the evaluation, your electrician will recommend restoring the aluminum wiring with copper tails and proper connections or possibly replacing the aluminum wiring with copper wiring in open areas. 

A detailed cost and timeline estimate will be provided to help you better prepare for installation.

Replacement

Once your quote is approved, your electrician can get right to work. They will begin by turning off power to the affected circuits and ensuring safety protocols are in place. Your electrician will need to gain access to your electrical outlets to restore or replace the wiring depending on the option. 

The aluminum wiring is carefully restored or removed and replaced with copper, and your electrician will ensure that all connections are properly secured and to code. They will then replace outlets and switches to ensure compatibility with your new wiring.

Once the restoration or replacement is complete your electrician will do a complete inspection to ensure quality workmanship. You can have total confidence in our team, we provide the highest quality installation services, and we’re proud to offer industry-leading repair and replacement guarantees, as well as 100% satisfaction guarantees.

Trees

Homes in more established neighbourhoods often have the luxury of mature, tall trees. Although these trees are beautiful to look at, they can be hazardous to electrical wires surrounding the property.

Large trees can put pressure on wires, leading to a risk of snaps and broken connections, resulting in power outages, and a chance of shocks and fires. 

Pay close attention to the surrounding trees and their proximity to electrical wires when touring a potential property. 

DIY Electrical Fixes

Many homeowners attempt DIY electrical fixes in their homes without consulting a professional electrician, which can be very dangerous.

Incorrect wiring can cause electric shocks and short-circuits. If you’re touring a home and suspect that it has been wired by an amateur, contact a professional electrician for an inspection.

Electrical Inspections From 4-Star Electric

An electrical inspection involves an in-depth look for electrical problems that could impact your family’s safety and the house’s integrity. Our electricians will inspect for: 

• Shoddy DIY work
• Errors made by the home builders
• Outdated wiring 
• Issues with fuses and breakers 
• Worn electrical components 
• Hazards 
• Conditions of wall and switch outlets 
• Ungrounded outlets 

When purchasing a new home, you may want to consider a professional electrical inspection along with your standard home inspection.

Choose 4-Star Electric For All Your New Home’s Electrical Needs

Electrical issues can put a damper on your enjoyment of a new home, and we want you to have complete peace of mind in your fresh new space. 

If you have concerns about faults in the wiring system of a home you’re considering, contact our team at 4-Star Electric for a consultation or inspection. We can help you make a well-informed decision!