It is common for homebuyers to overlook wiring and electrical aspects when choosing a house. Most people are drawn in by aesthetics such as front faucets, exterior design, deck and patio, floor, ceiling, and space. While these are all important to inspect, plumbing and wiring are just crucial. The disadvantages of having a poorly placed installation or low-quality products range from mere inconvenience to life-threatening health risk. Therefore, it is essential to keenly review the wiring and electrical components before buying a house. Here is a look at five things to check.
Type of wiring system
There are three main types of wiring systems electricians use today. These include lead sheathed, surface conduit, and concealed conduit wiring system. The type of wiring chosen depends on your unique electrical requirements as well as personal preferences. Concealed conduit wiring, for instance, is installed behind the wall plastering. This makes it far more aesthetically appealing. However, if you are planning to set up a private server house for a home-run business, this may not be the most convenient system for you. Choose a system that is easy to troubleshoot and add extensions.
There are also different types of wires available in residential homes and apartments. Understanding the existing types may help if you have any appliances that require a particular kind of cable. Other things to think about when assessing the wiring system include interior decorations and fixtures and power capabilities.
Flickering and buzzing/vibrating noise
Wiring problems can be challenging to troubleshoot through mere inspection. You need to pay more attention to the behavior of your electric system and appliances. A flickering or dimming light may signal problems with wiring. A buzzing sound is also characteristic in tripping circuit breakers. Turn on the lights and a few appliances and note any unusual behavior. If your lights flicker, dim or the system produces a buzzing sound when you use multiple devices, the problem might be a loose connection. You can then request an upgrade or discount before buying the house.
Check for chewed and frayed wiring
Rodents, pests and inexperienced handymen can damage the sheath or coating that covers your wires. Naked wires carry a significant risk of fire and shock. According to research, approximately 1,000 people die every year as a result of electrical injuries. Most injuries result from shocks and fire burns. It is therefore vital to check all wires and ensure exposed regions are covered. Before buying a house, make sure you call a professional electrician to inspect and replace faulty cables in all rooms. If you are replacing the wires, find better choices that will withstand pest and rodent attack. You might also want to find a solution for the pests.
Discoloration burning and scorching
Circuit breakers are designed to trip whenever the system is overloaded. Tripping shuts cuts off all power supply so you will need to turn it back manually. This can happen once in a while. If the circuit breaker trips more often, it may be a warning sign about the state of the wiring in the house. You can ask the host to turn on various appliances and gauge its stability based on the other factors mentioned above (flickering, vibrations, buzzing sound). If circuit breaker trips during your viewing session, request a comprehensive assessment from qualified electricians.
Keep track of system and circuit breaker trips
Circuit breakers are designed to trip whenever the system is overloaded. Tripping shuts cuts off all power supply so you will need to turn it back manually. This can happen once in a while. If the circuit breaker trips more often, it may be a warning sign about the state of the wiring in the house. You can ask the host to turn on various appliances and gauge its stability based on the other factors mentioned above (flickering, vibrations, buzzing sound). If circuit breaker trips during your viewing session, request a comprehensive assessment from qualified electricians
Conclusion
There are several other minor aspects to review wiring before making a down payment for your house. Buying a home is one of the big decisions you have and pushes you a step closer to independence. Whether you are purchasing a residential home or a real estate property for renting, it is crucial to ensure the electrical and plumbing systems are at optimal form. Since you do not have full access to the house at all times, the only viable option is to hire professional experts to assess on your behalf. Also, one can stock up bulk wires of different gauge sizes and colors as per amperage requirement as this would be cost-effective.
