Is your home wiring safe?

Faulty electrical wiring is the cause of many devastating home fires. If you live in an older home that has not had its electrical system upgraded, you could be at risk.

Homes with "knob and tube style" wiring or 60 amp service are a major concern. Built long before the days of self-defrosting refrigerators, dishwashers, and other energy-hungry conveniences, these homes simply do not have the capacity to meet the electrical needs of today’s families.

Some homeowners have modified their systems using unsafe methods. Fire investigators have found various dangerous situations and a few examples have been listed below:

• Extension cords used as permanent wiring
• Low amp fuses replaced with higher amp versions or by passed all together
• Circuits overloaded with new receptacles
• Ground pins removed on grounded plugs
• Two pin receptacles replaced with three prong receptacles, and numerous other improper connections.

Many purchasers and owners of such homes are finding it difficult to get, or renew, insurance coverage. In fact, some insurance companies refuse to insure homes with knob and tube wiring or 60 amp service. Others require that 15 amp fuses or circuit breakers be used to protect the system, that no additional outlets be added to the original installation, and that conductors are in good condition.

Even though knob and tube wiring or 60 amp service may satisfy some people, it cannot keep up with the demands of today’s homeowner. If you are unsure about the wiring in your home, contact your Electrical Safety Authority for an inspection, and use the services of a licensed electrician to make it safe. Don’t take chances!

Note: Effective March 1, 2006, Fire code (Ontario) was amended; working fire alarms must be present on every level of a home.

The London fire Department lists the following as warning signs: (www.fire.london.ca/electrical)

• Recurring blown-out fuses or circuit breakers point to a fault in the electrical system.
• A burning smell or rubbery odor from an appliance
• Discolouration of wall outlets
• Flickering lights