When it comes to homes, they just don’t make em’ like they used to! In today’s world of urban sprawl and cookie cutter tract homes in suburban subdivisions, there’s nothing quite like keeping history alive by living in an older home. Unfortunately, the great craftsmanship of the past didn’t always meet the most rigorous safety standards, and living in an older home can often be a seemingly endless series of repairs and upgrades to keep you and your family safe.

For over four decades, our team at Gary Houston Electric has been Arkansas’ most trusted residential electrician, and we’re always a phone call away when you have any questions about electrical safety. Our team of professionals has hundreds of years of experience, and we know how to make sure that your older home is safe and meets all the current standards for electrical safety without compromising its old school charm. Here are a few things to remember about electrical safety for an older home:

Don’t overload electrical circuits-This is good advice no matter how old that a home is. Power strips are safe to use for electronics, but be careful about plugging high wattage appliances into them. A frequently tripped household breaker tells you everything that you need to know, but you should also make sure that your power strips have surge protection.

Inspect your household wiring-It’s recommended to have your household wiring inspected by an electrical contractor at least every 25 years in a newer home, and more frequently in an older home.

Repair, replace, or remove old outlets-Grounded three prong plugs were not standard prior to 1969, and many older homes still have two prong outlets. Replacing outlets is cheap and easy, and a great way to ensure that your family stays safe. If you have any switches or outlets that don’t function at all, you should repair them or have them removed safely.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule service, contact us online or give us a call at 501-375-8330.