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Electrical Problems When Buying or Selling a Home

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Electrical Problems

Electrical problems when buying or selling a home can be just one more headache added to the process. The last thing you want as a buyer is to discover undisclosed electrical problems on your home after closing. And the last thing you want as a seller is to be potentially liable for some of the electrical problems listed below. Before you enter escrow, ensure the home your buying or selling is exempt from the following electrical problems.

Outdated Wiring

Outdated wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires. Many older homes still rely on older systems like knob and tube and aluminum wiring. Not only are these systems a hazard, but they aren’t equipped to handle modern electrical demand. Solid copper wiring and sufficient grounding are necessary updates to a home’s electrical system. With outdated wiring being one of the electrical problems when buying or selling a home, it’s important that these get checked by a licensed electrician or by an inspector before placing your home up for sale.

 Insufficient Service Rating

Electrical demand has soared in the last couple of decades and older homes just can’t keep up with the Joneses. The service rating in most older homes is capped around 60 amps. A service rating of 200 amps is sufficient for standard-sized homes. If you’re buying or selling an older home, we recommend a thorough check of the service rating.

 Two-Prong Outlets

Two-prong outlets or ungrounded outlets can be easily spotted in older homes. They have just two slots to plug into, while grounded outlets have an additional slot for the ground wire. Grounded outlets help minimize the risk of fire in the event of an electrical fault with the receptacle. Old or outdated outlets can contribute to electrical problems when buying or selling a home and may cause a red flag during a home inspection.

Not Enough Outlets

Sure, if you’re a seller you won’t be culpable for not having enough outlets around the home after closing, but it could potentially harm the perceptive value of your home. Outlets equal convenience. Not having enough or not having them located in practical places in the different rooms of a home could be a strike against a home sale (or a home purchase).

Missing GFCIs

Ground fault circuit interrupters or GFCIs are important in areas of a home where water may be present like the kitchen, bathroom, or garage. GFCIs closely monitor the flow of electricity, and when an imbalance is detected, they instantly cut off the power to that outlet. This helps minimize the risk of electric shock. If the outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, or garage in the home you are buying or selling are not GFCI-equipped, it’s an important upgrade that should be made before closing.

Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, an in-depth electrical inspection from a trusted electrician could save you down the line. For repairs, upgrades, and inspections, call Eric Krise Electric: 856.769.3932.

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