Does wiring last forever?

The Shock Doctors

Feb 2013

In This Issue

Geriatric Electrical Panels

Senior Receptacles

Worn out wiring

Orillia 705-326-4333

Barrie 705-728-3932

Muskoka 705-687-1672

Tollfree

1-877-646-7440

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Greetings!

Televisions, computers, cell phones, etc change faster than a teenage boy's shoe size - And last just about as long.

Is this also true with your electrical equipment?

Unlike a cell phone with a two year replacement window, you can expect to get many years out of your home's wiring. But like most things time takes its toll.

Even wiring wears out. Here are the worst examples from last year.

Geriatric panel - 2012

Worst panel of 2012 - fuses and rust

Rust on an electrical panel is bad news (both breaker panels and fuse panels). If the panel box is rusted, the electricity cannot flow smoothly making it hot, a fire hazard and a hydro guzzler.

A thorough inspection of the panel, including a infrared temperature scan and an internal inspection of the connection points of breakers will detect rust building behind breakers and assess the overall health of a panel.

Senior Receptacles

One of 42

worn out receptacles

in this home

Years of dutiful service wears out a receptacle. When it can no longer snugly hold the plug in place, the electricity cannot flow smoothly. Just like the rusted panel above, hot spots develop, electricity is wasted and the risk of fire is high.

The tension tester shown here accurately measures the ability of the receptacle to hold on to the plug securely.

Worn out wiring
Wires throughout a home SHOULD be able to last years and years. Sometimes however, adverse conditions like high humidity can cause deterioration. This is a picture from a clients custom home built in the mid 60's. During a basement renovation we were adding to the existing wiring. The sheath CRUMBLED in our techs hands leaving the bare wire exposed.

Ask the Doc...

Dear Doc:

My panel is 200 amps. It says so on the door. The inspector from the insurance company says it is only 60 amps. What gives?

Miffed.

Dear Miffed,

What gives is sometimes during a shady part of your home's past, someone thought that by upgrading the panel box to a 200 amp, it gave you more power. It did not. All you have right now is a fire waiting to happen because the 60 amp wire feeding the 200 amp breaker will burn long before the 200 amp main breaker will trip.

This is a life threatening mistake and a classic example of what happens when electrical work is performed without knowledge or inspections. We most often see these at 2 am during an emergency repair.

In order to make it a true 200 amp service, the outside equipment and incoming supply wires must be upgraded to 200 amps.

Direct line to the Doc
If you have a question about the health of your electrical system or would like to investigate a little "plastic surgery", ask the doctor directly: Click and send your question to terry@theshockdoctors.ca.

It is wise to remember that just like your roof, your furnace, plumbing fixtures, and station wagon your electrical system too will come to the end of its useful lifespan one day and require rejuvenating.

Cheri

Tis the month (sorry):

Did you hear about the romance in the fishtank?

... It was a case of guppy love.

What did one oar say to the other?

... Can I interest you in a little row-mance?

The Shock Doctors