Can My Old Electrical System Handle Brand-New Appliances?

Do new appliances plus an old electrical system equal a homeowner's nightmare? When you upgrade to brand-new appliances, the last thing you want to deal with is electrical issues. Older electrical systems weren't created to handle the modern-day power load many families produce.

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Find out how a new electric appliance might work with your older wiring to determine if you need to make changes.

How Old Is "Old" When It Comes to Electrical Systems?

There isn't a specific age when an old electrical system becomes outdated or unsafe, but your wiring could be considered old if it hasn't been updated in more than 40 years. Older electrical systems may contain outdated wiring that's more likely to wear out, cause shorts or start electrical fires. If you live in an older home that hasn't had the electrical service updated, it might not receive enough power to handle your current usage.

Can an Older Electrical System Handle New Appliances?

Your old electrical system may not be able to support new appliances. Older electrical wiring systems were designed for the electrical load of appliances at that time. Modern appliances often draw more electricity than older appliances, even if you're replacing the same item with an updated version.

Your new appliances will also need dedicated circuits, which may not be available on an older electrical system. If your system can't handle the new appliances, you'll likely notice frequent breaker tripping, flickering lights or hot outlets.

What Are Some of the Challenges of Using New Appliances With Old Electrical Systems?

Your old electrical system might not have the capacity to handle the higher electrical demands of most families these days. Think about how much life has changed since your home last had the wiring replaced. Electronics, smart devices and new small appliances that didn't exist decades ago all fight for electricity. When your home was wired, it likely wasn't designed with anticipation for increased power needs.

If your home was built before the 1980s, it may only have 100-amp service, and older homes may have even less. Newer homes usually have at least 200-amp service. If your home has 100-amp service or less, it may not be able to handle all your current electrical demands, especially if you upgrade to newer appliances.

Adding new appliances may overload older circuits. When this happens, the appliances on the circuit draw excess electricity in amounts the wiring can't safely handle. That can cause the wiring to overheat, potentially leading to an electrical fire. If your electric panel is working properly, the breaker should shut down the circuit when it becomes overloaded. However, if you have an outdated system, the breakers could malfunction and fail to protect you from the overload.

Another issue you could run into in an older home is that the wiring itself is outdated and can't handle your new appliances. Insulated copper wire is typically the standard based on modern electrical codes. It's safer than older wiring materials and conducts electricity more effectively, allowing it to support new appliances better. Older wiring may not be safe to use if your new appliances need a large amount of electricity.

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What Can I Do If My Old Electrical System Can't Handle My New Appliances?

If your new electric appliances keep tripping breakers or causing other electrical problems, you may need to upgrade your electrical system. For homes with 100-amp service, that might mean upgrading to 200-amp service to handle a larger electrical load. If your home already has 200-amp service, your electrical panel may still need some updates. Changes to your electrical panel allow your new appliances to have their own circuits, which could prevent overloading and minimize tripped breakers. If the wiring is the issue, you may need to have your home rewired. New wiring will better support your new appliances and make your home safer.

A licensed electrician can assess your panel and current electrical wiring configuration to determine what changes need to be made. Upgrading your home's electrical panel or wiring is a potentially risky job. Hiring an electrician to perform the work ensures your home meets local building codes.