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Home builders utilized cloth-insulated wiring before 1960. After extensive research, scientists determined that cloth-insulated electrical wiring is a fire hazard. Like all building materials, electrical wiring has undergone major changes over the last seven decades. One particular change involves the insulator like the outdated cloth insulation. Modern electrical wiring utilizes premium-quality insulators constructed from Teflon, Polyvinyl Chloride “PVC,” and polyethylene.
Why Cloth-Insulated Electrical Wiring Is No Longer Used?
The cloth utilized to insulate electrical wires was at one time deemed “safe.” The downside to cloth insulators is the lack of longevity. After years of usage and exposure to the electrical, cloth insulators beak down. Brittle cloth insulators serve little purpose in keeping electrical wires from making contact with each other.
When the brittle cloth insulator flakes away, the electrical wires are left exposed (bare). Whether it be another bare wire, a brittle cloth insulator, insulation, an animal, or a human, it can cause an electrical spark and/or electrical shock. The severity of the electrical shock varies, depending on the current, mA. The worse outcome would be death while a 1-2mA current would be a painful shock.
Outdated Electrical Wiring Not Grounded
Modern electrical wires are grounded utilizing a bare copper wire. The introduction of a ground wire decreased the risk of electrical shock. Grounding sends an excess of electrical current to the ground. Before ground wires, the electrical current overload would have traveled inside the home via the wires.
Why Grounded Electrical Systems Are Safer?
An electrical overload travels via the wires to the connected devices. The ground wire sends the excess electrical currents to the ground. If the electrical system lacks a copper ground wire, the excess electrical charges travel to one or more of the connected devices.
Electrical overloads are less likely today than before the introduction of ground wires. Replacing cloth insulators with Teflon or PVC insulators decreases the risk of electrical shock, fires, shock, and damage to electronics, appliances, HVAC units, ceiling lights, water heaters, and other connected devices.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Un-grounded Electrical Systems With Cloth-Insulated Wiring?
Insurance companies utilize a rating system to determine annual premiums for homeowners insurance. A house, flat, apartment, cabin, duplex, or condominium installed with an ungrounded electrical system is deemed “high-risk” by all insurance companies.
High-risk homeowners insurance is oftentimes unaffordable for many consumers. Removing the “high-risk” marking is only possible by replacing the ungrounded electrical system with a safer, modern alternative.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency “FEMA” reported a total of 24,200 house fires related to electrical system malfunction in 2021.
Benefits Of Teflon Electrical Wiring Conductors
Homeowners need to know the dangers of cloth-insulated wiring. It is also important to know why it is important to replace cloth-insulated electrical wiring with Teflon-insulated electrical wiring.
Teflon is a premium-quality material with dozens of suitable applications, including electrical wiring. It acts as an insulator for copper and aluminum electrical wires. Teflon has a service life of between 25 and 30 years.
Teflon can ensure temperatures below 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Copper wiring, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures of 250 degrees Celsius (482 degrees Fahrenheit). Both the insulated material and copper wiring must have similar heat-resistant properties to provide longevity.
Teflon insulators also protect electrical wires from exposure to chemicals, moisture, dirt, UV rays, and water.
Why Hire H&A Pittsburgh Electrician
- Our electricians are licensed by the State of Pennsylvania
- We back up our work with a warranty
- Our business insurance provider is a reputable insurer in the United States
- We install, repair, and replace electrical systems in all residential settings
- We offer free inspections, written estimates, and professional references
- We work with your budget and schedule
- We work with homeowners and tenants to obtain permits for electrical system repair, upgrades, and new installation
- Our service request response time is between 24 and 48 hours
Our electricians have years of combined experience in the industry. We utilize premium-grade 12- and 14-gauge electrical wiring and components.
Call today to request a free in-home inspection and quote. A customer representative will dispatch a licensed electrician to your home within 24 and 48 hours. We understand the extreme dangers of outdated home electrical systems. Do not delay, call today to make your home safer.