How to Fix Common Electrical Problems in Older Jacksonville Homes

Older homes in Jacksonville, FL, have undeniable charm and character. But behind their vintage beauty, many hide outdated or unsafe electrical systems that struggle to meet the demands of modern living.

At Burbank Electric Company, we specialize in helping homeowners identify and resolve these common electrical issues, safely and efficiently.

Why Older Homes Struggle with Modern Power Needs

Many older homes were built before high-wattage appliances, electronics, or smart home systems existed. As a result, outdated wiring and limited circuits often lead to serious electrical concerns:

• Overloaded Circuits
  Fewer outlets and thinner wiring can’t always support today’s power-hungry devices. This can cause flickering lights, tripped breakers, or overheating.
• Outdated Wiring (Knob-and-Tube or Aluminum)
  Common in homes built before the 1960s, this wiring is prone to overheating and corrosion—posing a fire risk.
• Lack of Grounding
  Proper grounding protects against shock and surges. Many older homes lack grounding or rely on deteriorated systems.
• Two-Prong Outlets
  These ungrounded outlets are outdated and unsafe by today’s standards. They should be replaced with grounded, three-prong outlets.

Warning Signs of Electrical Issues in Your Older Home

Keep an eye out for these red flags that signal something’s wrong:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Warm or hot outlets and switches
• Sparks when plugging in appliances
• Burning or melting odors
• Circuit breakers that trip frequently

How to Fix Electrical Problems (Safely)

Electrical repairs should never be DIY. Here's the right approach:

1. Document the Issue:
   Note which outlets or appliances are affected and any strange symptoms (e.g., smells, sparks)..
2. Unplug High-Wattage Devices:
   Reduce strain on circuits until an electrician can evaluate.
3. Call a Licensed Electrician:
   A professional can diagnose the root cause and offer safe, code-compliant solutions.
4. Replace Old Outlets:
   Upgrade two-prong outlets to three-prong, grounded versions.
5. Upgrade Wiring if Needed:
   If your system is outdated, consider a complete rewiring for safety and future capacity.

Prevent Electrical Problems in Older Homes

Being proactive can help you avoid costly or dangerous surprises:

• Schedule regular inspections:
  Especially if your home is over 30 years old.
• Modernize your electrical panel:
  Upgrade your fuse box or small panel to support modern usage.
• Avoid overloading circuits:
  Don’t plug multiple appliances into a single outlet.
• Install surge protectors:
  Protect devices from power surges caused by storms or faulty wiring.

Trust Burbank Electric with Your Vintage Home’s Needs

At Burbank Electric Company, we specialize in servicing and upgrading electrical systems in older Jacksonville homes. Whether you need a safety inspection, outlet replacements, or a full wiring upgrade, our licensed electricians have the experience and training to do the job right.

Keep the charm—ditch the hazards.
Contact Burbank Electric today to schedule a comprehensive inspection or discuss modernizing your electrical system.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Electrical systems can be dangerous if handled improperly. Always consult a licensed electrician for inspections, repairs, or installations. Burbank Electric Company assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.