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Most people don’t give much thought to what’s behind their walls—until something stops working. But as electricians, we often remind homeowners that the wiring in their home is like its circulatory system. It keeps everything running smoothly, from your fridge and lights to your furnace and internet router.
One of the most common questions we hear is: how long does home wiring last? The answer depends on a few things, like the type of wiring, the age of the home, and how much wear and tear it’s been through. While copper conductors themselves can often last over 50 years, the insulation and other components don’t always keep up.
Understanding your home wiring lifespan is key to preventing safety hazards, improving efficiency, and keeping your insurance company happy. We’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can go wrong when old or damaged wiring is ignored.
If your home is relatively new—say, built after the 1980s—you're probably in the clear for a while. But for those of us living in Coquitlam and surrounding areas with older homes, it’s worth taking a closer look at what kind of wiring you have.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring was standard up until the 1940s. While the copper itself might still conduct electricity, the insulation degrades and there’s no grounding. In our experience, this type of wiring simply isn't safe by today’s standards. We always recommend replacing it.
Aluminum Wiring, used mainly in the 1960s and 70s, poses its own risks. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can lead to loose connections—one of the top causes of electrical fires. We've done a fair number of aluminum remediation jobs over the years, and while it’s possible to make it safer, full replacement is often the better route.
Cloth or Rubber-Insulated Wiring was common before the 1960s. Over time, these materials dry out, crack, or become brittle, leaving bare wires exposed. If you’re seeing any frayed or crumbling insulation, it’s time to get it checked.
Modern Copper Wiring with PVC Insulation is now the standard. It’s durable, efficient, and much safer. These systems can last 50 years or more—sometimes up to 100 for the copper—but the insulation will likely need attention first.
Several things can shorten the lifespan of any home wiring system. Poor installation practices, exposure to moisture or heat, rodent damage, and today’s heavier electrical loads can all take a toll. If your home was wired to power a fridge and a few lamps, it probably wasn't designed for an EV charger, home office, and central AC.
As electricians, we’ve learned to spot the early warning signs before they become serious issues. Some homeowners call us after noticing frequent breaker trips or flickering lights. Others only realize something's wrong after smelling burning plastic or spotting a discoloured outlet.
If your outlets feel warm, your lights dim when appliances turn on, or you hear a buzzing sound from your panel, those are all signs something’s not right. Sometimes it’s as subtle as the need to rely on too many extension cords—an indication your home simply doesn’t have enough circuits.
We’ve even done jobs where homeowners noticed tingling or small shocks when touching appliances. That’s a red flag. And of course, if your home still has two-prong outlets or visible cloth-wrapped wires in the basement or attic, you’re likely due for an inspection.
If your home is over 40 or 50 years old and hasn’t been rewired, it’s probably time for a full assessment. Even if things seem to be working fine, the system may be under more stress than it was ever designed to handle.
Renovating? That’s the perfect time to evaluate and upgrade your home wiring. Insurance companies also increasingly require electrical upgrades—especially when older wiring types are involved.
We often meet homeowners who’ve just added a heat pump or upgraded their kitchen. Those changes usually come with extra electrical demand, which older home wiring can’t always support safely.
At HighAngle Electrical, we’ve made it our mission to help homeowners across Coquitlam and the Vancouver Lower Mainland understand the importance of electrical safety. Our team offers complete electrical inspections, panel upgrades, and rewiring services—whether it’s one troublesome circuit or your entire home that needs attention.
We take pride in doing the job right, following modern safety standards and BC electrical code every step of the way. And while we don't like to scare people, we do believe strongly in catching problems early. A proactive inspection today can prevent a major issue tomorrow.
If you’re wondering how long your home wiring will last, it might be time for an expert opinion. The truth is, even the best electrical systems age—and knowing where yours stands is the first step in keeping your home safe, efficient, and future-ready.
Reach out to HighAngle Electrical today to schedule a professional inspection. We’re always happy to provide professional support and help you plan any necessary upgrades with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Let’s keep your home safe, one wire at a time.
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