Introduction

Many homes in Lehi, Utah were built decades ago—well before modern electrical codes and safety standards. While these homes often have charm and character, they may also hide outdated wiring systems behind their walls. These electrical issues can pose risks ranging from inconvenient outages to serious fire hazards.

If you live in an older home in Lehi, understanding common wiring problems is the first step toward keeping your family safe and your home up to code. This article breaks down the most frequent electrical issues found in older homes and explains what homeowners can do about them.

The Most Common Wiring Issues in Older Lehi Homes

Older wiring systems weren’t built for today’s power demands. Here are the most common electrical problems homeowners in Lehi should look out for:

Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Homes built before the 1940s may still contain knob-and-tube wiring. This outdated system lacks a grounding wire and uses ceramic knobs to support the wiring. Over time, the insulation around these wires can degrade, becoming brittle or cracked—especially in hot attics or damp basements. Without grounding or modern insulation, knob-and-tube wiring poses a higher risk of electrical fires and should be replaced.

Aluminum Wiring

In homes built during the 1960s and 70s, aluminum wiring was sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to copper. Unfortunately, aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can cause loose connections over time. These loose connections may lead to arcing, overheating, or even fires. If your home has aluminum wiring, it’s important to have it professionally inspected and repaired using proper connectors or replaced entirely.

Overloaded Circuits

Older homes often have fewer circuits than needed to power modern devices. Over time, this can lead to overloading, where too many outlets and appliances are connected to a single circuit. The result? Circuit breakers trip often, lights flicker, and power may shut off unexpectedly. Overloaded circuits are not just inconvenient—they also stress your electrical panel and increase the risk of overheating.

Ungrounded Outlets

Two-prong outlets are a clear sign of ungrounded wiring. Without grounding, electrical surges have no safe path to the earth, increasing the risk of electric shock or appliance damage. Grounded three-prong outlets are now standard for safety, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. If your outlets don’t support a grounding plug, it’s time for an upgrade.

Loose or Buzzing Outlets

If your outlets buzz, feel warm to the touch, or don’t hold plugs securely, these are signs of internal wear or faulty wiring. Loose wiring behind the outlet may create intermittent connections, which can generate heat or arcing. In extreme cases, this can lead to melted wires or burn marks around the outlet.

Outdated Electrical Panels

Homes built more than 30 or 40 years ago may still have electrical panels that are undersized or use obsolete components. Older panels might not provide enough amperage for today’s power needs, and in some cases, may contain breakers that no longer meet safety standards. If your panel is over 100 amps or uses old brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, it should be evaluated by a professional.

DIY or Bootleg Wiring Fixes

In many older homes, past owners may have tried to "fix" things themselves. That often means shortcuts like bootleg grounds, where neutral wires are improperly tied to grounding terminals. These fixes can pass a casual inspection but are dangerous, as they create false safety and fail under real fault conditions. Identifying and correcting improper wiring is crucial for long-term safety.

Rodent or Pest Damage

Wiring in attics and crawlspaces is often vulnerable to rodents. Chewed wires, exposed conductors, or frayed insulation can lead to shorts, sparks, and fire risk. Even if a home’s wiring was originally installed correctly, it can become dangerous over time if animals have access to these areas.

How Lehi Homeowners Can Address Old Wiring Problems

Solving wiring issues in older homes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what the process typically looks like for Lehi homeowners:

Step 1: Schedule an Electrical Inspection

If your home is over 30 years old—or you’re noticing signs like flickering lights, tripping breakers, or buzzing outlets—it’s wise to book a professional inspection. A licensed electrician will assess the wiring, test outlet grounding, examine the panel, and check for outdated or unsafe materials.

Step 2: Identify and Prioritize Risks

After the inspection, your electrician will provide a detailed report of what needs attention. This may include:

• Replacing knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring

• Upgrading the main panel to handle additional circuits

• Installing grounded outlets and GFCIs

• Repairing or replacing faulty or loose outlets

The electrician will help you prioritize repairs based on urgency, safety, and budget.

Step 3: Upgrade Wiring and Panels as Needed

In many cases, older homes don’t require a full rewire—just targeted repairs or upgrades. Replacing faulty sections, adding new circuits, and updating the panel are common solutions that bring older homes up to today’s standards without a full renovation.

Step 4: Final Testing and Code Compliance

After work is completed, your electrician will conduct final testing to ensure everything is safe, secure, and code-compliant. If required, a city inspector may review and sign off on the upgrades.

Conclusion

Owning an older home in Lehi doesn’t mean you’re stuck with outdated or unsafe wiring. By understanding the most common issues—like knob-and-tube systems, ungrounded outlets, aluminum wiring, and overloaded panels—you can take proactive steps to keep your home safe and functional.

If you’re concerned about your home’s electrical system, don’t wait for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker to take action. Bar H Bar Electric offers trusted, code-compliant electrical inspections and rewiring services across Lehi and surrounding Utah County communities.

Contact Bar H Bar Electric today to schedule a home inspection and find out what your older home really needs—before a small issue becomes a serious hazard.