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Older style wires and cables are not as safe as the current types used for house wiring.

For example, older insulation becomes brittle with age and can break when the wire is moved. Newer wiring is a lot more flexible and can handle age much better than the old insulation.

Newer wiring specifications require that all circuits include a connection to ground, older outlets do not have that requirement. Newer outlets are far safer, not just because of the ground wire but because of the plug polarity that has been introduced to the newer standard.

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Q: Why is it necessary to upgrade old electrical outlets?
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In replacing a wall switch which runs to three switched outlets - Original switch 20 yrs old appears to be standard single pole - Now switch does not turn outlets off Any ideas what is wrong?

If the switch is ALL you replaced, and if you hooked everything up EXACTLY like it was before, then it SHOULD work. Therefore, I suspect you got something wrong. How many screws are there for wire connections on the new switch? On the old switch? A single pole switch will have only 3 connection screws (counting the ground connection), while a 3-way switch will have 4 connection screws. (Also, a single-pole switch will have labels for "On" and "Off", while a 3-way switch will not have these labels.) Did you replace one or more of the three outlets? Did you wire the new outlets EXACTLY like the old ones were wired? Dig the old outlets out of your trash can and look closely at them. There should be a little metal tab connecting the two screw plates on each side of the outlet. Has this tab been broken off on either side of the old outlets? Is there a red wire anywhere in this circuit, and if so, how is it connected at the switch and at the outlets? Did you put any other devices on this circuit? If so, how are they connected? Something is not exactly the same as it was before. And I can't help you until you tell me what that is.


Can you safely install 3 prong plugs with old knob and tube wiring?

Install an AFCI breaker on the circuit with the outlets you replace and you will be fine.


When would you want to upgrade the main electrical panel vs just adding a sub-panel?

Depending on how many breakers you have in your exisiting panel if you only have a old 6 or 8 circuit panel then I would suggest a new panel, In the newer building world where you have a 20 or 30 circuit panel then I would suggest a sub panel.


What is the Abbreviation for old electrical cgs unit superseded by si?

emu


Can you convert an old 15 amp 125 volt electrical outlet to a household electrical outlet?

A 15 amp 125 volt outlet is a household outlet.

Related questions

Do electrical outlets wear out?

When electrical outlets get old they tend to chip and crack. Also in older outlets the socket gets loose and the plug will not stay in the outlet.


How much will an electrician charge to upgrade the service from fuses to breakers?

That question is impossible to answer with any degree of accuracy, since any responsible electrician will be required to upgrade all wiring, outlets and fixtures to bring the entire house up to code. The reason most electricians won't want to just replace the fusebox is that he doesn't want to be responsible for future electrical problems if he continues to use the old wiring.


electrical outlet installation?

form_title=electrical outlet installation form_header=9423 Which services are you in need of? (Choose all that apply)*= [] "Repair or replace an old switch, fixture or outlet [] Install new switches, fixtures or outlets [] Troubleshoot an electrical problem [] Move switches, fixtures or outlets" Please describe the electrical fixtures that are included in this project (please select all that apply)*= [] Ceiling fan or chandelier [] Switches [] Interior lights [] Outlets [] Exterior lights [] Other fixtures [] Bath or attic exhaust fan Please describe this location.*= () Home/Residence () Business


What is the Price to replace electrical outlets?

The cost to replace electrical outlets can vary depending on factors such as the type of outlet, complexity of the job, and location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per outlet for a professional electrician to replace them.


When might you choose no to upgrade your video card?

When the cost of the upgrade outweighs the benefit of the upgrade.


How do you upgrade life?

You upgrade by putting on a new cloth. Leaving behone old untruthful behavior.


Can you upgrade your old iPod mini to a newer iPod?

The only way you can upgrade, is to Purchase.......sorry


How old does the tortoise have to be when you upgrade your heat to a 100w?

A tortoise has to be around 4 years when you upgrade your heat to a 100w.


Is it a good idea to upgrade an old computer?

Yes


If you upgrade to the new itunes 9 but after you upgrade you have to upgrade to safari 4 and your mac osx isn't new enough to handle safari four can you switch back to the old itunes?

You do not have to upgrade to Safari 4. It is optional.


Can you upgrade your cell phone even if you lost your old phone?

Yes : )


When you are due a mobile phone upgrade can you keep your old phone?

yes