I can’t tell you how many times I have arrived at a job, with the intention of fixing one thing, and end up uncovering a whole array of hazards…
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
Nob and tube wiring is explained in detail at this link, the things to pay attention to are, how it could affect your homeowners insurance, it’s inability to cope with todays electrical demands, and it’s level of deterioration.
There are many different versions of the same hazard, basically if you see the wire nuts on wires and they aren’t in a metal box with a closed lid, (obviously you wouldn’t see them otherwise) then it is a hazard . I can’t stress enough how important it is to fix this problem, wherever you find it, but it is especially dangerous in an attic surrounded by insulation, or in a garage where it could be exposed to flammable substances.
These represent an electrical system that is very out dated and without properly grounded wiring. If you have the type of panel that uses these fuses, it’s time to upgrade your system. The most dangerous feature of these older systems, is that you can (unwittingly) insert a fuse that will allow too much power to be pulled on a circuit, allowing the wires to overheat and potentially cause a fire.
4. Shoddy work.
If the home you are in has the feel of not being well maintained, you can bet that it pertains to every aspect of the house, Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc. Always have the home you are interested in purchasing, thoroughly inspected. The cost of the repairs later, after a disaster, far outweigh the cost of an inspection, and the effort it will take to find a different home to purchase.
Most homeowners are completely unaware that what they are observing, are potential hazards to them and their families. Educate yourself, and you will be wiser, wealthier and safer for it.
