Editor’s note (August 2026): This is an archived post from the Smiley Electric blog. Prices quoted reflect the time of writing. For current numbers, see our help & cost guides or give us a call.
If you’re a homeowner in the Portland area, one of the most overlooked but critical parts of your home is its electrical wiring. Whether you’re in an older bungalow in Southeast Portland or a mid-century ranch in Beaverton, your wiring could be decades old—and potentially unsafe.
Is Your Wiring Too Old? Start With the Age of Your Home
If your house was built before the 1970s, there’s a strong chance that the original wiring is still in place. That means it could be 50–70 years old.
Think about it—what else in your home has lasted that long without maintenance?
Your appliances? Your car? Definitely not.
Wiring wears down over time, and it wasn’t designed for today’s electrical loads from computers, EV chargers, kitchen gadgets, and HVAC systems.
The Dangers of Outdated Wiring
Older wiring systems (like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring) pose risks such as:
- Electrical fires
- Shock hazards
- Inconsistent power
- Insurance issues
If you’ve never had your system inspected, it’s time to call a licensed Portland electrician like Smiley Electric for a safety check.
What Happens During a Smiley Electrical Safety Inspection?
At Smiley Electric, we specialize in helping Portland homeowners identify unsafe wiring before it becomes a bigger problem. Here’s what’s included:
- Electrical Panel Evaluation – We inspect your panel for age, capacity, and signs of overheating or poor connections.
- Outlet & Receptacle Checks – We look for ungrounded or worn outlets, especially in bedrooms and living rooms that haven’t been remodeled.
- Signs of Past Remodels – We assess whether parts of the home—like kitchens or bathrooms—have been updated to meet modern code.
- Recommendations for Updates or Knob-and-Tube Replacement – If we find outdated systems, we’ll provide a clear, honest plan for replacing or upgrading them.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait?
Old wiring doesn’t always show visible signs of danger. But it only takes one loose connection or worn-out wire to cause serious damage. That’s why we recommend a home electrical inspection every 10 years, especially in homes over 40 years old.
Portland Homeowners: Get 10% Off Your Electrical Inspection
Our electrical safety inspections start at just $349—an affordable step toward peace of mind.
Mention code SMILEYELECTRICISAWESOME when you book, and we’ll take 10% off your quote.
Smiley Electric is a trusted, local, licensed electrical contractor serving Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, and
beyond. Call us or schedule your inspection online and let us make sure your home is wired for safety—and for the future.