Beaverton is full of charming homes with character—from ranch-style houses in Cedar Hills to mid-century gems near Raleigh Park. But if your home was built before 1980, here’s something you might not know:
Your electrical system may be outdated—and potentially unsafe.
At Smiley Electric, we’ve inspected hundreds of homes across Beaverton, and we’ve seen firsthand how older wiring, panels, and connections can quietly become fire hazards or limit your home’s power capabilities.
Here’s why a safety inspection could save you money, frustration—or even your home.
What’s Hiding Behind Your Walls?
If your house was built before 1980, it may still have:
- Aluminum wiring – more prone to loose connections and fire risks
- Fuse boxes or outdated breaker panels – not designed for modern appliances
- Ungrounded outlets – can’t protect your devices during a fault
- Improper DIY repairs – often done before code standards improved
- Insufficient circuits – overloaded systems cause tripping breakers or overheating
These issues may not show obvious symptoms until they become serious. An inspection helps catch problems before they become emergencies.
Why This Matters in Beaverton
Beaverton’s housing stock is aging—many neighborhoods were developed in the 1950s through the late 1970s. That means the electrical infrastructure is often 40+ years old.
Add in modern demands—EV chargers, home offices, air conditioning—and that older wiring just can’t keep up.
Fun Fact: Homes built in 1970 had an average of 60 amps of power. Today’s homes often require 200 amps or more.
What We Check During an Electrical Safety Inspection
At Smiley Electric, our licensed electricians look at:
- Service panel & breakers
- Wiring type & condition
- GFCI & AFCI protection
- Outlets & switches
- Grounding & bonding
- Code compliance & capacity issues
We also make recommendations for upgrades based on your current and future needs—like adding an EV charger or mini-split system.
Small Issues Can Lead to Big Problems
A cracked outlet or buzzing breaker may not seem urgent—until it causes:
- A house fire
- Loss of insurance coverage
- Failed home sale inspection
- Damage to appliances or electronics
Preventative maintenance = peace of mind.
What You Get with a Smiley Safety Inspection
✔ Full report of your system’s health ✔ Clear, honest recommendations ✔ Photos of problem areas ✔ Local code expertise ✔ Respectful, no-pressure service
Real Quote from a Beaverton Customer:
Rachel M., Highland neighborhood
“I had no idea my panel was from the 1970s and barely hanging on. Smiley Electric upgraded it in a day, and I feel so much safer now.”
Be Proactive. Not Reactive.
If your Beaverton home was built before 1980, we strongly recommend scheduling a safety inspection—even if nothing seems wrong.
Let’s make sure your home is powered safely, efficiently, and up to modern standards.