If you live in an older St. Louis home—especially one built before the 1950s—there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term “knob-and-tube wiring.” But what makes this system a safety concern?

Aging Materials and Wear

• Over time, the insulation on knob-and-tube wiring breaks down. Unlike today’s modern wiring, which uses durable plastic, this older system relies on cloth and rubber that become brittle and crack with age. Damaged insulation means a much higher risk of exposed wires and accidental contact.

Lack of Grounding

• Knob-and-tube wiring lacks a grounding conductor, which is now standard in all electrical work. Without grounding, your electrical system isn’t equipped to safely redirect excess voltage—raising the risk of shocks and fire.

Inadequate for Modern Electrical Loads

• When knob-and-tube was first installed, homes didn’t have high-wattage appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, or advanced entertainment systems. Trying to run today’s demanding devices on this outdated system can overload the wiring, increasing the chances of overheating and fire.

Easy to Damage During Renovations

• The exposed nature of knob-and-tube wiring makes it vulnerable to accidental damage during insulation upgrades or remodeling. It’s easy to nick or displace these wires without realizing it, leading to dangerous faults behind your walls.

Insurance Challenges

• Many insurance providers—including national carriers like State Farm and Allstate—either refuse to insure homes with knob-and-tube wiring or require costly upgrades before renewing a policy.

If you suspect your home has knob-and-tube wiring, it’s important to have it inspected and discuss safe upgrade options with a licensed electrician.

If you live in an older St. Louis home—especially one built before the 1950s—there’s a chance you still have “knob and tube” wiring hidden behind your walls. While this vintage electrical system was state-of-the-art in its day, it poses several risks for modern homeowners:

• Fire Hazard: The insulation on old knob and tube wires can become brittle or wear away over time, exposing bare wires and greatly increasing the risk of electrical arcing or fire.
• Lack of Grounding: Unlike today’s wiring, knob and tube systems don’t have a grounding wire. This makes your home more vulnerable to electrical shocks and can damage sensitive electronics.
• Overloaded Circuits: When knob and tube was installed, homes used far fewer electrical devices. Modern appliances can easily overload these outdated circuits, increasing the likelihood of blown fuses, tripped breakers, or overheated wires.
• DIY Modifications: It’s not uncommon for previous owners to have made unsafe upgrades or splices over the years, leading to code violations, faulty connections, or even hidden hazards in your walls or attic.

If you suspect your home still has knob and tube wiring—or you’ve noticed flickering lights, burning smells, or frequent blown fuses—don’t wait to call a professional. Electrical fires can happen fast, and prompt evaluation can keep your family safe.

Electrical fires can erupt suddenly and pose serious risks to your family and property, especially during storms or peak demand. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can drastically reduce the chances of an electrical fire starting in your home.

Stay Vigilant With Outlets and Switches
If you spot smoke, discoloration, or feel excessive heat coming from outlets or switches, it’s time to take action. Unplug devices immediately and shut off power to the affected area at your breaker panel. Avoid using extension cords as permanent solutions, and never overload wall outlets or power strips.

Monitor for Odd Smells and Sounds
A burning plastic or metallic odor can be an early warning sign of overheating wires hidden behind walls. Likewise, if you notice buzzing or humming sounds from outlets or your breaker box, don’t ignore them—this often means something isn’t working properly and safety mechanisms may be failing.

Regular Inspection and Proper Maintenance

• Have a licensed electrician inspect your home wiring every few years, especially in older homes.
• Replace any damaged cords, plugs, or light fixtures right away.
• Ensure all switches and outlets are secure and not loose.

Install Quality Safety Devices

• Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and anywhere water is present.
• Invest in high-quality surge protectors, especially for sensitive electronics.

Be Prepared for Emergencies
If you ever notice sparking, smoke, or burning smells, turn off power at the main breaker and call for professional help. Keeping a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires (Class C) handy isn’t a bad idea, either.

Taking these basic precautions will help keep your home and loved ones safe from the hidden dangers of electrical fires.

Identifying issues early can help prevent costly damage and keep your home safe. Here are some clear warning signs that your electrical wiring may be compromised:

• Smoke or Scorch Marks at Outlets
  If you ever notice smoke coming from an outlet or see blackened marks around it, stop using the outlet immediately and cut power at the breaker. This is a critical indicator that the wiring behind the wall may be overheating or burning—a serious fire hazard.
• Burning Odors
  A distinct burning or melting plastic smell, even if you can’t pinpoint the source, often signals that wires are experiencing excessive heat or a poor connection. Don’t ignore this warning sign—acting fast can prevent electrical fires.
• Unusual Noises from the Breaker Box
  Your circuit breakers should operate quietly. If you hear a persistent humming or buzzing coming from the breaker panel, it may mean a breaker is failing to trip during a surge. This poses a risk to both your electrical system and your safety and should be addressed by a professional right away.

If you experience any of these issues in your home or business, take precautions by switching off the affected circuits and reach out to St. Louis Lit Electric for prompt, professional help.

Wiring might be hidden behind your walls, but the warning signs it’s past its prime are often hiding in plain sight around your home or building. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to consider a professional inspection:

• Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers — Are you always running to the panel to reset something? That’s your wiring waving a white flag.
• Lights that dim or flicker, even when appliances cycle on — Not just annoying, but a potential sign your wires can’t handle modern loads.
• Outlets that are warm to the touch, discolored, or sparking — Outlets should never feel hot. If you see scorch marks or notice any buzzing, that’s a call for help.
• Two-prong outlets (no ground) — If your home still relies on two-prong outlets, your system’s likely decades old and not up to current safety codes.
• Persistent burning smell or the odor of overheating — Electrical fires often start before you see flames. If you smell trouble, act fast.
• Old fabric- or rubber-insulated wire — Homes built before the 1970s often used knob-and-tube or cloth-wrapped wiring. Both are infamous for creating hazards as they age.

If any of these ring true in your space, don’t wait for a minor nuisance to turn into a major hazard. We’re here to help get your system up to today’s safety standards and keep your property protected.

Sure, there are plenty of DIY tutorials online for putting up smoke detectors—but when it comes to your family’s safety, it’s smart to leave it to a pro. Here’s why calling in a licensed electrician pays off:

• Code Compliance: Safety codes change, especially in places like St. Louis and St. Charles County. An electrician ensures your new detectors are installed to meet the latest building and fire codes, so you won’t get caught off guard during inspections or home sales.
• Reliable Hardwiring: Hardwired smoke detectors with battery backup are far more dependable than the old peel-and-stick models from the store. A professional will connect detectors directly to your electrical system and make sure all units communicate—meaning if one alarm sounds, they all do.
• Safe, Seamless Wiring: Invisible wires, no holes in odd places, and zero accidental shorts. Electricians handle the wiring behind your walls safely, avoiding fire hazards and making sure the final result looks great.
• Optimal Placement: It’s not just about sticking detectors on the ceiling. An expert will help you choose the right locations—sleeping areas, hallways, basements—to maximize coverage and early warning in an emergency.
• Up-to-Date Protection: Today’s smoke detectors often come with features like carbon monoxide sensors, smart alerts, or even integration with systems like Nest. An experienced electrician can recommend and install the best options for your needs.

Leave the guesswork behind and protect your home or business with professional smoke detector installation—safe, secure, and up to code.

When the lights go out or machinery grinds to a halt, it matters who you call. Electricians aren’t a one-size-fits-all profession—each specialization brings unique skills to the table:

• Residential electricians focus on homes and apartments, troubleshooting outlets, wiring kitchens, handling new home construction, and keeping family spaces safe. Think of them as the trusted experts for your living spaces.
• Commercial electricians work their magic in offices, malls, restaurants, and schools. They’re well-versed in complex security systems, lighting layouts, and larger service panels designed to power everything from storefronts to conference rooms.
• Industrial electricians step into manufacturing plants, factories, and distribution centers, dealing with heavy machinery, high-voltage systems, and intricate controls. These electricians are trained for environments where downtime can halt entire production lines.

So, whether you need a new breaker box for your bungalow, emergency service for your café, or someone fearless enough for the factory floor, the right specialist makes all the difference.

Wondering if it’s time to show your electrical panel some love? Just like your home’s roof or plumbing, electrical panels don’t last forever—and when they fall behind, safety takes a back seat. Here are common warning signs that your home or business may need an electrical panel upgrade:

• Frequent Breaker Trips: If you’re playing breaker bingo every time you plug in a hairdryer or run the microwave, your panel might be struggling to keep up.
• Old or Outdated Panels: Panels more than 25-30 years old (think brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco) may not meet today’s safety codes and can be a fire risk.
• Need for More Power: Adding electric vehicles, hot tubs, or new HVAC equipment? Modern life demands more juice than an older 100-amp panel can safely deliver.
• Flickering or Dimming Lights: Especially when large appliances kick on, this can mean your panel (or wiring) is overloaded.
• Warmth or Burning Smells: If your panel feels hot or you notice a burning odor nearby, call an emergency electrician right away.
• Visible Corrosion or Rust: Moisture around the panel can cause dangerous corrosion, signaling it’s time for a replacement.
• Lack of Enough Circuits: Too many double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker) or constant use of power strips and extension cords means your panel is maxed out.

Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping your property safe and ready for the demands of modern living. If any of these warning signs hit home, reach out for a professional evaluation before a minor issue sparks into something major.

Your electrical panel silently works hard behind the scenes, but certain warning signs suggest it might be time for an upgrade:

• Strange Noises: If you notice buzzing or humming coming from the breaker box, the system could be struggling to trip properly during a surge. This points to a malfunction in your home’s electrical safety and should be taken seriously.
• Breakers That Won’t Stay Reset: Breakers that trip frequently, or refuse to reset altogether, can be a sign that your panel is overwhelmed.
• Flickering Lights or Unexplained Power Loss: Dim or fluctuating lights—especially when large appliances cycle on—or power outages limited to specific rooms are classic clues.
• Burning Smells or Scorched Outlets: Any burnt odor or scorched marks around outlets or on the panel itself is a red flag for overheating wires.
• Aging or Obsolete Panels: If your home still uses an outdated fuse panel or a breaker box installed decades ago, it’s likely not designed for today’s electrical demands.

Ignoring these symptoms could jeopardize your safety or damage sensitive electronics. Whenever you spot these warning signs, it’s best to call a licensed professional right away to assess your panel and recommend next steps.

Not every electrical hiccup demands immediate attention. Maybe a light switch is acting up or that dimmer in the dining room is flickering again—most of these non-urgent issues can safely wait until regular business hours.

However, if you’re ever uncertain about the seriousness of an electrical problem, don’t second guess yourself. It’s always a smart move to reach out. Better to get peace of mind by consulting a professional than risk compromising your safety.

If you notice a humming or buzzing sound coming from your circuit breaker panel, don’t ignore it—the breaker may be struggling to trip in response to a power surge or electrical fault. This is a serious warning sign that your electrical safety system isn’t working as it should and could put your home or business at risk.

If you experience this, take the following steps:

• Stay Safe: Avoid touching the breaker box or nearby outlets.
• Turn Off Devices: Unplug sensitive electronics and major appliances, if safe to do so.
• Call a Licensed Electrician Immediately: A persistent buzzing or humming means your breaker panel needs professional attention as soon as possible.

Never attempt to fix the issue yourself—electrical problems inside your panel can cause shocks or even lead to fires. Play it safe and let a certified expert from St. Louis Lit Electric get to the bottom of the problem quickly.

Catching a strong burning smell—whether metallic or reminiscent of melting plastic—is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. Often, this points to overheating wires somewhere in your electrical system, typically due to loose connections, aging wiring, or overloaded circuits.

If you notice this odor, it’s important to act fast:

• Turn off the affected circuit or main power if you can do so safely.
• Avoid using any outlets or switches nearby.
• Call our emergency electricians right away—don’t wait for visible smoke or fire.

These smells are warning signs of potential electrical fires. Prompt attention protects your home, business, and those inside.

Safety always comes first. If you’re facing an electrical fire, immediately dial 911 and let the fire department handle the danger. Once firefighters have made the area safe and the flames are extinguished, our licensed electricians can step in to conduct a thorough inspection. We’ll pinpoint the source of the issue and ensure all damage is repaired, helping prevent future hazards and giving your property a clean bill of electrical health.

If you ever notice smoke coming from an electrical outlet, act quickly — safety comes first. Here’s what you should do:

1. Turn off power to the area immediately. If it’s safe to do so, switch off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the affected outlet.
2. Call 911 right away. Smoke can indicate a hidden electrical fire behind walls, so it’s crucial to get help from your local fire department.
3. Evacuate if necessary. Don’t take any chances—leave the area if you smell burning or see signs of fire.
4. When safe, contact a licensed electrician. After the situation is under control, our emergency team is ready to troubleshoot the problem, make repairs, and ensure your home is safe.

Never ignore smoke—acting fast can make all the difference in avoiding serious damage or injury.