Addressing aged electrical wires requires careful consideration for safety. Here's how to repair and prevent the aging of electrical wires:

Identifying Aged Electrical Wires

1. Visual Inspection: Examine the exterior of the wires. Signs of aging include cracks, discoloration, or wear and tear on the outer covering.

2. Insulation Testing: Use a professional insulation resistance tester to check the insulation properties of the wires. Lower than standard insulation resistance values indicate degraded insulation, potentially due to aging.

3. Load Capacity Testing: Monitor the wires for overheating or burning smells under normal load. Such signs suggest reduced load capacity, possibly due to aging.

Repairing Aged Electrical Wires

1. Replacing Aged Wires: Once aging is detected, replace the wires immediately with new, reliable ones that meet safety standards. Follow proper installation and wiring methods.

   • Prepare Materials and Tools: New wires, wire terminals (if needed), wire strippers, electrical tape or heat shrink tubing, screwdrivers, etc.
   • Disconnect Power: Before replacing wires, ensure the power is off for safety.
   • Remove Old Wires: Carefully remove the old wires using screwdrivers and wire strippers, and clear any debris from the wire conduit or tubing.
   • Install New Wires: Route the new wires along the original path and connect them using wire terminals or direct wiring.
   • Insulate Connections: Use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to insulate wire connections to prevent leakage.
   • Restore Power: After confirming all wires are correctly connected and insulated, restore power and test.

2. Enhance Safety Precautions: During wire replacement, wear insulating gloves, use insulated tools, and follow safety protocols to prevent electric shock.

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Periodically inspect and maintain household wires, including checking their appearance, insulation, and load capacity. Address signs of aging promptly.

2. Choose Quality Wire and Cable: Purchase wires and cables that are reliable and comply with national standards to reduce the risk of aging.

3. Install Protective Tubing: When installing wires and cables, add protective tubing to shield them from environmental factors like moisture, heat, and corrosion.

4. Avoid Overload: Use electrical appliances within their rated capacity to prevent overheating and wire aging.

5. Attention to Installation Quality: Ensure electrical wiring installations comply with regulatory requirements to avoid safety hazards.

6. Maintain Ventilation: In hot, humid environments, wires and cables are prone to aging. Maintain good indoor ventilation to avoid such conditions.

In summary, repairing aged electrical wires involves several steps to ensure home electrical safety. During repairs, prioritize safety precautions and follow correct operational procedures. Additionally, strengthen preventive measures by regularly inspecting and maintaining wires to mitigate aging risks.