Understanding Electrical Wiring in Florida Homes: Old vs. New and What It Means for Insurance

Understanding Electrical Wiring in Florida Homes: Old vs. New and What It Means for Insurance

When it comes to home safety and insurability in Florida, few systems matter more than your electrical wiring. Whether you’re buying an older property or maintaining a newer one, understanding the type of electrical wiring in your home can help you avoid costly surprises during an inspection — and ensure your home remains fully insurable.

At QRE Inspections, we frequently encounter a wide range of wiring types throughout Florida, from mid-century aluminum systems to modern copper and Romex wiring. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of electrical wiring found in Florida homes, how they’ve evolved over the years, and how they can affect your homeowners insurance.

Knob and Tube Wiring (Pre-1950s)

Knob and tube wiring was one of the earliest electrical systems used in Florida homes before the 1950s. It consists of ceramic knobs and tubes that hold insulated wires in place, often without grounding. While it was standard in its time, knob and tube wiring poses safety risks today because the insulation deteriorates and the system cannot handle modern electrical loads.

Insurance companies generally view knob and tube wiring as high risk due to the potential for overheating and fire. In many cases, homes with this wiring type may need a full electrical upgrade before being considered insurable.

Aluminum Wiring (1960s–1970s)

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Florida builders began using aluminum wiring as a cheaper alternative to copper during the copper shortages. Unfortunately, aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections over time and increase the risk of arcing or electrical fires.

Insurers are particularly cautious about homes with aluminum wiring. Some may refuse coverage altogether, while others may require a licensed electrician’s certification or the installation of COPALUM connectors or AlumiConn repairs to reduce risk. If your Florida home was built during this era, it’s essential to have your wiring inspected before seeking insurance.

Copper Wiring (1970s–Present)

Copper wiring remains the standard in most modern Florida homes due to its durability, conductivity, and safety. It resists corrosion, handles heavy electrical loads, and has a long lifespan when properly installed. Homes with copper wiring typically have no issues meeting insurance requirements, provided the electrical panel and grounding are up to current code.

If your inspection report shows copper wiring throughout, that’s a strong indicator of a safe and insurable system — but regular maintenance and inspections are still key to preventing electrical hazards caused by corrosion or moisture, especially in Florida’s humid climate.

Romex (Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable)

Modern homes in Florida built after the 1980s often use Romex, a brand name commonly used for non-metallic sheathed electrical cable. Romex combines copper wires encased in a flexible plastic sheath, making it both efficient and easy to install. It’s the go-to choice for residential wiring today and is fully approved by insurers and building codes statewide.

However, homeowners should ensure the Romex wiring has been installed according to code, properly grounded, and protected from rodents or moisture exposure in attics and crawl spaces.

Cloth-Covered and Mixed Wiring

Some older Florida homes may contain cloth-covered wiring or a mix of different wiring types due to partial upgrades over the decades. Cloth wiring becomes brittle over time, leading to exposed conductors and safety hazards. Mixed systems can also create confusion about circuit loads and grounding.

From an insurance standpoint, mixed or cloth wiring often triggers further inspection requirements or repair recommendations before coverage is issued or renewed. A professional inspection can identify these outdated materials and help you plan for replacement.

Why Wiring Matters for Home Insurance in Florida

Insurance underwriters evaluate the age, material, and condition of your electrical wiring to assess fire risk. Even if your home passes a basic safety check, outdated wiring can lead to higher premiums or policy exclusions. The Florida insurance market has tightened in recent years, making a clean inspection report from a licensed home inspector more important than ever.

Upgrading unsafe or uninsurable wiring not only protects your home from electrical fires but also ensures smoother insurance approval and potential premium savings.

Protect Your Home with a Professional Electrical Inspection

If you’re buying, selling, or insuring a home in Florida, knowing what type of wiring you have is essential. A professional home inspection from QRE Inspections can identify wiring materials, assess potential safety risks, and help you prepare for any insurance requirements.

Don’t let outdated wiring cost you coverage — or peace of mind.
Schedule your home inspection today at qreinspections.com and ensure your electrical system is safe, compliant, and fully insurable.

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