What is considered a safety hazard in older electrical systems?

In older electrical systems, one significant safety hazard is old wiring insulation. Over time, the insulation on electrical wiring can degrade due to various factors such as heat, moisture, and physical wear. This degradation can lead to exposed wires, increasing the risk of electric shocks or fire hazards.

Old wiring insulation may not adequately protect the conductors, which can lead to short circuits or arcing if the insulation is compromised. Updating or replacing wiring and its insulation in older systems is critical to maintaining safety and ensuring compliance with current electrical codes.

While the other options relate to electrical safety, they address specific protective measures rather than the inherent risks associated with outdated materials. Overload protection, ground fault protection, and surge protection devices serve to mitigate risks, but they do not eliminate the dangers posed by deteriorated wiring insulation.