It is not only vintage homes that can have electrical problems. Our house is less than 15 years old. Twice during night time thunderstorms my husband's electric coffee grinder (which was plugged in) turned on by itself and spewed coffee beans all over the kitchen. It took it happening twice before we unplugged it when not in use. Ha!
Also, when we were having an electrical inspector check our home before purchase, we found out that the power had been turned off at the meter for the vacancy. Before we realized it, the inspector was finding appliances that grossly underperformed. For instance, the burners warmed slightly when turned on. Some lights didn't work and others caused just a dim light. This all happened with the current to the house turned OFF.
Electricity is not something to second guess!