Here’s How Professionals Find and Fix These 10 Signs of a Faulty Electrical System
Your residential electrical system operates your lights, key appliances, entertainment gadgets and anything else permanently connected or plugged into an outlet. It’s frustrating and inconvenient when something malfunctions, not to mention a common safety hazard. Find out more about the top 10 signs of a problem with your electrical system and how to address it.
1. Dimming, Flashing or Buzzing Lights
If your light fixtures often dim, flicker or buzz, the circuit might be overloaded, or there could be a loose wiring connection. Overloaded circuits may present a fire hazard due to overheating wiring. To fix the problem, first try re-tightening or swapping out the faulty bulbs. If that does not fix the problem, next replace the light switch or socket. For persistent problems, particularly if a buzzing sound appears, call a professional so they can inspect your wiring and circuits.
2. Electrical Burning Odor
A melted plastic smell coming from outlets or appliances can come from overheating or burning wires, which could cause an electrical fire. Immediately turn off power to the area by flipping the corresponding circuit breaker and unplug any devices plugged into the outlet. Refrain from using the outlet unless you’ve had it professionally looked at and tested after repairs.
3. Crackling or Scorched Outlets
If you suddenly see sparks when plugging in or unplugging devices or notice scorch marks on your outlets, it’s a clear sign of damaged wiring or a short circuit. Sparks are most likely to occur if there’s exposed wires or a bad electrical connection, leading to electrical arcing strong enough to cause severe burns, appliance damage and even fires. Stop using the outlet and switch off the corresponding circuit breaker. Have a certified electrician examine and potentially replace the outlet, as they can safely check for any dangerous wiring concerns.
4. Hot Outlets or Switch Plates
Outlets and any switch plates that are getting hot to the touch will sometimes signal circuit overloading or faulty wiring. Heat can build up if too much electricity comes into contact with wires that aren’t rated to handle the higher current, increasing the chance of an electrical fire. Unplug any devices from the damaged outlet and turn off the circuit at the breaker. Contact an electrician so they can properly identify and fix the problem.
5. Heavy Reliance on Extension Cords
Extension cords are convenient tools, but they aren’t intended to be permanent solutions. Inappropriate use could lead to overloaded circuits or tripping breakers. If the house’s electric infrastructure doesn’t have enough outlets to safely meet your electrical needs, consider hiring an electrician to install one or two more outlets.
6. Wobbly Plugs
Plugs that repeatedly slip out of outlets are a sign of worn-out sockets. After a long time, the metal contact points inside the outlet can wear away, hindering their ability to grip plugs firmly. Bad connections can produce arcing, an electrical fire risk. Switch out any loose receptacles with new ones. This is a potentially simple DIY fix, but if you’re uncomfortable working with electricity, contact a professional.
7. No GFCIs in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are mandatory for rooms exposed to water or humid conditions, mostly kitchens or bathrooms. If these areas lack GFCIs, you’re more exposed to a dangerous electric shock if water splashes the outlet. Installing GFCI outlets can be a DIY project if you’re experienced with electrical work. Of course, calling a professional electrician ensures proper installation and safety compliance.
8. Regularly Tripping Breakers or Blown Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses protect your home by disconnecting power when the system overloads or a fault has been detected. If your home’s circuit breakers are tripping or fuses blow over and over, this is usually a sign that your electrical system may be unable to cope with that high of a power demand, which can also eventually lead to overheating and fire hazards. Prevent overloading by unplugging devices and redistributing the electrical load safely between multiple circuits. If the problem isn’t solved, have an electrician examine your system and upgrade your electrical panel or any wires as needed.
9. Worn or Chewed Wiring
Age, wear and tear or even rodents can be the cause behind frayed or chewed wires. Damaged wiring reveals the conductive metal, increasing the risk of electric shocks and fires. Replace any damaged wiring you come across immediately. This sort of repair project is best left to a licensed electrician.
10. Antiquated Wiring
Homes originally constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s could have aluminum wiring, which oxidizes more quickly than copper and causes fire risks. Even older homes from the 1880s to the 1940s could have knob-and-tube wiring, which was not installed with a ground wire. These older systems are inefficient and more susceptible to overheating and even premature failure. You can mitigate the risk by having your home rewired with today’s safer copper wiring. This extensive job should be left to a licensed electrician, as they have the essential tools and experience for safe, compliant work.
Rely on the Professionals for Your Electrical Needs
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has a team of licensed electricians who can identify and fix all sorts of electrical malfunctions. We’ll ensure your wiring, outlets and fixtures are safe and up to code. When you next notice signs of a faulty electrical system, contact us to request services in your area.