Do you know what signs to look for faulty electrical wiring in your house? Some people may notice the problem, however, you may not realise that the problem can be because of the electrical wiring.
If electrical wiring problems are left unresolved too long, this can cause further problems such as house fires.
So what warning signs do you need to know for faulty electrical wiring in your house?
1. Circuit breakers
Have you noticed your circuit breakers tripping frequently? Infrequently, this isn’t a problem. However, if you’ve noticed this has increased in frequency, there may be a problem. Your circuit breaker will automatically switch off when it is overloaded.
If you’re noticing this, it may be time to call an electrician to inspect your electrical wiring.
2. Hot outlets
It’s normal to feel some warmth from some electrical appliances while they are in use. However, the outlet itself should never be hot.
So if you’ve noticed a hot outlet, what should you do? You will need to unplug any cords from the outlet, and do not plug any back in until the issue has been resolved.
3. Flickering or buzzing lights
Are your lights flickering? Have you noticed they are making a buzzing noise? Do they dim when you are using other electrical appliances? This can be a sign of a problem with your electrical wiring.
If you notice this happening, we recommend you call your local electrician before the problem escalates.
4. Frayed or damaged wiring
Electrical wiring can be susceptible to damage, whether by accident, handymen or from animals. If you notice any electrical wiring which appears frayed or broken, call your electrician to replace the wiring.
5. Burning smell
Can you smell a burning or charring smell, particularly when you are near electrical outlets? Your electrical wiring may have been damaged by heat. If you notice a burning smell, make sure to call an electrician as soon as possible.
6. Loose outlets
Have you unplugged a cord from an outlet, and noticed the outlet moves off the wall, or the insides of the outlet are moving around?
While this doesn’t initially seem like a problem, it can cause problems in the future. Loose outlets will cause the wires to break free, which can cause sparks or fire hazards.
7. Tangled wiring
Some electricians will rush a job, which can leave you with messy, tangled wiring.
If your junction box looks tangled, this could be a sign that there are problems with the electrical wiring throughout your house. Make sure to keep an eye out for other warning signs, or get your wiring inspected.
8. Rodents
Have you had a problem with rodents on your property? You may wish to get your electrical wiring checked.
While rodents aren’t always a sign that there are electrical wiring problems, rodents do have a tendency to chew at wiring until it is bare. This could cause you to receive an electrical shock or could cause the wire to spark and overheat.
Remember, if you notice any signs of faulty electrical wiring in your house, it is best to call a qualified professional, in order to avoid any further damage to the house and avoid injuring yourself.
Do you need an electrician to visit your house to inspect your electrical wiring? Contact Maines Electrical today.