Signs Your New Home Has Electrical Issues
Buell Electric Blogger • Aug 21, 2019
Electrical issues in the home can cause outtages and fires. Here are some common signs that your home is headed for serious electrical care.
Electrical malfunctions or failures are the second most common cause
of house fires in the United States. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the signs of electrical issues, risking their homes and families.
In this post, you'll learn what these signs are, and how you can protect your home from outages and fires.
Ready? Let's get started.
Does Your Home Have Electrical Issues?
Both old and new homes can have electrical issues. Whether you've just moved in, or you just want to check your home, here are some of the most common signs:
Your Outlets Are Hot
Outlets are also known as receptacles. While it's quite normal for an electrical appliance or a phone charger to generate heat, the actual outlet shouldn't be getting hot. If you notice that yours are hot, immediately stop using it, unplug any cords, and check the other outlets in your home.
There's one slight exception here. If you have dimmer switches, these will occasionally feel warm. That's because they take the excess electrical energy and dissipated it so that your lights can be dim. However, these should still never actually feel hot enough to be uncomfortable to the touch.
Your Lights Are Flickering
If your lights are flickering, it may be a sign that you've got a ghost. But more importantly, it could be that you have a loose electrical connection. This can be a super easy fix if it's just one light that's flickering.
But what if it's multiple rooms or lights? In this case, it's likely that the problem is in the utility drop or breaker box outside. Get in touch with an electrician who'll fix it for you.
You Can Smell a Bad Odor
It's not uncommon for new appliances to smell a bit weird the first time you use them. But if you think the smell is coming from an outlet, make sure you turn off the appliance and unplug anything connected to that outlet.
If you're smelling something from the fuse box or breaker panel, you'll need to get in touch with an electrician. And of course, if you can smell a burning point at any point, it could mean that your wiring is hot enough to melt the plastic around it. Obviously, this is a massive fire hazard, so don't delay, and get the issue resolved ASAP.
You've Seen Sparking
If you've experienced sparking when plugging in an appliance, this is not a good sign. How you'll address the situation will depend on where you can see the sparks- if they're coming from a fuse box, outlet, or breaker panel, you should immediately call an electrician.
If it's the appliance itself that's sparking, a repairman can take care of that appliance, and it'll be a lot cheaper than getting a licensed electrician to take a look.
You Can Hear Noise
When your electricity is working normally, you shouldn't hear any sound at all. If you're hearing a buzzing noise, it means that you likely have loose prongs, outlets, or fraying wires which could be causing the electric currents to jump.
This produces a buzzing noise, and you'll need to call an electrician to immediately.
Your Fuses Keep Blowing
Fuses and circuit breakers fail for a reason- to prevent overloading. If your hairdryer or vacuum cleaner is routinely tripping a breaker each time you use it (with different outlets) then it's like that the problem is with the appliance itself.
However, if it's one outlet that's constantly blowing the same fuse, you may have an overloaded circuit. A good electrician
can add a new line or upgrade your circuit.
You've Noticed Discoloration
If you've noticed scorch marks or discoloration near your outlets, then there's something wrong with your wiring. It's likely that it's releasing heat due to some form of damage, and you should get it checked right away.
You're Getting Shocked
Have you touched a metal object and received a shock in your home? It may not just be static electricity. This can also happen with certain electrical fixtures such as ceiling fans and lamps, but also furnace ductwork and water lines.
If you're getting electric shocks, it may be a sign that your electrical system hasn't been grounded properly. Get an experienced electrician to check it out for you.
You've Had a Rodent Problem
If you've had mice or rats, you may have had an exterminator come out and take care of the problem. However, if you noticed nest material or droppings near any wiring, be sure to check that wiring to see if you can spot signs that the rodents chewed on it.
It's not uncommon for rodents to gnaw on electrical wiring until they've exposed the actual wiring. When the wire is exposed, it can overheat and spark, which can lead to a fire.
Your Outlet Isn't Working
If your outlet is suddenly not working, it may be due to excessive heat buildup melting the outlet or wire. Whenever you notice that an outlet dies with no warning, talk to a professional.
Your Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out
Are you experiencing frequent lightbulb blowouts? Sure, this is annoying, but it can also be dangerous. You may have a loose connection in your circuit or socket.
If you've noticed that your recessed lights are failing, it could be that your insulation is too close. This can sometimes cause overheating. These fixtures have been designed to shut off in order to prevent fires, but it's a good idea to get the problem checked out.
Wrapping Up
If you've noticed any of the above electrical issues, don't panic. While it can be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself, you may end up making the issue worse. Instead, it's a better idea to leave it to the professionals.
A licensed electrician can not only fix the above problems but will also let you know about any other possible issues that could cause more problems in the future.
Need help with your electricity? Get in touch
with our friendly team today.
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