Faulty wiring isn’t something to take lightly, and in fact, it can be pretty hazardous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical fires were the second leading cause of electrical home fires from 2015-to 2019 and caused an estimated 1.5 billion in property damage.
Luckily there are ways you can protect your home from electrical fires, such as keeping notes on how often your fuse or breaker box trips. Circuit Breaker boxes are designed to shut off your power if the system is overloaded. Many people wonder how they can tell if they have outdated wiring – a few other signs are:
● Buzzing, flickering, or dimming lights
● Visibly damaged wiring
● Warm or vibrating wall outlets
● Sparking
● Incorrect outlets in your home – especially in the kitchen or bathroom
● Smoke coming from outlets or appliances
Protecting your family is your number one priority, so knowing these signs are essential. There are times when some of these issues can be taken care of by a few simple changes, while other times, it can indicate a real problem. Regardless of whether it’s a simple fix or something to be concerned about, you should call a qualified electrician to inspect your wiring to ensure it’s in good condition.
Buzzing, Flickering, or Dimming Lights – Lighting requires a relatively small amount of power to operate, so if your lights are flicking or dimming, it could be a sign that you have trouble with your lighting. There are times the reasons for this could be that the lights share a breaker for large appliances such as your washer or heating and cooling system. If this is the case, consider asking an electrician to move the lights on a different breaker or install a dedicated line for major appliances.
Visibly Damaged Wiring – This is a pretty obvious sign that’s easy to overlook. You may think it’s no big deal to see the minor damage that may appear to be primarily cosmetic. Some things to look for are frayed ends or wires that have been chewed. Rodents are the primary cause of chewed wires, so one of the first things you need to do is get rid of them, so they don’t cause more damage. Call a licensed electrician to inspect and replace damaged wiring if you notice this type of damage.
Warm or Vibrating Wall Outlets – Another sign that you may have electrical issues is to feel your walls, especially close to the outlets. Warm or vibrating wall outlets may be a sign that the wiring in your home is outdated, and it’s time to call a qualified electrician to check it out.
Sparking – This is never a good sign, and the best way to deal with it depends on where it’s coming from. If it’s from the fuse box or the outlet, call a professional electrician immediately. However, if it’s a sparking appliance, it may be the appliance itself that is damaged; if this is the case, call an appliance repairman to come out and look at it. The good news is if the appliance is newer, it may be covered under a warranty.
Incorrect Outlets in Your Home – Especially in the Kitchen or Bathroom – When you don’t have updated electrical outlets, it can pose a risk. Newer outlets are designed to shut off if they become overheated, while older ones may not. This is especially true in the kitchen and bathroom. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. That’s why both kitchens and bathrooms require shock-resistant outlets called ground fault circuit interrupters. These usually have two small buttons in the center. If your bathroom or kitchen doesn’t have these outlets, you need to change them to the correct ones.
Smoke Coming from Outlets or Appliances – Seeing smoke is never a good sign. There’s a saying where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and this applies to your home’s wiring. If you notice smoke coming from your electrical outlets or appliances, shut off your electricity and call an electrician immediately. They can inspect your wiring and replace the damaged ones, so your home is safe for you and your family.
Electrical Services Needed
When you notice any of the above signs, it’s essential to act fast to make sure your home is protected and up to date. One of the most important ways is to check your wiring, it might be time for an electrical upgrade. At Bratcher Electric in Wayne, our team of trained and experienced electricians can help you with your electrical system and make any needed repairs or updates.
We have been taking care of Michigan homes and businesses for more than 50 years with complete customer satisfaction by providing electrical services including home wiring, backup power service and generator installation, electrical code and service upgrades, surge protection and much more! Questions? Contact us for a free consultation.