How Professionals Identify and Repair These 10 Signs of a Faulty Electrical System

Your residential electrical system manages the lights, important appliances, entertainment gadgets and anything else permanently connected or plugged into the wall. It’s frustrating and inconvenient when something acts up, not to mention a common safety hazard. Find out more about the top 10 signs of damage to the electrical system and how to address each issue.

1. Fading, Flashing or Buzzing Lights

If your light fixtures frequently dim, flicker or buzz, the circuit might be overloaded, or there could be a loose wiring connection. Overloaded circuits create a fire hazard due to overheating wires. To resolve this problem, work on tightening or replacing the faulty bulbs. If that doesn’t work, next change the light switch or socket. For especially stubborn problems, namely if a buzzing sound is present, reach out to a professional so they can inspect your wiring and circuits.

2. A Burnt Plastic Odor

A melted plastic smell near outlets or appliances suggests overheating or burnt wires, which can eventually lead to an electrical fire. Immediately shut off power to the area by flipping the corresponding circuit breaker and unplug any devices connected to the outlet. Do not use the outlet until you’ve had it professionally looked at and tested after repairs.

3. Sparking or Scorch Marks on Outlets

If you suddenly see sparks when plugging in or unplugging devices or notice scorch marks on one of the wall outlets, it’s a definite sign of bad wiring or a short circuit. Sparks are most likely to appear if there’s exposed wires or a loose connection, leading to electrical arcing strong enough to cause severe burns, appliance damage and even an electrical fire. Move everything away from the outlet and switch off the corresponding circuit breaker. Have a licensed electrician examine and potentially change the outlet, as they can safely keep an eye out for any potential wiring concerns.

4. Warm Outlets or Switch Plates

Outlets and any switch plates that are warm to the touch may signal circuit overloading or bad wiring. Heat accumulates when too much electricity reaches wires that aren’t capable of safely handling the load, increasing your vulnerability to an electrical fire. Unplug any devices from the faulty outlet and turn off the circuit at the breaker. Reach out to an electrician so they can properly assess and resolve the problem.

5. Total Dependence on Using Extension Cords

Extension cords are handy to have around, but they should never be permanent solutions. Too much long-term use could lead to overloaded circuits or tripping breakers. If the electric doesn’t have enough outlets to meet your electrical needs, get an electrician to install additional outlets.

6. Loose Plugs

Plugs that constantly fall out of outlets means worn-out sockets. After a long time, the metal contact points inside the outlet can wear away, affecting their ability to grip plugs securely. Bad connections can cause arcing, an electrical fire risk. Switch out any damaged receptacles with new ones. This is a potentially simple DIY fix, but if you’re not comfortable trying to work with electricity, contact a professional.

7. No GFCIs in Specific Rooms Like the Bathroom or Kitchen

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are mandatory for any spaces exposed to moisture, primarily kitchens and bathrooms. When these rooms lack GFCIs, you’re at a higher risk for electric shock if water splashes the outlet. The installation of GFCI outlets can be a DIY project if you’re experienced with electrical work. That being said, hiring an electrician ensures proper installation and safety compliance.

8. Regularly Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses protect your home by shutting off power when the system overloads or a fault has been detected. If your breakers trip or fuses blow frequently, this means your electrical system is struggling to cope with such high demand, which in turn exposes you to overheating and fire hazards. Prevent overloading by unplugging devices and redistributing the electrical load safely between multiple circuits. If the problem continues, have an electrician assess your system and upgrade your electrical panel or wiring as needed.

9. Worn or Visibly Damaged Wiring

Age, wear and tear or even rodents can be the culprit behind frayed or chewed wires. Damaged wiring means the protective plastic coating is no longer covering the conductive metal, increasing the risk of electric shocks and fires. Replace any damaged wiring you come across as soon as possible. This type of repair job is best left to a licensed electrician.

10. Antiquated Wiring

Homes originally constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s are more likely to have aluminum wiring, which corrodes sooner than copper and causes fire risks. Even earlier 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 exposed to overheating and failure. It’s a good idea to have your home rewired with today’s safer copper wiring. This extensive job demands a licensed electrician, as they have the crucial tools and experience for safety and code compliance.

Rely on the Professionals for Your Electrical Needs

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has a team of veteran electricians who can find and correct all kinds of electrical issues. We’ll see to it that your wiring, outlets and every fixture is secure and up to code. When you next spot signs of a faulty electrical system, contact us to arrange services in your area.