Electrical wiring can get worn out over time, causing dangerous predicaments that homeowners can’t see. Faulty wires can lead to various issues, including power outages and fires.
Rodents in the home are another common cause of damaged wires. These rodents often hide in spaces that are difficult to access, such as the attic or basement.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
Occasionally a light flicker may not be alarming, but it can signal a more significant problem that needs to be dealt with before the issue worsens. If you notice lights dimming or flickering regularly, it is time to have your home inspected by a licensed electrician.
One of the most common causes of flickering or dimming lights is a loose connection between a light fixture and its plug. Often, this is an easy fix to resolve. Ensure the bulb is firmly screwed into the socket and the cork securely fits into the wall outlet.
Another cause of dimming or flickering lights is an overloaded circuit. This can be caused by large appliances that draw a lot of power when running or by your house’s old and frayed wiring.
If the problem is isolated to a specific appliance, it can indicate that it is drawing too much current on that circuit and needs to be moved to a separate course. This can be dangerous, as the current draw can exceed the capacity of your breaker box and trip it.
Strange Smells
Strange smells in your home are often warning signs of electrical problems. Whether it’s a sewer gas or something else, strange odors can be dangerous and should not be ignored.
For example, a musty odor may mean an issue with your basement drain. Pouring a gallon of water into the drain can help remove the foul smell.
Similarly, a smell like rotten eggs could indicate a dangerous arcing situation behind an outlet plate. Call an electrician to take a look and turn off the power at the circuit breaker box if you suspect a problem.
On the other hand, a strange smell that doesn’t come from anything may indicate a condition called phantosmia. It can be unpleasant and can cause problems with how you taste, but it usually goes away on its own in a few weeks or months.
Burning Smells
A burning smell is one of the more common warning signs of electrical problems in your home. This smell may be from burning dust, melting plastic, or even an odor from your electrical outlets and switches.
However, suppose you smell a burning smell that lasts for a long time and is accompanied by crackling or buzzing sounds from your electrical outlets and switches. In that case, it could be a sign that the wiring in your house has been damaged or weakened.
Wiring damage is a severe problem that can lead to an electrical fire. The best way to determine if you have faulty wiring is to regularly inspect the area around your electrical outlets and switches.
Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
When a circuit breaker trips, it is generally because of a problem with your home’s electrical wiring. The breaker is designed to protect your house from the risk of an electrical fire by shutting off electricity to one circuit until the problem can be resolved.
The first and most obvious reason a circuit breaker keeps tripping is that it is overloaded. This severe issue can result in an electrical fire or electric shock if you do not address it quickly.
Another common cause of a tripped circuit breaker is a short circuit. This is more dangerous than an overloaded circuit and should be inspected by a licensed electrician immediately.
You can check to see if you have a short circuit by plugging in each of your electronic devices and appliances in the area of the tripped circuit breaker and seeing whether it trips when you turn on them. If the breaker immediately trips after you switch off all your devices, you must have a short circuit and redistribute your power usage.
Smoke
Electrical problems can often be spotted early and corrected before they become dangerous. A homeowner who knows the warning signs of faulty wiring can avoid severe damage to their home and potentially deadly fires.
One of the most obvious warning signs is smoke or odors coming from your electric system. Call an electrician immediately if you smell smoke or see any burning material around your home.
Another common symptom is sparked. If a breaker panel, fuse box, or outlet is flashing, this problem is severe.
But a sparking appliance, such as a toaster or oven, can also mean the fixture is damaged and should be repaired.
Faulty electrical wiring is the leading cause of house fires, and if you notice these warning signs, it’s vital to get them fixed immediately.
Other signs to look for include dimming or flickering lights and a faulty outlet. These can be caused by a loose wire connection or nearby insulation, causing the wires to overheat.
