Common Signs of Bad Electrical Wiring in Homes
Malfunctions and poor maintenance of your home’s electrical wiring and breaker box are the leading causes of costly damage and life-threatening house fires. Safeguard your family, pets and valuables against these dangerous electrical situations by understanding the signs of bad electrical wiring. Knowing when maintenance and repairs to your electrical system, wiring and components need to be made could literally save your life. EP Electric LLC highlights 7 bad electrical wiring signs you need to be on the lookout for in your home.
7 Signs your Electrical Wiring is Bad, Faulty or Outdated
Damaged, Frayed or Exposed Wiring: While all your wiring is hidden behind the walls of your home, if any is exposed during a renovation project be sure to inspect for fraying or damage. The electrical wiring needs to be replaced immediately when damage occurs.
Older Home (Aluminum Wiring): If your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s and the wiring hasn’t been updated it is time to make the investment and upgrade to safer, more efficient copper wiring.
Dimming/Flickering Lights: Standard residential lighting and light fixtures draw a very small amount of power. If you’re experiencing dimming or flickering it may be a sign you have too many major appliances connected to the same circuit.
Burn Marks on Outlets: Discoloration on your outlets indicates there is excessive heat or loose wiring. This warning sign is a clear indication you need to hire an emergency electrician to inspect your outlets, circuit breaker and wiring.
Buzzing or Sizzling Noises: You should not be able to ~hear~ your electricity running through the outlet. Loose prongs, outlets or frayed wiring can all cause buzzing noises from your outlets.
Wrong Outlets in Kitchen/Bathroom: Due to the high exposure of moisture and water, kitchens and bathrooms must be equipped with shock resistant ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets.
Frequently Blown Fuses or Tripped Breakers: If you experience frequent overloading and tripping of your circuit breaker, it is time to discuss panel upgrades with an electrician.
Electrical Troubleshooting & Safety Inspection
Call a professional electrician for troubleshooting and electrical safety inspection if these instances are happening your own home. When left ignored and without proper repair, these dangerous bad electrical wiring signs can lead to a fire! For diagnostic, maintenance and repairs in the greater Philadelphia area, call the general electricians at EP Electric LLC: 215-433-5004.
