Common signs of home electrical issues

Electrical problems are the most frightening of all maintenance and upkeep concerns. Electrical issues can cause a fire that is deadly if left unattended. This puts your family and home at risk.

Electrical fires can be prevented by early detection and repairs. You should not ignore these five signs that your wiring or electrical system is malfunctioning.

Flickering lights

Electrical problems are often indicated by flickering lights. According to an electrician who provides emergency services in Columbus, Ohio, homeowners frequently overlook their homes because they don’t realize the danger. Overloaded panels are usually the cause of flickering lights when power is directed to an appliance. If your lights dim when you use the microwave or washing machine, then there is a problem.

To confirm that the loose bulb is not the problem, first check the tightness of the light bulbs. Consider calling an electrician to look into the issue.

Breakers that are Frequently Flipped

A frequent flipping of the breaker is another cause for concern when several appliances are running at once. This issue, like flickering light, is usually caused by an increased demand for power that exceeds what the panel can handle. You may not want to run your microwave and air fryer together in a modernized home, but you should have no problem if the wiring is correct.

You may have a larger problem if you are constantly blowing fuses. Fuse Boxes are considered outdated and dangerous in modern homes. The boxes are not designed to handle the increased energy demands of modern appliances. Many home insurance companies will increase premiums on homes with fuse boxes due to increased risks of electric shocks and fires. Talk to an electrician about installing a breaker box if you still have the fuse box.

Panel with Visually Degraded

Call an electrician if you see any signs of degeneration on your electrical panel. The presence of rust and corrosion on the panel indicates that it has been exposed to excessive moisture. It is well-known that water and electrical power are not a good mix.

It’s important to not only have an electrician replace and inspect the panel but also to identify the root cause to avoid it happening again. The electrician can also use this exploration to determine if the panel should be relocated to a more safe area.

Hot or Outdated Outlets

Outlets and fixtures should not feel warm. There’s a problem if they feel hot. A hot outlet can indicate a system overload or faulty wiring due to degradation or pests. Unplug all electronics and appliances from the outlet if you notice it gets hot. Call an electrician. Dimmer switches can feel warm because electricity is being redirected. However, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable to touch.

Another problem is outdated outlets. You shouldn’t use an outlet that doesn’t include a grounding hole. It is also important to have GFCI outlets outside and in the bathroom. These outlets were designed for areas that are wet and will shut off immediately if any moisture is in contact with the plug. Modern building codes mandate GFCI outlets. However, many older homes do not have this vital upgrade.

Odd Odors

If you can smell “plastic” or burning around your panel, call an electrician. Electrical fires can be deadly because they start inside walls without any obvious signs. You’ll probably smell the smoke before the fire starts so that the electrician can perform an emergency repair.

Electrical work is not one of the home improvements that a modern homeowner should attempt on their own. Call a professional if you see any of these issues.

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