You don’t have to be an electrician to know something isn’t quite right with the wiring in your home. There are several indicators you can look out for. Knowing the warning signs will ensure you can invest in the help of a professional. This prevents minuscule faults from turning into a big job!
Many indicators exist, from overloaded circuits to old wiring to lights dimming when they don’t have a dimmer switch and a humming or buzzing sound.
In this handy guide, we learn more about these possible electrical hazards, giving insight into what you should do about them. Of course, always call an electrician if you’re ever unsure of anything. They are specialists in this area and will be able to give you with a valid solution.
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A Burning Smell
Perhaps the most obvious on this list is a burning smell. Suppose you notice a burning odor coming from appliances or a power outlet. These signs can indicate your home needs electrical work. This can be caused by a faulty appliance or overheated wires. It’s important to act quickly if this happens. If the appliance or plug is left unattended, it can prove a fire hazard.
If this happens, turn off the power immediately. You can do this by unplugging the affected appliance or ceasing power to the circuit breaker. but, if you notice sparks, avoid touching anything, remove yourself from the building, and call the fire department immediately.
Another top tip is to avoid throwing water at sparks. This can make the problem worse as water is an electrical conductor. This means you’ll likely ignite the fire rather than prevent it. Always use a fire extinguisher instead of water to extinguish a fire.
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Regular Circuit Breaker Trips
It’s not uncommon to notice the occasion trip in your circuit. Regular circuit breaker trips are a cause for concern. Frequent trips are a warning sign for overloaded plugs, a short circuit, or faulty wiring. If working from an office, it could be that everyone’s machines are plugged into the one extension lead. If operating printers, computers, fax machines, and chargers, this can quickly cause the circuit to break. To check if this is the issue, try unplugging a few of the devices. If the breaker stays on, a sleek fix involves distributing devices to alternative power sources.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, one of the devices is likely faulty or malfunctioning. This needs to be easy to sort out on close inspection.
If neither of the above fixes the problem, the issue is likely with your wiring. This is when you need to call an electrician. Left unattended, this fault could lead to a workplace injury.
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Dimming or Flickering Lights
Aside from being annoying, dimming or flickering lights can indicate overloaded circuits, loose connections, or a wiring issue. This issue can indicate damaged wiring, faulty switches, or a worn-out lighting fixture that needs replacing. If you don’t have a dimmer switch, your lights shouldn’t dim. To create why they are and how to fix the issue, invest in the advice of a qualified electrician. The fault may be as simple as replacing an old bulb.
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Outlets and Switches that are Hot to Touch
When you go to switch on a plug at the mains, if it is hot to touch, this is another warning sign. This indicates faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and a possible fire hazard.
A hotplug isn’t something you should ignore and can lead to a fire hazard if you continue to use it. To avoid this, unplug the device immediately. Additionally, disconnect the plug from its outlet. Telltale signs that need to be fixed include frayed wires, a misshaped cord, or devices that are discolored or have melted. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.
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Odd Sounds
Although older fluorescent lights are renowned for creating strange buzzing sounds, if you notice these coming from your power sources, this is a surefire sign something isn’t running as it should. A strange noise is often a sign of faulty wiring. For best results and to ensure your safety and those around you, turn off the power supply, check for faulty appliances or plugs, and then call an electrician. They will be able to sort out the best and quickest fix.
The Bottom Line
Electrical safety is important to the well-being of the people residing in your home. Additionally, those above and below you if you live in a unit or block of apartments. If something doesn’t seem quite right with the wiring or lighting in your home, speak to a professional. They can advise on your next port of action. It could be as simple as replacing an old plug socket.
However, a small problem can escalate into a fire if left unattended. To put this into perspective, the 2022 national estimates for residential building electrical malfunction fires and losses show 26,100 fires in total.
Knowing what warning signs to look for is important to protecting yourself and your home. Spotting them is a breeze when you know what you’re looking for. This is when following the tips above is important to your safety. Electrical fires can increase quickly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! If you’re unsure of the issue, never attempt to fix it yourself. Always call a professional.