Installing New Wiring in Your Home

Beware of These Red Flags Indicative of Faulty Wiring

8 March 2018 by June Alvarez

Indisputably, electricity is an essential part of any household. But despite the fact that homeowners are heavily reliant on electrical energy to keep their residence running, this energy source is typically taken for granted. People rarely perform maintenance inspections to make sure that their electrical system is in an optimum state, and this leaves room for a myriad of problems to crop up. What you should realise is that electrical issues rarely occur spontaneously. Instead, the system will progressively exhibit symptoms of there being an underlying problem until eventually something blows up. Considering how dangerous it is to be exposed to faulty electrical wiring, there are red flags that should urge you to hire an electrician as soon as possible.

Temperamental circuit breaker

The primary function of a circuit breaker is to cut power supply to your household in the event of a surge with the aim of keeping your home safe from an electrical fire. Resultantly, some people may not pay any mind to a circuit breaker that is tripping, as they assume that it is merely doing what it is supposed to. Although circuit breakers will trip on occasion, the moment it becomes a regular occurrence it should give you pause.

When your circuit breaker begins to trip regularly, it is a clear indicator that your electrical wiring needs an upgrade, as it cannot handle the amount of power coursing through it. Moreover, if the circuit breaker always trips when specific appliances are plugged in, it indicates that you need to update your electrical system.

Misbehaving power outlets

Another symptom of a compromised electrical system that should never go ignored is gradual changes in your outlets. Despite your power outlets being a conduit for electrical energy, they are not supposed to exhibit signs of being affected by the power supply. Therefore, any physical changes should serve as a warning that there is a severe underlying problem that needs to be attended to.

One of the first symptoms of a potential problem is your outlet feeling warm to the touch when in use. Additional signs that you should keep a watchful eye out for include buzzing noises emanating from these outlets when they are switched on, whiffs of smoke wafting from the outlets and even signs of scorching right on the outlet. If you suspect that your power outlet is malfunctioning, it is critical to cease using that outlet until an electrician determines the problem, or you will inadvertently put your home at risk of an electrical fire.

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