Bad electrical wiring indeed causes fires, but the most common result is an increase in your energy bills. That’s because the electricity that should be going to an appliance such as your dishwasher or fridge leaks due to the bad wiring. This forces the system to push more electricity to the appliance in order for it to run properly. How can you tell your electrical system has a problem?
Strange Smells
Many appliances have a funny smell when they’re first bought, but this should fade over time. However, a strange smell from an outlet or a circuit breaker panel is a sign of trouble and needs to be evaluated right away by an electrician.
Switches and Outlets That Don’t Work When They Should
Loose wiring is often the culprit when it comes to switches and outlets that don’t work all the time or that don’t work at all. This is dangerous as it puts your home at risk for an electrical fire. Even if there’s not a fire, a person touching the switch or outlet can get a shock.
Outlets That Spark or Are Warm to the Touch
Outlets and switches shouldn’t spark when you plug something in or turn them on. They also shouldn’t be warm to the touch. Again, it’s time to call an electrician for an evaluation and possible repair or replacement.
Mice and Rats
Rodents love to gnaw on electrical wiring, and if you see their droppings, you’ll need to check the wiring near them to make sure that it’s sound. Also, set up traps to rid your home of the pests.
Ceiling Fixtures That Are Hot to the Touch
If you have ceiling fixtures, check around them now and then. If they’re hot, this may be a sign of poor insulation. The heat may also arise because you’ve added a lightbulb whose wattage is too high. One solution is to swap out that incandescent or halogen bulb for a much cooler LED bulb.
Sounds of Buzzing or Sizzling
Your outlets and switches shouldn’t spark, and they also shouldn’t be making noises. If you hear sounds like buzzing, hissing, or crackling, pull the plug or turn the switch off and reach out to a professional for help.
Lights That Flicker
A power surge is a main reason why your lights may flicker. It’s a sign that your electrical system is being stressed and having a hard time meeting the demand of your electronics. A cure for flickering lights is an electrical upgrade.
Circuit Breakers That Trip All the Time
A circuit breaker that trips once in a while is usually not a problem, but if you find that it’s tripping frequently, you need to call an electrician.
Get More Information About Possible Electrical Problems
Sound electrical wiring is crucial for the safety of your home and the people who live in it. We’re proud to serve both residential and commercial customers. We not only perform electrical upgrades, but our team also offers EV charging, general repairs, overall home lighting, and the repair and installation of electrical panels. Get in touch with the team at Fisher Electric in Santa Cruz, CA today and schedule an appointment for our electrical services.
