Electrical problems are common in homes. Poor installation of electrical control panels, wiring, and other components causes electrical problems. Homeowners should be aware of these issues so they can prevent accidents and injuries. Here are the signs of electrical problems at home.
Vibrations or Buzzing Noises
This is one of the most obvious signs of an electrical problem in your home. If you feel irregular vibrations or shocks on any of your appliances or hear a buzzing noise from within the walls or wires of your house, it’s a sign of faulty wiring.
If you only experience this from a single appliance, unplug the appliance and try something different in its place. If the sound continues, call an electrician.
Electrical Problems at Home From Faulty Wiring
If any electrical wiring in your house is exposed or tangled, it points to a rushed job or poorly completed work. Messy wiring is a fire hazard and it is best to call an electrician to make repairs.
Burning Smell
If you smell something burning from an appliance or outlet, there is a serious problem and you should call an electrician immediately. Wire coverings melt from the wires getting too hot, which poses a fire hazard. If you experience this, shut off the associated breaker and unplug the appliance.
Hot Outlets
One of the most common signs of an electrical problem is the outlets or switch cover plates getting hot. Some appliances tend to get hot with use, but if you ever find an outlet that is generating heat or a switch cover plate that is hot to the touch, immediately stop using that outlet and get professional help.
Rodents Causing Electrical Problems at Home
What could rodents have to do with an electrical problem? If you have an infestation of rodents near or in your house, they may also be gnawing your wiring. Bare wire is vulnerable to overheating, sparking, or grounding out.
UL Stickers
Underwriters Laboratory, or UL for short, is a company that tests the safety standards of electrical products. Look for the UL sticker on your appliances to make sure the manufacture of it was set to a safe standard. Some manufacturers use false UL labels. Check if a sticker is original or not before buying an electrical product.
Flickering Lights Point to Electrical Problems at Home
If you notice that more than one or two of your lights frequently flicker, it might be the result of a loose electrical connection in the circuit or a problem in the utility or the breaker box. Fluctuating voltage is also one of the signs of an electrical problem.
More than 28,000 home fires are caused by electrical faults in the United States each year. It is essential to look out for the signs of an electrical problem and have a professional address it to prevent harm to your family and home.
Brand Name Home Inspections offers home inspection services to Northern California. Contact us to request our services.