Electricity is a staple in our modern life. It powers our homes, appliances, and devices. However, when electrical wiring is faulty, it can pose serious risks to our lives, such as house fires and electrical shocks. That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to keep an eye out for signs of faulty electrical wiring, as well as schedule occasional electrical safety inspections in Alexandria, LA.
Below, our professional electricians break down what will fail an electrical inspection, the top 10 signs of faulty electrical wiring, and the best solutions to protect your household. If your home is exhibiting any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to call an Alexandria electrician at Lombardi Electric. We will inspect your home’s electrical system and make any repairs or replacements that we see fit. Call 318-545-7575 to speak with one of our professionals today.
What Makes Electrical Wiring Faulty?
Faulty electrical wiring can result from various factors, including poor installation, aging, wear and tear, and environmental conditions. Listed below are the most common causes of bad wiring:
- Poor Installation: House wiring that is not installed correctly from the outset can lead to numerous problems down the line. This includes incorrect wire sizing, improper connections, and inadequate protection.
- Aging Wiring: Electrical systems age over time, which can cause insulation to degrade, wires to corrode, and connections to loosen. This aging process makes wiring more susceptible to faults.
- Environmental Factors: Harsh environmental conditions, such as exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and pests, can damage electrical wiring. Moisture, in particular, can lead to corrosion and insulation deterioration.
- Overloading Circuits: Plugging too many appliances and devices into the same circuit can overload it, causing overheating and potential fire hazards.
- DIY Home Electrical Repairs: Amateur attempts at electrical repairs or modifications without proper knowledge and tools can result in dangerous wiring issues. If you suspect any wiring or electrical issues within your home, it’s always a good idea to call a professional electrician at Lombardi Electric first.
Dangers of Faulty Electrical Wiring
Faulty electrical wiring poses significant risks, including:
- Fire Hazard: Faulty wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires in homes. Overheating, sparks, and short circuits can ignite surrounding materials, leading to catastrophic fires.
- Electrical Shock Hazard: Faulty wiring can cause electrical shocks when you touch a device or outlet. Even mild shocks can be dangerous, leading to permanent injury or loss of life.
- Property Damage: Electrical faults can damage appliances, electronics, and even the wiring itself. Repairing or replacing damaged equipment can be expensive.
- Inconvenience: Frequent electrical issues can disrupt daily life, leading to power outages and the need for costly electrical service and repairs.
- Increased Energy Bills: Faulty wiring can result in energy wastage, causing higher cost of electricity bills. Inefficient systems consume more power due to resistance in damaged wiring.
10 Signs of Faulty Electrical Wiring in a House
You won’t know that your home’s electrical wiring is faulty unless you keep an eye out for specific warning signs. If you notice any symptoms of bad wiring, don’t wait to call an electrician. It’s important to get to the root of the issue as soon as possible to protect your home and your family.
Too Many Extension Cords
Extension cords are meant for temporary use, not as permanent solutions. If you find that you are relying on extension cords to power multiple appliances throughout your home, it could indicate an inadequate number of outlets or faulty wiring. Overloading extension cords with multiple devices can lead to excess heat which poses a significant fire risk.
In order to prevent overloading extension cords, consider hiring a licensed electrician to install additional outlet points around your home.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
If your lights regularly dim or flicker, especially when you use other appliances, it may suggest an issue with your electrical wiring in your home. Flickering or dimming lights can result from voltage fluctuations caused by damaged wires or loose connections.
If you’re experiencing this problem in your business, call a commercial lighting design professional in Alexandria to inspect the wiring in your light fixtures and other electrical fixtures. We can easily identify and fix the issue before it leads to dangerous fires or shocks. This may involve tightening connections or rewiring the affected circuits.
Strange Smells
Unusual odors, such as a burning smell or the smell of melted plastic, can indicate overheating or insulation damage within your home’s electrical system. Burning smells should never be ignored, as they often precede electrical fires.
If you notice strange smells, immediately turn off the affected circuit at the electrical panel and contact a professional electrician at Lombardi Electric to investigate and repair the issue.
Buzzing Sounds
A persistent buzzing or humming sound coming from electrical outlets, switches, or appliances can indicate loose or damaged wiring. This sound is a result of electrical arcing, which can generate sparks and pose a significant fire hazard.
Do not attempt to investigate or fix the issue yourself, unless you have experience with fixing damaged wiring and electrical components. Turn off the circuit and consult a licensed electrician at Lombardi Electric to identify and repair the problem.
Sparking
Visible sparks when you plug or unplug devices, or sparks within outlets or switches, are clear indicators of electrical problems. Sparks can ignite nearby flammable materials and pose a severe fire risk.
If you notice sparking, immediately disconnect power to the affected circuit at the electrical panel and seek professional assistance from Lombardi Electric. Avoid using the outlet or switch until repairs are completed.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips or Blown Fuses
Both circuit breakers and fuse boxes have the same goal – they protect homes from power overloads. If a power load exceeds supply, then a circuit breaker will “trip,” or switch to the off position. A fuse within a fuse box does something similar during a power surge – the fuse will melt or “blow,” which interrupts the electrical current.
Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses can be a sign of overloaded circuits, which can result from faulty wiring or the addition of too many devices. Licensed electricians at Lombardi Electric can inspect electrical panels and fuse boxes to identify potential house wiring problems and get them resolved quickly. If this is your problem, here’s how to fix a circuit overload.
Arc Faults
If your circuit breaker frequently trips due to arc faults, it could indicate damaged or deteriorating wiring in your home. Arc faults can occur due to worn or frayed wiring, which is yet another serious fire risk.
Hot Switch Plates and Outlets
Outlets or switch plates that feel hot to the touch are a sign of overheating. This can be caused by loose connections or overloaded circuits. If you notice that multiple outlets or switch plates in your home are warm, stop using them and call an Alexandria electrician at Lombardi Electric.
Aluminum Wiring
Old homes, such as those built in the 1960s and 1970s, often have aluminum wiring. Home builders and electricians stopped using aluminum wiring for a reason – it can be very dangerous and cause house fires due to oxidation and expansion. Signs of trouble include warm outlets and switches.
If you’re shopping for an older home, be sure to schedule an Alexandria electrical safety inspection before you sign any paperwork and move in. You need to know if the home has old aluminum wiring, and if it does, it needs to be replaced with newer, safer wiring.
Mouse or Rat Droppings
Mouse or rat droppings may sound completely unrelated to electrical problems, but hear us out. These droppings indicate the presence of rodents, and one thing that rodents like to do is chew through electrical wires, causing exposed or frayed wires and other potential electrical hazards.
The best solution here is to call an exterminator and an electrician. Mouse traps aren’t always effective, and even if you do get rid of the rodents on your own, the damage to your home’s electrical wiring may already be done.
Call Lombardi Electric Today
Recognizing the signs of faulty electrical wiring is essential for maintaining a safe and functional home. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to dangerous situations, including fires, electrical shocks, and property damage. If you encounter any of the signs mentioned above, it is crucial to consult a licensed electrician at Lombardi Electric as soon as possible. Regular inspections and maintenance of the wiring in your home can help prevent these issues and ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. Call 318-545-7575 today to learn more about the electrical services we offer.
