7 Silent Signs Your House Has a Major Electrical Problem

• By bk-digilatics
•

Your home’s electrical system literally drives your life in there. Not even bragging. It powers everything from appliances to lighting.

You want to drink coffee? The coffee maker works on electricity.

Want to wash some clothes? The electric washing machine has got your back.

Want to shave your beard? Even for that, you need electricity.

Look around you and name one thing that doesn’t need electricity; we’ll wait for you. Found nothing? Exactly our point. The electrical system in your home is the lifeblood of your daily activities. But, while it eases so much for you daily, there surely are issues that you might not be aware of – yet. Lurking beneath the surface could be silent warning signs of major electrical problems. If these are left unchecked then it can lead to dangerous situations like fires or costly repairs.

However, once you know how to spot these hidden red flags, it becomes easier for you to ensure your home’s safety. This blog will discuss ten often-overlooked signs that could mean your home is facing serious electrical issues.

Hot Outlets

When in use, most of the electrical appliances generate heat. However, the outlet (doesn’t matter what type of outlet it is), must not ever get hot. In case you notice it getting heated up, the very first thing you need to do is unplug any cords right away. Also, don’t use the outlet until you have handled the issue well.

Plus, the switch cover plates should be treated the same way as well, but dimmer switches are surely an exception. They usually get warm when you touch those but that’s because they are dissipating extra electrical energy to create a dimming effect. But, even the dimmer switch cover plates shouldn’t ever be uncomfortably hot while you touch those.

Flickering Lights

If the lights in your house are flickering, then that could mean anything from the following:

  • Electrical overloads
  • Loose connections
  • Voltage fluctuations

You must remember that you don’t have a chance to ignore these issues as they can definitely lead to fires, appliance damage, or even electrical shock. So, it is better to address the issue right away, find out why the lights are flickering, and maintain a safe and functional system.

Tripping Circuit Breaker

Often, homeowners take this as a casual issue, but what they don’t realize is that it could be a big electrical problems in the home. Most of the time, the circuit breakers trip because of overloaded circuits. Yes, the breaker does protect your home, but an overloaded circuit? That’s another serious safety issue. Once you plug too many devices and appliances into the circuits, there’s a fair chance of overloading them. This results in excess heat building on the circuit, which might lead to a fire.

Buzzing Noises

When your home’s outlets and switches are operating the way they should – there is no reason for them to make any audible noise, unless they are not working properly. So, if you’re hearing any crackling or buzzing noises when turning on a switch or plugging in an appliance, it could mean either an overload, loose, or an improperly grounded wire.

If some specific appliance is making a buzzing noise, you need to unplug it immediately. Also, don’t plug-in anything else in the outlet until an electrician has assured you that it is safe to do so.

Now, if you’re hearing a buzzing sound from an electrical panel then it is another cause for concern, and requires expert attention – immediately. Most of the time, this means that there is a major problem with one of your circuit breakers.

Non-Functional Outlets

Functional outlets are very important for a safe electrical system by powering the devices and appliances while adhering to safety standards. They also play a wide role for your everyday convenience and ensuring a reliable, secure, and functional environment.

There could be many reasons why your outlets are not working as they should. Some of the reasons are:

  • Loose wiring
  •  Circuit overloads
  • Tripped circuit breakers
  • Damaged outlets

So, to handle the problem effectively, you need to first identify the cause and then rectify the issue. This will ultimately ensure a safe, dependable, and operational system. Not to forget, routine inspections and maintenance are the primary ways to prevent such issues.

Aluminum Wiring

If you own a house that was built during the late 1960s and early 1970s, then there is a chance that your home’s electrical system runs using single-strand aluminum wiring. At that time, aluminum was cheaper than copper and, hence, was used in almost every house.

However, it was safer to use back in those days, but later it was obvious how it was a fire hazard. According to the research from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, houses with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to go through fire damage.

How to check for aluminum wiring?

Simply inspect the cables and electrical panel in your basement or attic. If it is aluminum wiring, it will be labeled as AI, alum, or aluminum.

Plugs Fall out of Their Outlets

You might be experiencing this often. If you try to plug in an appliance, but instead of plugging in, the cord falls out of the outlet, then the connectors within the outlet may have worn out. Since most of the outlets are used to power many different appliances throughout the day, the reason behind this damage is usually just the simple wear and tear. Most of the time, the best way to handle this issue is to replace the defective outlet. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that your electrical system powers your everyday life. This is why it is important to not ignore these warning signs that might mean that the electrical system is at stake. Whether it is hot outlets, flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, or buzzing noises, each of these signs can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked.

Electrical problems can pose serious safety hazards, including the risk of fire, electrical shock, or extensive property damage. Regular maintenance, prompt attention to warning signs, and professional inspections are the key factors to ensure a safe and functioning home.

Concerned about your home’s electrical safety? Don’t wait until it’s too late! Talk to our experts at The BrickKicker today to schedule a comprehensive home inspection. Our experienced team will help identify any potential issues and ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code. Stay safe—reach out now to learn more!