Warning Signs Your Home Has Faulty Wiring

Electrical malfunctions are the significant causes of house fires yearly, so the question is, can you prevent them?

Outdated and old wires are the primary reasons behind household electrical fires and people dying from electric shocks. And to be honest, most of the time, it happens due to sheer carelessness.

If you are here reading this guide, the chances are that you are a conscious homeowner trying to ensure your house is safe. As we always suggest, keep checking your main power outlet and electrical panel from time to time, but sometimes, you have to do more than that.

This guide will take you through the six most common signs of wiring malfunctions that you should look for. Without any more delay, let’s dive right in!

Faulty Electrical Wiring: Warning Signs To Look Out For

1. Look Out For Unusual Noises

You would not hear a properly functioning light or electrical outlets making noise. So, if you do, something must be wrong with the electrical wiring, which needs to be fixed. You will often hear a noise when the wiring is outdated and needs to be redone.

If you hear a crackling or sizzling sound, something is seriously wrong, and you should immediately switch off any device connected to the power source. Unless you do that, there’s a good chance your device will get damaged.

Also, even if it is a light buzzing noise, it is best to call an electrician immediately and resolve the issue.

2. Frequent Trips Of Circuit Breakers

Do you circuit breaker trips frequently? As you must already know, the circuit breaker in your house is designed so that every time there is a power overload, it turns the entire circuit off. It is meant to keep your appliances safe by preventing excess power from flowing through them. So, if you see the circuit breaker tripping more often than usual, there might be a problem.

To give you a rough estimate, call a professional to resolve the issue if you have to fix the circuit board more than once a month.

3. When The Lights Start To Flicker

Do not think there is something supernatural about it every time the light flickers in your house. However, flickering or dimming lights might simply mean the electrical wiring is malfunctioning!

Light fittings flickering is mostly a sign of wiring gone bad, and if you do not fix it soon, the chances are that it will damage the light fitting and possibly your electrical system. In that case, you must fix the electrical wiring and replace the light.

4. Locate The Burning Smell

Mostly, people are very cautious in the kitchen, and if they pick up a foul smell, they try to fix the problem, fearing that there might be a gas leak. But we suggest that you maintain this policy everywhere around the house as a homeowner.

Turn it off immediately if you sense a metallic or distinctly acrid smell around any electronic device. Sometimes, you may even smell something smoky from the built-in appliances.

Remember that a burning smell is not a good sign and should not be ignored. It is a sign of a device getting slowly damaged because of wiring problems, and if left unresolved, it might ultimately damage the appliances.

5. Electric Shocks

This is one of the worst signs to experience when you have faulty wiring. You might experience a minor electrical shock when you touch a light switch.

If that happens, immediately turn the device off and plug it out of the power source. Ensure you do not use the power source until an electrician fixes the problem.

But when it is severe, and you end up experiencing more than a minor shock, you must immediately seek medical help. Also, if you see someone electrocuted, never try to touch them, as that might put you in danger too. Instead, turn off the power circuit of the house and seek help immediately.

6. When You See Visible Damages

Sometimes you do not have to guess something is wrong with the electrical wiring!

For most electronic devices, the parts around the wire are plastic. And when there is an excess power flow, these parts start heating up. The result? You will observe burn marks around the power sources.

The plastic is the first to melt, which signifies that the wiring needs to be replaced immediately. If you encounter a situation like this, closely inspect the wires after turning off the power source.

This is an easy-to-spot warning sign as it is right in your eye. We suggest you not use DIY skills as you need a trained electrician to fix the problem. So, only do it yourself if you have the right expertise.

Understanding Different Types of Wiring Systems

Electrical Wiring Lifespan

Electrical systems in your home serve as the backbone of your entire electrical framework. They come in different types, each having a specific lifespan and varying tendencies towards faults.

Aluminium Wiring

Aluminium was the common choice for residential wiring during the 1960s and 1970s due to its cost-effectiveness. However, aluminium is not as durable as copper and tends to expand and contract with temperature changes. These expansions and contractions can loosen connections over time, leading to potential fire hazards.

Copper Wiring

Copper is the gold standard for residential electrical wiring today. Known for its excellent conductivity and durability, copper wiring can easily last for over 50 years if properly maintained. However, its main drawback is the cost, as it’s considerably more expensive than aluminium.

Knob and Tube Wiring

This is an early type of electrical wiring installed in homes between the 1880s and the 1930s. Though its longevity may seem surprising, knob and tube wiring presents numerous safety risks, including a lack of grounding conductors and susceptibility to physical damage.

Why Some Wiring Systems are More Prone to Malfunctioning

Age of the Wiring

Older wiring systems like knob and tube wiring are often not equipped to handle the electrical load of modern homes, leading to an increased risk of malfunctions and fires.

Material Quality

The type of material used in the wiring significantly impacts its performance. For instance, aluminium wiring is more likely to oxidize and corrode over time, which can lead to overheating and, in the worst case, electrical fires.

Installation Quality

Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and safety of a wiring system. Poor installation can result in loose connections, increased risk of physical damage, and reduced performance of the wiring system.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring the proper functioning of any wiring system. Neglect can lead to issues going unnoticed and worsening over time, which increases the risk of malfunctions.

Armed with knowledge about different types of wiring systems and their tendency towards faults, you can make an informed decision about your home’s electrical system. When it’s time to replace or upgrade your wiring, remember to consult with a qualified electrician. Safety should always be your first priority.

Keeping An Eye Out For Faulty Wiring

That’s all from our side on the signs of faulty electrical wiring.

We hope you had a great time going through this guide, and in case you are ever in a pickle like this, you know what needs to be done. The signs mentioned in this guide are the biggest giveaways that something is wrong with your home’s electrical wiring.

It is always better to be safe than sorry in situations like this. When you notice any signs, immediately stop whatever you are doing and book an appointment with an electrician.

If left unattended, wiring problems can be deadly. But if you are looking for these signs, we assure you that the problem is quickly solvable.

For assistance, contact our leading local electrician day or night. With our 24/7 emergency electrical services, our licensed electrician can resolve any wiring problem with your electrical components, light switches, electrical fixtures and power outlets and ensure you are safe from a potential electrical fire.

Keep a watch on this space for more exciting reads. Until next time, bye!