9 Warning Signs That You Need An Electrician to Check Your Home

The electrical system in your home is probably in need of some upgrades or repairs unless it was constructed recently. It’s important to stay on top of electrical code changes because they make homes safer. The electrical demands on older homes are challenging to keep up with because the materials used may no longer be adequate to withstand the current load. There are a number of warning signs that we need to check in our home’s condition in terms of its electrical system. More often, these are ignored or overlooked, which might lead to a dangerous situation.

Here are things that you need to look for:

1. Circuit breaker trips. In case of frequent circuit-breaker trips or frequently blown fuses, your circuits are drawing more current than they can safely supply. Possibly a dangerous fault is present on one or more circuits that need to be addressed.

2. Electrical mess. Do you have octopus connections at many outlets? Plug-strips and multi-receptacle add-ons that choke your outlets are a sign that your electrical system is overburdened. There is a need to add circuits with duplex outlets to restore order and safety.

3. Wires under the carpet. It is dangerous when your living room looks like a snake farm and has wires running under the rugs and furniture. Some of the cables involved in those extensions are too far apart from each other. This means that more outlets are definitely needed in this situation. 

4. Lights flicker. Others experience dimming of lights when they use an appliance.  There are a number of motor-driven appliances that consume a large amount of current. Because of their large consumption, they should be connected to dedicated circuits. Smaller appliances that cause problems may also require a 20-amp line.

5. Old electrical components. Do you see bits of black rubber in the box when you remove the outlet covers? Does the wire use cloth covers instead of plastic? This means that the insulation on the wires in your older home could be old-fashioned and could be dangerously inadequate.

6. When outlets or switches give you a mild shock. If you spot any blackening nearby on the switchplate, switch terminals, or wire ends and you get a mild shock when you use it, this is something you need to check. An overload on the circuit could cause the problem or something more complex and dangerous. 

7. Cannot use three-prong plugs. In older homes, it is common to find outlets that cannot take grounded three-prong plugs. A bigger issue than not being able to plug in the microwave oven is that your electrical wiring may not be fully protected.

8. Electricity in wet locations scares you. You may need the help of an Electrician in Brisbane or wherever you are located if you think that wet locations such as kitchens, baths, and utility rooms are not safe. Be aware that grounded areas like your basement or garage now require outlets that are protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCIs. An easy retrofit installation will make your home code-compliant and safe. If you are already using GFCIs sinks and dishwashers, test their reset buttons to check if these are working well.

9. Rust is gradually taking over. There may be an issue with your home’s main service panel if you notice rust or moisture on or under it. The condition of your electrical panel threatens the main wiring connections within and can be a sign of other issues throughout your home.

If you experience any of the situations mentioned above, you should take action, especially if you are living in an old house. Your home may have an inadequate and possibly hazardous wiring system if it is over 25 years old and you have not upgraded your electrical service. 

Check your home for electrical problems and, if necessary, have an electrician bring it up to code so you can rest easy. Take note that many hazardous fire incidents are caused by faulty wirings or bad electrical systems. We need to take care of our family.