10 Warning Signs Your Electrical System Needs an Immediate Upgrade or Replacement
There is no denying how difficult owning a home can be. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to fix any problems. The older a house becomes, the more severe issues the homeowner will encounter. Your electrical system is the perfect example of this.
Using electricity in your home is something you probably do daily without much thought. In some cases, your electrical system will need to be repaired by a professional electrician to fix emerging problems. Below are some signs you may notice when it’s time to inspect the electrical system in your home.
1. Circuit breakers trip regularly
A switch trip aids in stopping the flow of electricity. Its purpose is to protect the entire circuit from damage. It can also occur when the power to your home is exceeding the capacity of the current switchboard. If you encounter this frequently, you might have to update the electrical panel.
2. Proof of electrical fires
Wires entering your switchboard can reach the point where they could also catch on fire. If you encounter a pungent odor or discolored marks around the panel, there is a possibility of an electrical fire. You should seek emergency electricians to check the electrical system momentarily if you see fire signs.
3. Aluminum wiring
Familiarizing yourself with the electrical system in your home is crucial when it comes to spotting problems early on. In the past, homes were equipped with aluminum wiring. It was because aluminum wiring was much cheaper than copper wiring. The problem is that the aluminum wires rust much faster, creating many electrical issues. The best way to avoid the problems with loose wiring is to replace outdated aluminum wiring with copper wiring.
4. Loose outlets
If you plug a cable into an outlet and see that the insides of the outlet are hauling around, it’s time to pop open that outlet and get it squared away. A loose outlet will ultimately shake its wires free, leading to sparks, shorts, and possible fire hazards.
5. Hot sockets
A sure sign of faulty wiring and potential damage is seeing burn marks on outlets. Even if an appliance is designed to produce heat, like a toaster or space heater, its outlet must remain cool. The switch plate may be slightly warm to the touch, but if the outlet burns your fingers, that’s a sure sign the wires are overheating. Unplug the appliance immediately and contact a trusted professional who will efficiently take care of your problem.
6. Flashing or dimming lights
Flickering and/or dimming lights often point toward one or several poor connections in the electrical system. The arcs can produce heat to ignite combustible materials, such as wood paneling and wood framing. If you notice your lights flickering and dimming, see where it’s happening and contact a professional.
7. Old and/or damaged wiring
As your wiring gets older and starts to deteriorate, you may see lights flicker, experience a shock when touching a kitchen appliance, find a burning smell near appliances, or see black marks around the panel. People sometimes want to solve an issue independently, but many DIY electrical works in Australia are illegal, and only a reliable electrician can carry out such services.
To avoid potential dangers and a regulation conflict, contact a certified level 2 electrician in Sydney to investigate power outages on your property and secure yourself with maximum protection. You should immediately seek services to update the electrical system if you catch any alerts.
8. Blown-out bulbs
Light bulbs usually have a reasonably high life expectancy, but sometimes a bulb can be worn out sooner, implicating a potential wiring problem. The faulty wiring can cause too much power to pour into a bulb, ending its life cycle prematurely. Make sure not to ignore such signals!
9. High utility bills
If you notice that your bills are unreasonably high, there might be a problem with your wiring. Your bills should reflect your lifestyle, so if you notice anything unusual, check it out and see if there are any problems with your electrical system.
10. Electrical shocks
If you touch a metal object linked to your home’s automated system and receive a shock, it’s a strong indication that your electrical system is not adequately grounded. Don’t mistake these shocks with static electricity pops, which are much more miniature and shouldn’t be concerning.
Final comments
Suppose you find any of these signs with your electrical panel. In that case, you should seek a residential electrician straight away in order to fix your electrical system and solve your problems.