10 Signs of a Damaged Electrical System and How to Fix Them
Your residential electrical system manages your lights, important appliances, entertainment gadgets and anything else hardwired or plugged into the wall. It’s extremely inconvenient when something malfunctions, not to mention a common safety hazard. Learn about the top 10 signs of a problem with your electrical system and how to resolve each issue.
1. Regularly Tripped Circuit Breakers or Blown Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses protect your home by shutting off power when the system experiences a power surge or a fault has been detected. If your home’s circuit breakers are tripping or fuses blow frequently, this usually suggests your electrical system may be unable to cope with the demand, which can also eventually lead to overheating and fire hazards. Prevent overloading by unplugging devices and redistributing the electrical load safely between multiple circuits. If the problem continues, have an electrician assess your system and upgrade your electrical panel or any wires if necessary.
2. Wobbly Plugs
Plugs that repeatedly slip out of outlets means worn-out sockets. Over time, the metal contact points found in the outlet can wear away, impacting their ability to hold plugs firmly. Shaky connections can produce arcing, an electrical fire risk. Replace any bad outlet receptacles with new ones. This is a potentially simple DIY fix, but if you prefer not to work with electricity, contact a professional.
3. Worn or Bite Marks on Wiring
Age, wear and tear or even rodents may be the cause behind damaged or chewed wires. Damaged wiring reveals the conductive metal, enhancing your risk of electric shocks and fires. Find and replace any damaged wiring you come across immediately. This repair is best left to a certified electrician.
4. A Burnt Plastic Odor
A melted plastic smell near outlets or appliances suggests overheating or burnt wires, which can eventually cause an electrical fire. Immediately turn off power to the area using the corresponding circuit breaker and unplug any devices connected to the outlet. Do not use the outlet until you’ve had it professionally inspected and tested after repairs.
5. Fading, Flashing or Buzzing Lights
If your light fixtures often dim, flicker or buzz, the specific circuits might be overloaded, or there could be a frayed wiring connection. Overloaded circuits pose a fire hazard due to overheating wiring. To resolve this problem, first try re-tightening or replacing the problematic bulbs. If that doesn’t work, next change the light switch or socket. For persistent problems, particularly if a buzzing sound appears, call a professional to inspect your wiring and circuits.
6. Hot Outlets or Switch Plates
Outlets or switch plates that are getting hot to the touch will sometimes suggest things like circuit overloading or bad wiring. Heat can build up in situations where too much electricity comes into contact with wires that aren’t rated to handle the higher current, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Disconnect all devices from the affected outlet and turn off the circuit at the breaker. Contact an electrician so they can properly identify and resolve the problem.
7. Sparking or Scorch Marks on Outlets
If you suddenly see sparks when plugging in or unplugging devices or see scorch marks on a socket, it’s a definite sign of bad wiring or a short circuit. Sparks may occur if there’s exposed wires or a bad electrical connection, producing electrical arcing strong enough to cause severe burns, appliance damage and even fires. Stop using the outlet and switch off the specific circuit breaker. Have a licensed electrician inspect and potentially replace the outlet, as they can safely check for any dangerous wiring concerns.
8. Too Much Reliance on Using Extension Cords
Extension cords are useful to have around, but they should never be permanent solutions. Inappropriate use will sometimes lead to overloaded circuits or tripping breakers. If the electric doesn’t have enough outlets to meet your electrical needs, consider hiring an electrician to install one or two more outlets.
9. Old Designs of Residential Wiring
Homes originally constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s may have aluminum wiring, which corrodes sooner than copper and increases the risk of fire. Even older homes from the 1880s to the 1940s could be using knob-and-tube wiring, which lacks a ground wire. Older electrical systems are less efficient and more exposed to overheating and sudden failure. You can mitigate the risk by having your home rewired with today’s safer copper wiring. This extensive job demands a licensed electrician, as they have the necessary tools and experience for safety and code compliance.
10. No GFCIs in Specific Rooms Like the Bathroom or Kitchen
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are necessary for any spaces exposed to water or humid conditions, mostly kitchens and bathrooms. When these rooms lack GFCIs, you’re more exposed to a dangerous electric shock if water splashes the outlet. Adding GFCI outlets is a good idea for a DIY project if you’re experienced with electrical work. Of course, calling a professional electrician ensures proper installation and safety compliance.
