Keeping up with your home can seem a little overwhelming at times, there are so many little details to take care of and things to remember. Having a schedule for weekly, monthly, and yearly chores can help you keep track of things like watering plants, changing HVAC filters, and chimney inspections. Ensuring that your electrical system is up to date and running efficiently is another item that should be on your list. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you have your electrical system professionally inspected every 10 years. If you just bought a home, the date of the last inspection should be listed in the breaker box. Aside from waiting every 10 years, here are some other signs that your home may need a professional home rewiring. If you suspect there is a problem with your home’s electrical wiring, Asbury can help with full-service electrical repairs!
6. Lights that Dim or Flicker
Because light fixtures generally use a small amount of electricity, dimming and flickering can be a warning sign of a bigger issue caused by something that uses more power. If you have large appliances like a washing machine or a space heater, the circuit may be overloaded because the demand for electricity is too great. Talk to an electrician to see if you need a professional home rewiring to create a circuit dedicated to larger appliances.
5. Odd Odors
The obvious scents of smoke or burning plastic will tell you if there is an issue with an outlet or wire, but those aren’t the only smells to pay attention to. Many new appliances, like stoves or microwaves, may emit weird smells the first few times they are used. However, if you’ve been using the new appliance frequently for a few weeks, or if an older appliance or outlet starts to smell, call an electrician right away. Unplug anything connected to the outlet don’t use it again until a professional has looked at it. If you notice an odor coming from your fuse box, call a professional electrician right away.
4. Too Many Cords
Most people know that you shouldn’t use too many extension cords in your home, but in a pinch or when the holidays come up, we don’t always heed that warning. Wires within a wall are less likely to become damaged through kinking and pinching because they can’t be touched as easily. Extension cords are out in the open and can easily be stepped on, stretched, or squeezed. This causes a fire hazard. If you find yourself hauling out the extension cords every December, it’s probably time to hire an electrician for a professional home rewiring to place more outlets in and out of your home.
3. Sparks
When dealing with sparks in your home, do a quick evaluation. Is the sparking coming from a breaker panel, fuse box, or outlet? Or is it coming from an appliance? If you see sparks coming from appliances in your home, contact an appliance repair person first. They will be able to tell if the appliance is malfunctioning, or if there is something going on with the outlet you are using. If sparks are coming from your electrical panel or an outlet, contact an electrician immediately. This is a sign that there is an issue with your electrical system and it needs to be addressed by a professional immediately.
2. Switch Plates or Outlets that are Hot
Even if an outlet has something that produces heat plugged into it, it shouldn’t become hot. If you have a toaster oven plugged in, the outlet it is plugged into shouldn’t become more than slightly warm. If the outlet is uncomfortably hot, unplug everything from the outlet. This is a sign that you may need a professional home rewiring to replace a faulty outlet or fuse.
1. Tripped Breakers and Blown Fuses
If you are constantly having to reset the breaker box, it is time to pay attention to the cause. If a hairdryer or vacuum blows the fuse frequently, regardless of which outlet you use, the appliance is probably the problem. However, if you notice that it is a certain outlet that always trips the breaker, that may be a sign that the circuit is overloaded and that you need to upgrade the circuit to handle more electricity through a professional home rewiring.
Call The Professionals @ Asbury!
No matter what, electricity is a powerful thing that should be handled by professionals. At Asbury Electric, we are here to answer any questions you might have, even if it is something small. It’s better to ask and have it checked out than to risk the safety of your loved ones. Give Asbury Electric a call today to schedule your electrical inspection or for any full-service electrical repairs!
For more information about the warning signs of electrical wiring problems, check out https://www.wirece.com/electrical-wiring-problems/
