According to the National Fire Prevention Organization, electrical problems are the second-biggest cause of residential fires in the United States. A considerable number of these fires are caused by electrical distribution, such as wire and breaker boxes. That’s a sobering number that could be reduced if households were more aware of the warning symptoms of an aging electrical infrastructure.
Before delving into the details further below, learn about the indicators from Residential Electrician Companies of poor wiring in a property.
Often tripping circuit breakers
A circuit breaker tripping is not uncommon. This is especially true when many appliances are powered by the same circuit. An overload is unavoidable at some time. Frequent circuit breaker trips, on the other hand, should raise a red flag. A serious problem could be lurking in your home’s electrical wiring, or your electrical panel may need to be replaced. Electrical panels have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. Older panels are incapable of meeting the electrical demands of today’s dwellings. If you’re adding new equipment, such as a larger refrigerator or hot tub, you should consider upgrading to a 200 amp electrical power supply.
Detecting frayed, damaged, or exposed wire
Frayed wiring should never be ignored. If a wall is exposed during a renovation project & you notice frayed wiring, contact an electrician immediately because this is a dangerous fire and shock hazard. This is one of the most dangerous flags to seek attention of Residential Electrician Companies for getting help.
Managing dimming or flickering lights
It’s normal for your lights to flicker on and off during a strong thunderstorm or windy weather. A tree branch may have fallen on a power line nearby. If you see your lights flickering regularly, your home’s electrical wiring may need to be upgraded. The existing wiring may not be able to meet your home’s rising energy consumption.
Detecting smoke or scorch traces on electrical outlets
If you smell or see smoke in your home, don’t put it off any longer. There is always fire when there is smoke. You may find symptoms of damage after further analyzing the problem. Scorch marks on an outlet should draw your notice quickly. An arc could be caused by slack wiring within the outlet. To be safe, make sure to turn off all of your equipment until an electrician arrives.
Seeing that your outlets are warm or vibrate to the touch
Take note of a warming sensation when you are close to an outlet. An outlet that is working properly should be cool to the touch. A vibration from the outlet may also be felt. Broken wiring is most likely to blame. It is not an option to put off dealing with the problem. If a cord plugged into the wire catches fire, your house could be completely consumed.
Hearing strange noises, such as buzzing or sizzling
You can use your hearing to detect a potential wiring issue. Homeowners frequently detect a buzzing or sizzling sound emanating from an outlet. Electric noise can also be produced by light fixtures. While changing the bulb may resolve the problem, poor wiring cannot be ruled out. Calling Residential Electrician Companies will be the first thing to do while noticing this, avoid DIY options or guessing games around this.
Being the owner of an older property with aluminum wiring
If your house was built in the late 1960s or early 1970s, it’s time to upgrade the wiring. Aluminum wire was used in many residences during this time period. Regrettably, studies suggest that buildings with aluminum wire are more than 50 times more likely to burn down. Copper wiring is safer since it is more heat-resistant.
Overloaded Power Strip
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), electrical malfunctions caused 5,300 fires. This figure can be drastically reduced by knowing how to prevent electrical fires and keep everyone safe. Obviously, the most important preventative measure is to ensure that your smoke detectors are in good working order and that they are installed throughout your home or company. According to the CPSC, homes with no working smoke detectors account for 65% of all home fire deaths. The following are some suggestions for preventing electric fires in your home or place of work.
Checking your wiring is one of the most crucial preventative measures you can take. Wiring has a 30-40 year lifespan, and much less if your structure employs aluminum wiring. If your circuit breaker constantly trips, your fuses frequently blow, or you utilize too many extension cords or surge protectors around your home, this could be an indication that your wiring is old or obsolete. If any of these variables are common in your home, it is critical that you contact a professional to inspect the wiring and determine whether it needs to be updated.
Arc faults are a common cause of electrical fires. An arc fault occurs when a high-power discharge occurs between two or more conductors, producing heat that can ignite a fire. They are frequently caused by a loose connection in an outlet. To begin taking preventative measures, check all of your outlets at least once a year. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is a device that detects arc faults and is an excellent technique to avoid electrical fires caused by arc faults.
Finally, here are some simple precautions from Residential Electrician Companies you may take to keep an electrical fire from starting in your house or company.
- Replace any electrical cords that are cracked, damaged, or loose.
- Instead of using an extension cord, plug large or small appliances straight into the wall.
- Keep flammable materials away from outlets to avoid sparking a fire.
- Any wall outlets that do not fit tightly into the wall should be replaced.
- Employ power strips and surge protectors that have been certified by a reputable testing facility.
Get a professional home safety check if you are unsure about the quality of your home’s electrical system. Our electrical inspections in Massachusetts discover and rectify malfunctions and safety issues in your home’s wire integrity, panel operation, GFCI protection, and other areas. Please give the Connex Electrical expert a call and safeguard your home for a safer future. Visit our website now and explore the services right away!
