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4 Signs of Bad Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Man and woman looking at wire.
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Oh no! The lights in your home are flickering, the outlets are sparking, and your fixtures and appliances aren't working correctly. These issues are commonly linked to bad electrical wiring in older and sometimes even newer homes.

One of the most important things to consider in any home is whether or not the electrical wiring is up to code. Poorly maintained wiring can lead to dangerous electrical hazards, such as fires and shocks, so it’s important to know what signs indicate your home has bad electrical wiring.

This blog will cover four major warning signs that you should look out for.

1. Flickering Lights

If your lights are flickering on and off, this could signify loose or damaged wiring within your walls. The flickering could be caused by too much current running through the wires, resulting in an electrical overload and potentially causing a fire if left unchecked. You should contact a licensed electrician immediately if you notice any flickering lights.

2. Burnt Out Switches

Loose connections between switches and outlets can cause arcing (or electricity jumping) inside the wall, leading to melting wires and burning plastic around switches and outlets. This indicates poor connections that need to be fixed before they become bigger problems. Any loose connections can be easily remedied by replacing worn-out outlets and switches with new ones.

3. Buzzing Fixtures

A buzzing noise from light fixtures or outlets can indicate loose wiring within your walls, which can cause an electric shock if touched directly or indirectly (through water). It’s essential to assess these areas quickly before anyone gets hurt, as this kind of problem must be fixed by a qualified electrician who knows how to inspect your home’s wiring system for safety risks properly.

4. Unusual Odors

Suppose an unusual smell comes from any outlet or switch in your home. In that case, it could mean that there is a short circuit in your electrical system that needs immediate attention by an authorized professional electrician. Short circuits can overheat wires and other components in your walls leading to potential fire hazards if neglected for too long. Such scenarios should be handled cautiously as they require specialized knowledge about electricity safety precautions and regulations before any repairs can begin safely.

It's important to understand the warning signs of faulty electrical wiring. Tell-tale signs that something may not be up-to-code with the electrical system in a home, and seeking professional help by Knee's Electrical Service when dealing with potential danger related to electricity issues should always be your first option. Keep yourself safe by keeping an eye out for these four major indicators of faulty wiring, and give our team a call at (765) 201-7220.

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