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You need to know about the most common electrical hazards in homes (especially if you’re a homeowner) so that when signs of damage start to appear, you know what to be wary of and when to call in professional help.
Failing Circuit Breakers
Since they are one of the most important components in your electrical system, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your circuit breaker is going bad.
These can include:
- Dust or discoloration on components – The thicker the dust, the bigger the problem
- Frequent tripping – Can also indicate that you need to upgrade your breakers
- Burning smell or scorch marks
- Breakers that won’t stay reset
- A hot or warm electrical panel
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Unusual sounds – Different noises indicate different issues:
- Buzzing – Loose connections
- Hissing – Arcing
- Crackling or sizzling – Intermittent or severe arcing
- Visible corrosion
- Breaker age or outdated panels
- Appliances randomly losing power
- Visible arcing, sparking, or carbon deposits on contacts
Short Circuits
As one of the most common electrical hazards in homes, it’s important to understand what causes electrical short circuits and the risks they may pose.
They’re usually the result of:
- Foreign objects getting stuck in electrical components
- Uninsulated wires
- Loose electrical connections
- Faulty appliances or devices
- Overloaded circuits
- Moisture and water exposure
If short circuits persist, the best-case scenario is a power cut. The worst-case scenario is a fire or fatal electric shock. Fortunately, it is possible to get ahead of these issues.
All you need to do is:
- Schedule an annual inspection
- Replace outdated or damaged wiring
- Avoid overloading outlets and circuits
- Ensure water and electrical components do not meet
- Upgrade old panels and breakers
Power Surges
Common causes behind electrical power surges can include:
- Faulty or outdated wiring – Often makes itself known through:
- Burn marks and buzzing sounds emanating from outlets
- A burning smell in the air
- Frequent tripping
- High-powered electrical devices
- Overloaded circuits – Can lead to:
- Overheating
- Voltage fluctuations
- Short circuits
- Ground faults
- Utility companies – Surges often result from:
- Grid switching
- Maintenance
- Malfunctioning or damaged equipment
- Downed power lines
- Industrial demand
- Power outages and restorations
- Lightning strikes
You can protect your home from power surges by:
- Installing whole-home and point-of-use surge protectors
- Unplugging electronics when the power goes out
- Having an electrician check the grounding
- Avoiding overloading your outlets
- Upgrading your wiring and panels
Aluminum Electrical Wiring
Aluminum wiring can be dangerous. Loose connections and oxidation often lead to arcing and overheating.
If there are issues with your wiring, they may present as:
- Warm or discolored outlets and switches
- Flickering lights
- Frequent breaker trips
- A burning smell near outlets
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
Aluminum electrical wiring in your home only really needs to be replaced if it’s caused issues before or if the wires are severely deteriorated. Otherwise, you can have a professional – like Wires R Us – replace the main connections with copper using special components.
Water Near Electrical Wiring
Water and electricity don’t mix because when they do, it can cause:
- Electric shock
- Short circuits
- Electricity to spread unpredictably
- Surfaces and objects to become energized
Keep yourself safe by:
- Installing Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
- Keeping electrical devices away from water.
- Using equipment rated for outdoor use when you’re outside.
- Addressing leaks immediately.
- Scheduling regular electrical inspections.
The team that handles your electrical system plays a critical role in your home’s safety, and Wires R Us is prepared to be that team. Contact us today, and we’ll send someone down to inspect your system and guide you on how to protect yourself from common electrical hazards in homes.
