Electrical faults are your house’s way of crying out for help. Some of them are obvious and hard to miss, indicating serious and potentially dangerous problems. Other issues may be more covert and under the surface, becoming a problem for your home over time. This is why it’s always a good idea to have a regular local residential electrician on call for routine inspections and emergency repairs.
When your electrical system is experiencing issues, there are usually signs, like strange smells, flying sparks, and drops in power. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged outlets aren’t just inconveniences, though. They can be serious fire and safety hazards!
Recognising these issues is one thing, but fixing them is another. You should never attempt to fix an electrical issue yourself, though! That’s why knowing when to call a licensed electrician is so important, both for your home’s value and your own safety.
So how do you know when you should be calling in professional support? Here are just 10 tell-tale signs you may be in need of expert assistance to maintain a proactive approach to your home’s electrical health and safety.
1. Wires All Over The Place!
Are you constantly tiptoeing across various wires and cords around your house? Or do you rely on multiple extension cords and power blocks to use your electrical appliances? Whilst this isn’t an immediate electrical concern, there are eventual risks of overloading your powerpoints.
If you’re running out of places to plug in your appliances, then it may be time for an electrical system upgrade. Be sure to call an electrician to explore what is possible in your building. This may even be the perfect opportunity to finally pursue a cost-effective home renovation!
2. Appliances Not Working Reliably
Electrical appliances that work intermittently or lose power without explanation may be struggling with voltage fluctuations. These variations can damage sensitive electronics and indicate unstable wiring.
An electrical safety check can help identify the source of voltage irregularities and protect you. Your system could be less capable of handling as many devices, or your power switches may be due for an upgrade.
Whatever the case may be, a licensed electrician will be able to identify the root cause of your wonky waffle maker and offer a lasting solution.
3. Flickering Lights
Lights that flicker or dim randomly aren’t just annoying. They’re often a symptom of underlying electrical problems.
This might happen when an appliance like a refrigerator or microwave kicks on, causing a voltage drop. While this could be a simple case of an overloaded circuit, it might also point to ageing or loose wiring.
Left unchecked, loose wiring can overheat and become a fire hazard. A professional electrician can determine whether the problem lies in the wiring or the circuit itself.
4. Frequent Power Switch Trips
If your circuit breaker trips often, then it’s warning you that your system isn’t keeping up. Circuit breakers are designed to protect your electrical system by cutting off power when they detect overloads, shorts, or ground faults.
If this happens randomly every so often, then resetting your switches is fine. But frequent power switch trips should be inspected by an approved electrician.
5. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Your ears aren’t playing tricks on you! If you are hearing strange sounds coming from your walls, then you may have electrical issues.
Electrical systems should operate silently, as should any electrical appliances. Any buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds coming from outlets, switches, or your breaker box could indicate loose connections or damaged components inside.
A sound coming from your electrical system is usually indicative of resistance, which generates heat—a perfect recipe for a blowout or a fire. Report any buzzing or POPS! to your electrician so they can save you from costly repairs down the line – or worse.
6. Warm, Discoloured, or Damaged Power Points
Power points are designed to prevent an electrical current from leaking and protect you against electrocution; that’s why they have plastic installed around them. So a power point that feels warm to the touch or shows signs of discolouration could actually be overheating.
Overheating may be the result of loose wiring, worn contacts, or internal arcing, all of which can be a serious fire hazard. This cannot be ignored, so if you notice any overheating or strange-looking power points, schedule an immediate inspection with a qualified electrician.
7. Broken or Dead Power Points
There are many reasons why a power point may stop working properly. This can be caused by either a tripped power switch, loose connections, or damaged wiring. But sometimes, a power point is truly beyond saving and has stopped working entirely.
If one of your power points is dead, then it will need to be replaced with a new one. It’s always safer to leave electrical repairs to an expert. A licensed electrician can safely identify and address the underlying issue and replace dead power points with new ones.
8. Weird Burning Smells
In the same way you aren’t supposed to hear your electricity working, you also shouldn’t be able to smell it, either. If you turn something on and can smell melting plastic, rubber, or a sharp, pungent, maybe fishy odour, then turn it off right away.
This could be a sign that your cabling is damaged, leading to overheating. Weird, burning smells are a clear warning sign of a fire waiting to happen. Call an electrician right away to perform an emergency inspection and repair.
9. Flying Sparks
If you see sparks flying out when plugging in or unplugging a device, then you definitely need to call an electrician. This is one warning sign you can’t miss or put off for later.
While a small spark is normal on very rare occasions, frequent or large sparks are not. This is a clear sign to call a professional. It could be pointing to a faulty outlet, damaged wiring or an overloaded circuit—all fire hazards.
10. Signs of Rodents
If you find yourself dealing with a rodent infestation, then the exterminator is not the only person you should call. Contact your electrician, because those rats or mice may have damaged your electrical system.
Rodents love to chew on wires, stripping away their insulation and exposing the conductors. If you’ve noticed signs of rodent activity around your home, it’s essential to check for potential electrical damage they may have caused.
So tell your electrician about your recent rodent run-ins. That way, they can take it into account when inspecting your property and leave no rocks unturned, helping you avoid an unwanted floor demolition.
Read The Warning Signs & Call An Electrician Early
Your home’s electrical system is too important to leave to chance. While some issues may seem like small inconveniences, they often point to deeper problems that could put your property and loved ones at risk. Always remember to stay proactive with a season-by-season home maintenance schedule.
By recognising these ten warning signs early and calling a licensed electrician as soon as possible, you’ll save yourself money from costly repairs, improve your home’s safety, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable electrical system. When in doubt, don’t delay; reach out to a trusted local electrician today!
