Have you noticed flickering or buzzing lights in your home? You may have bad electrical work that could pose a serious threat to the safety of your home and family.
You can count on the best electricians in Plymouth, MA, to protect your home by assessing your electrical system and repairing any problems. At Crowe Electric, we’re passionate about keeping your lights on and working well.
Signs Your Plymouth Home Has Bad Wiring
So, how do you know your home has bad electrical wiring? You should watch out for any of the following common signs.
Scorch Marks
You may notice scorch marks at various places in your electrical system, especially around the outlets, which are the most common locations for this issue. You may also see the marks around your electrical panel.
These marks can indicate that your wires are heating up too much or sparking between connections, causing minor burns. Sometimes, instead of scorch marks, you’ll see a slight deformity in your outlet as it begins melting. Eventually, this excessive heat can catch on fire, and experts have a notoriously difficult time controlling electrical blazes.
Unusual Sounds
Your electrical system should run silently, so if you notice unusual sounds, especially when you turn on an appliance, you should take it seriously. The most common noises you’ll hear include a buzzing or humming, which can point to a loose wire or connection; this issue can cause a fire.
You may also hear a crackling, popping, hissing, or even booming sound. When you hear these sounds, use your system sparingly until a licensed electrician can diagnose and solve the problem.
Many Tripped Fuses
You should rarely experience tripped fuses or circuits, which usually only occur during extreme weather or when your utility company has a surge in power. If you notice your system frequently overloading circuits, especially when you turn on something as simple as a light, your electrical system shows signs of overloading. You may need a higher-capacity electrical panel or better wiring to avoid this issue becoming more serious.
Burning Smells
Your Plymouth, MA, home likely has bad electrical work when you smell burning in your walls or near your outlets. If you can pinpoint the location of the smell, or you only smell it when you operate a specific appliance, avoid using that outlet or appliance until you call an electrician. Aside from scorch marks, this is the most concerning sign, and you should consider it an emergency.
Lighting Issues
Light fixtures require a low concentration of power, so turning lights on shouldn’t affect your electrical system. Therefore, if you notice dimming or flickering lights, especially when you’ve had them turned on for a while, it means you either have a low system capacity or loose connections.
Disorganized Writing
You probably don’t see the majority of your wiring unless you have an unfinished basement or an open wall. However, if you see areas of exposed wiring, note whether it looks well organized or like a messy jumble.
Electricians learn to keep wires organized and bundled so they can easily perform work or modify the system. If you notice a disorganized web of wires, it can mean a homeowner did their own electrical work or hired a subpar electrician. Having an electrician you trust redo the wires can prevent serious problems arising from shoddy electrical work.
Damaged Wires
The most common manifestation of damaged wires is fraying, which poses a serious fire hazard. You may also notice the lining on the wire stripping exposing the inner workings. You should have an electrician repair the damaged wires immediately.
Practicing Electrical Safety in Your Plymouth Home
From power system security to regularly inspecting your wiring, practicing electrical safety can prevent serious problems in your home. To keep your family safe, use the following best practices:
- Avoid overloading circuits by only plugging one or two devices into a single outlet
- Add child protection to outlets if you have young people in your home
- Confirm your bathroom has ground fault circuit interrupters
- Always verify your plugs fit tightly into your outlets
- Only use lights and appliances when you need them
- Have an electrician inspect your wiring at least every three years
Crowe Electric Can Fix Your Plymouth, MA, Electrical Work
Now that you know the signs your Plymouth home has bad electrical work, you’ll know when to call an electrician. At Crowe Electric, we expertly deal with everything from outlet buzzing to rewiring your entire home. Our professional and efficient team always works hard to keep you satisfied.
To schedule an appointment, call 781-896-2606.