An important part of home ownership is keeping your home in top-notch condition. It’s not out of the ordinary to encounter outdated or inferior electrical work in older homes—which can cause big problems. This is caused by faulty wiring within or close to the switch or outlet, or a loose connection on the switch, causing a short. Other symptoms of trouble behind your walls are any kind of noises, like buzzing or clicks, when you flip a light switch. If the breaker does not trip, an electrical overload will overheat the wiring insulation and cause an electrical fire. Ungrounded three-prong plugs are a top-ten electrical mistake. However, the outlet itself should never get hot. Remember: Anytime you work with wiring, be sure to turn off the circuit at the main breaker panel. By being knowledgeable about these issues, you’ll be in a better position to protect your family and assets. 1. This includes maintaining your home’s electrical system. While they can be a bit pricey, the outlay is probably worth it, especially in older homes where the electrical wiring may have degraded. Common Electrical Problems in a Home. Receptacles or light switches that function intermittently is a sign of another electrical problem. ... 11 Common Problems Home Sellers Try to Hide. All homes in Sydney have a circuit breaker designed to keep the house safe. 5 Common Home Electrical Problems. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips If the circuit breaker in your home trips frequently, it is a sign that the safe capacity is being exceeded. Having electricity makes life easier, but do you know how to spot electrical issues in your home? With over a decade spent on residential and commercial construction job sites, Dan Stout has the hands-on experience to speak to builders, contractors, and homeowners with the voice of authority. If you suspect your home has aluminum wiring, it’s worth a call to a licensed electrician to discuss options. The above signs of water problems in homes are usually created by leaks. If your light switches are warm to the touch or an outlet is sparking, call a professional electrician immediately to see if your wiring needs repairs or the fixture should be replaced. Unscrew the cover plate and add outlet shims until the outlet is flush with the wall. Unprotected cable can be damaged. As a homeowner it is important to know these signs to prevent any possible dangerous situations from occurring. Here are warning signs of four potential hazards that you may not know about. Our flexible plans will help you protect your budget from costly home repair and replacements. The problem may be a faulty device, but it could also be a wiring or overload problem. Strange Smells. However if you already know that you have had a water leak (such as leaking pipes or a leaking ceiling) then just that knowledge by itself, even if you don't see signs of water damage, is a good sign that you might have mold growing in your house around the area where the leak was. Signs Of Electrical Problems At Home 1. The outlet receptacles are where lamps, electronic equipment, small appliances, space heaters, and many other devices tap into the home's electrical circuits to fulfill their duties. Learn more. To learn whether to do DIY electrical work or hire a professional, keep reading. However, even dimmer switch cover plates should never be uncomfortably hot to the touch. No matter how new or aged, most home electrical problems will show warning signs before becoming dangerous and serious. It could also mean that there is s short-circuit. Sure, Hollywood movies would have us believe flickering house lights are a sure sign … If the issue is with a light socket and you want to fix it yourself, here’s how to repair a light fixture. Electrical problems lurking within the walls of your home can cause recurring issues almost daily. Excess heat is why you should always check the wattage before you install a dimmer switch. Well, reading up on this issue now can prevent 2 future problems: An electrical fire in your home. If any of them sound familiar, consider hiring a licensed electrician to conduct a wiring inspection ($200 to $300). Thousands of dollars wasted on exterminators/air-duct cleaning/ AC service calls (due to misdiagnosing the smell) We’ll explain why fishy smells mean electrical danger and what you should do if and when you ever come across this common issue. Unfortunately, some manufacturers step around UL inspection by using counterfeit labels. 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