Wires, outlets, and other electrical components may be defective long before they show any signs of excess wear. Therefore, it’s important to have a regular inspection to look for signs of frayed wires, a melted outlet, or other problems that might lead to an electrical fire or other serious issues. In most cases, an inspection from a company such as Mister Sparky can find clues of hazards that can be abated in a timely manner.
Signs of a Potential Electrical Issue
If you notice that lights are dimming unexpectedly, it may be a sign that your electrical panel isn’t strong enough to meet your home’s needs. It could also be a clue that a switch or outlet is malfunctioning or that there is a frayed wire or loose connection present.
When you touch a switch or outlet, it should feel either cool or slightly warm to your hand. If it feels extremely hot, it means that there is a buildup of heat that needs to be addressed immediately. This is especially true if you can also smell an odor akin to melted plastic or see smoke coming from a switch or outlet.
How an Inspection Can Help
A professional will be able to determine if an outlet needs to be replaced or if a frayed wire needs to be fixed. A professional may also be able to determine if you need a larger electrical panel or circuit breaker by looking at what’s currently running inside or outside of your house.
For instance, if you have an electrical panel installed in the 1960s, it probably won’t be powerful enough to run a heat pump, hot tub, and your appliances. It may also struggle to keep the lights on while ensuring that there is enough power to run smart tools like a thermostat or doorbell.
A professional will be able to explain why you may need to upgrade your electrical panel and may also recommend rewiring your home. Rewiring may be beneficial if your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s, as it may have aluminum wires instead of copper. Aluminum wires are more prone to heat buildup, which can lead to an electrical fire.
Ultimately, having an inspection done means that you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your house is in good condition. If there are issues, they can most likely be fixed before a fire or other extreme event takes place.
Electrical Problems Can Be Symptoms of Other Issues
In many cases, electrical issues are caused by stress or old age. In other words, your electrical system may falter simply because you’re using too many items at the same time. Older systems aren’t as powerful as newer ones, which means that they are even more prone to stress and failing when you need electricity the most.
However, a chewed wire could also be an indication of a rodent problem. It could also be caused by a water leak in the basement or another room in the house. Although there are wires capable of resisting moisture, they are generally located in the basement or outdoors. If there is a leak in the kitchen, the wires and outlets installed there may be vulnerable to damage.
An inspection may reveal a rodent issue, water leak, or other problem before it gets too difficult to control. If caught soon enough, you can remedy the issue before it renders your house uninhabitable.
An Inspection May Be Needed for Insurance or Regulatory Purposes
If you are shopping for a home insurance policy, you may need to show proof that the electrical system is up to code. You may also need an inspection after installing new wires or putting in a new appliance that runs on electricity. This is also to show that your work is up to code, and if there are issues, code enforcement in your area may require that they are fixed before the power to your home can be turned on again.
Call Mister Sparky Today for Help
If it has been a few years since your home’s electrical system has been looked at, contact our team today. We’ll be happy to provide a thorough inspection, identify any hazards that we’ve found, and create a plan to fix them in an affordable manner.