Kitchener Handyman: 4 Signs There is a Problem With Your Electrical Wiring

Over 50,000 house fires occur each year because of electrical malfunctions. Electrical wiring Kitchener, when installed incorrectly or outdated, can often spark fires. Knowing the signs of electrical problems can offer homeowners time to repair issues and prevent life-threatening disasters. Unfortunately, too many homeowners are unfamiliar with the warning signs, so they push off maintenance and repairs until it is too late. Don’t let your house or family become victims of poor maintenance and repair schedules; contact a licensed electrician to assess your property and make any necessary repairs.

4 Warning Signs of Electrical Problems

How do you know when an electrical fire or problem is likely? Unlike other systems, electricity often produces warnings that something is not correct. For example, your lights might flicker when you turn them on, or you might smell a burning odour. 

The primary issue is to avoid complacency. Too many people believe they are safe from disasters, and they assume they can push off essential maintenance or repairs. Electrical problems do not adhere to homeowner schedules, and they usually worsen until repaired.

As a homeowner, you must familiarize yourself with the common signs of electrical problems. Four signs point to serious trouble more than others. 

1. Sparking

Your outlets should never spark. Sparking is never a good sign and always requires an experienced and licensed electrician to evaluate. While sparking can come directly from an appliance or device, it is dangerous.

Sparking at the fuse box or breaker panel indicates bad connections and possible faulty wiring. A fire is a real possibility. After experiencing sparks, consider shutting down the power and waiting for a professional to assess the damage and the issue.

2. Hot Outlets or Switch Plates

Outlets and switch plates should never become hot. It is possible that an appliance may transfer some warmth to the plate, but it should never become uncomfortably hot. If a plate or outlet becomes hot, unplug the appliance or device immediately and try plugging it into another outlet. If the other outlet gets hot, the problem is likely the appliance.

If an outlet gets hot on its own, without anything plugged into it, you might have a wiring problem. Contact affordable electrical wiring contractors in Kitchener to inspect the outlet and its connections to determine the cause.

Never try to investigate electrical problems alone. DIY methods are dangerous, even in low-voltage situations. Always work with a licensed electrician.

3. Dimming or Flickering Lights

Light fixtures rarely use a significant amount of electricity, especially newer, energy-efficient options. If your lights are flickering or dimming, it is unlikely the fixture is the culprit; instead, an overloaded circuit might be the culprit. 

Pay attention to when the lights dim or flicker; is it while you are washing laundry or using the dishwasher? If the flickering only occurs when you are using a different appliance, you may want to hire an electrician to assess the circuit. In many cases, the professional can move the lighting fixture to a different circuit to eliminate the problem.

4. Odours

Sometimes a new appliance can produce a strange smell, but the odour typically comes from the device. If you notice a burning smell coming from an outlet, unplug everything and turn off the power to the circuit. Please do not use the outlet until a professional can inspect it and find the cause of the smell.

Hire a Licensed and Experienced Electrician

Electricity is dangerous, and only those qualified to work with it should. If you and your family experience any of the above signs, contact Handyman Connection and schedule an electrician ASAP.