
5 Signs of Bad Electrical Wiring in Your Home
Are you worried about the safety of your home? Do you think that there may be something wrong with your electrical wiring? If so, you are not alone. Many homeowners are concerned about the state of their electrical wiring, and for a good reason. Bad wiring can lead to fires, shocks, and other dangerous situations. In this blog post, we will discuss five signs that may indicate that you have bad wiring in your home.
What is a Faulty Electrical Wiring?
Faulty electrical wiring is any wiring that is not up to code or is in poor condition. This can include old, outdated, damaged, or improperly installed wiring. Faulty electrical wiring can be dangerous because it can lead to fires, shocks, and other hazards.
Can Faulty Electrical Wiring Increase Electricity Bills?
Faulty electrical wiring can cause your electricity bills to increase because it can lead to wasted energy. When electrical wiring is not up to code, it can cause your home’s circuit breaker to trip more often, wasting electricity. In addition, faulty wiring can also cause lights to flicker or dim, wasting energy.
Five Signs of Bad Wiring in A Home:
- Your circuit breaker trips more often than usual: It’s not uncommon for breakers to trip. That is why we have them—to stop the flow of electricity when the circuit is overloaded. However, if breakers are frequently tripping, it could be a sign of bad electrical wiring. It is also possible the circuit is overwhelmed by too many high-energy devices. You should first reduce the number of devices plugged into the circuit or replace the circuit breaker if you notice this. If neither of those steps resolves the issue, the wiring should be inspected to avoid a fire hazard.
- Lights in your home flicker or dim frequently: This is another sign of bad electrical wiring. When you plug in an appliance and the lights dim, it is a sign the electrical current is not flowing properly.
- Hot electrical outlets: One sign of bad electrical wiring is hot electrical outlets. If you frequently have to jiggle a plug to get it to fit into an outlet, or if the outlet feels warm to the touch, this is a sign that there may be a loose connection. This surge of electricity could fry appliances or could cause a fire.
- A burning smell is coming from outlets or switches: This is a sign of bad wiring if you notice a burning smell coming from your outlets or switches. This is usually caused by a loose connection that is causing the wires to overheat and emit a burning smell. If you notice this, you should shut off the power to that area of your home immediately and call an electrician.
- Frayed or chewed wiring: If you notice that any of your electrical wiring is frayed or chewed, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced. This is usually caused by animals getting into the walls and chewing on the wires. If you see this, you should call an electrician to come and replace the damaged wiring.
- High electricity bills: If your monthly electricity bill has gone up significantly, this could be a sign that your wiring is not as efficient as it should be. Wiring old or in poor condition can cause your home’s electrical system to work harder than it should, which uses more energy and drives up your bills. If you notice a sudden spike in your electricity bill, it’s worth having your wiring checked out.
How Often Should I Have My Home’s Electrical Wiring Inspected?
It’s generally recommended that you have your home’s wiring inspected every few years or whenever you make any major changes or renovations to your home. If you live in an older home, it’s good to have it inspected more frequently, as the wiring is likely to be in poorer condition. Having a professional inspect your wiring is the best way to ensure that it’s in good condition and up to code.
Contact CNA Electric Ltd for Electrical Inspections
If you’re concerned about your home’s electrical wiring condition, or if you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional. CNA Electric Ltd. offers electrical inspections and can help you determine if your wiring needs to be repaired or replaced. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.