You know the saying “If these walls could talk”? In essence, it means you’re glad that certain things you say or do aren’t being revealed to anyone else. Like how you sneak into the kitchen every night for a bowl of ice cream, or the Amazon packages you hide frantically before your spouse or partner comes home.

But if your walls could talk, they’d do more than snitch on you; they’d probably tell you to pay a little closer attention to the electrical wiring behind them. You see, home electrical problems are responsible for over 50,000 fires each year according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Yet many of these fires can be prevented by recognizing and addressing these common warning signs.

Loose Connections

Over time, wall plates and the connections between electrical wires, plus outlets and switches can become loose. Check yours routinely and tighten and have them repaired or replaced, as necessary.

Damaged Wires

Electrical wires can fray and crack from overheating, corrosion, or from being pierced or pinched by screws and nails. If you suspect damaged wiring, contact us to replace it.

Excess Heat

Your outlets and light switches should always be cool to the touch. If you notice warm spots or even scorch marks, this is a huge red flag of unsafe wiring.

Smoke

Outlets, appliances, and switches should never emit smoke. Should that happen anyway, cut power to the appliance or turn off the main circuit breaker until the source of the problem is identified and repaired.

Frequently Tripped Breakers

If you can’t remember the last time a circuit breaker tripped, consider yourself lucky. Breakers that trip routinely often indicate they are overloaded – a common occurrence as a household’s electrical demands increase.

Frequently Dimming Lights

Another sign of an overloaded circuit or wiring is lighting that dims when appliances are turned on. Have the breaker or wiring checked.

Snap, Crackle, or Pop

You expect these noises from Rice Krispies, but hearing them from appliances, outlets, or switches is a sign of trouble. Cut the power to the area before contacting Excel Electric.  

Pesky Pests

Rodents love to chew on electrical wires of all shapes and sizes. If you have a pest problem, thoroughly inspect all exposed wiring for damage and pay close attention to other warning signs already described in this blog.

Whatever the problem might be, Excel Electric is on hand to render exactly the right solution in timely and thorough fashion. We also perform whole-house wiring and safety inspections – something we recommend having done once a year, especially in older homes. For the service you need, when you need it, contact Excel Electric.