Electrical Wiring Damage in Your Home

Delivering power to nearly every appliance, electrical device, light, or other equipment, your electrical equipment is a crucial part of your home’s safety and functionality. Electrical wiring damage can compromise your home’s protection against electrical hazards, and leaving it unaddressed can escalate electrical problems.

Learn about the warning signs of electrical wiring damage, potential root causes, and when to call a professional electrician from Hoover’s for assistance.

Warning Signs of Electrical Wiring Damage in Your Home

Recognizing the early signs of electrical wiring damage in your home can prevent problems from escalating and causing further damage or safety risk. Monitor your home for these common signs of electrical damage.

faulty electrical wiring

Dimming or flickering lights

While dimming or flickering lights can often signal a burnt-out, defective, or loose light bulb, persistent issues suggest problems with the lighting connections. There may be loose or damaged wiring at the breaker box or in the light fixture itself.

Burning smells

Persistent burning smells, especially near outlets, electrical panels, or switches, is a serious warning sign. Whether due to wiring, overloaded circuits, or other issues, burning odors may be a symptom of faulty wiring and could be followed by electrical fires.

Hot outlets or switch plates

Outlets and switch plates should never become uncomfortably hot. Faulty, loose, or damaged wiring can generate heat and lead to subsequent electrical fires.

Buzzing and other sounds

Your electrical system shouldn’t make sounds during normal operation. If you hear buzzing, popping, crackling, or other sounds, damaged wiring may be the underlying cause.

Sparking

Sparks indicate problems with your circuits or outlets, particularly if accompanied by strange sounds, burning odors, or warm-to-touch surfaces. Sparks from an appliance suggest damage to the device. Sparks from electrical panels are especially concerning and require urgent professional attention

Frequently tripped breakers or blown fuses

Fuses and breakers trip when they detect electrical current abnormalities and circuit overloads. While occasional trips are normal and typically indicate proper function, persistent tripping can signal other problems, such as damaged wiring or too many devices plugged into one outlet circuit.

Common Causes of Electrical Wiring Damage

Numerous factors can cause wiring damage, such as:

     

      • Aging and wear: Wiring can corrode, fray, and deteriorate over time.

      • Outdated wiring: Older homes may have cloth-insulated, knob-and-tube, or aluminum wiring. Each of these wiring types carry hazards and as such may not comply with code and require wiring replacement.

      • Overloaded circuits: Too much power demand on a single circuit, such as from numerous or high-wattage appliances, can overload the circuit and lead to overheating and wire damage.

      • Poor installation: Substandard wiring installation from a professional or DIY homeowner can result in faulty connections and other damage.

      • Pest infestations: Mice, rats, and other pests can chew through wiring insulation, increasing the risk of short-circuiting and other hazards.

      • Physical damage: Home renovations, drilling, nailing, or other work in close proximity with your electrical system may damage nearby wiring.

    Dangers of Damaged Electrical Wiring 

    The consequences of damaged electrical wiring can range from inconvenient to dangerous. At the very least, electrical wiring problems in your home can cause electrical inefficiencies that may spike your energy consumption and utility bills. Inconsistent or faulty power supply can harm appliances and electrical devices — an electrical surge, for instance, can generate heat that damages the appliance’s electronic components and circuit boards.

    More importantly, damaged electrical wiring can pose serious safety risks for your household. These include:

       

        • Electrical fires: Often stemming from damaged insulation or exposed wiring that can easily ignite surrounding materials, electrical faults are a leading cause of many domestic fires.

        • Shock: Faulty electrical wiring increases the risk of an electrical current using a person as a conductor and causing electric shock, which can have serious and potentially lethal consequences.

        • Arc flash: Electrical arcs from damaged wiring can cause arc flashes, which can cause a variety of significant injuries.

      What to Do if You Suspect Electrical Wiring Damage

      It’s important to prioritize your household’s safety if you notice signs of electrical wiring damage in your home. Whether your lights are flickering or your outlets are sparking, follow these steps:

        1. Disconnect the power from the electrical panel.

        1. Contact a licensed electrician to schedule expert diagnosis and wiring repair services.

        1. Avoid using damaged fixtures and outlets until your electrician resolves the root problem.

        1. Consider leaving your home in cases with more significant electrical damage. Your electrician can provide guidance on whether it’s safe to stay at home or not.

      Schedule regular maintenance to minimize electrical problems and keep your electrical system running smoothly and in compliance with electrical codes.

      Call Hoover for Electrical Wiring Damage Repair in Michigan

      For electrical wiring damage big or small, Hoover is your partner in repair. Serving Troy, Fraser, Lake Orion, and other Southeast Michigan areas since 1980, we have nearly 40 years of experience in electrical installation and repair. Your safety is our priority, which is why we offer free estimates and competitive financing so you never have to compromise on your budget.

      Don’t risk your household’s safety. Contact us today or book online to schedule your electrical repair in Clinton Township.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How often should I have my home’s wiring inspected?

      Have your home’s wiring inspected approximately every three years. Schedule inspections more frequently if your home’s electrical system is aging or you notice warning signs.

      Can I fix electrical wiring issues myself?

      It’s best to leave DIY electrical repairs to professionals. Working with electricity can be dangerous without the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment, and improper repairs can lead to further damage and hazards. Refer to a licensed electrician for wiring repairs.

      How can I prevent pest damage to my wiring?

      Periodically inspect your attic, basement, walls, garage, and crawl space for signs of rodent and pest infestation, such as droppings or chewed materials. Seal gaps or entry points, and consider using traps or pest deterrents.

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