Any homeowner will tell you that electrical problems are no joke. They are difficult to detect, costly to repair and can be extremely dangerous.

Because all wiring is done within the walls of our home, we usually have to rely on our senses alone to identify potential electrical issues. On the bright side, if you know the signs, you can catch electrical issues early and work fast to resolve them.

4 Major Signs of Electrical Problems in Your Home

 

Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

Modern homes are equipped with circuit breakers, which are replacing the archaic fuse boxes. These are a safer and more convenient option, because if a circuit breaks, it only takes a flip of a switch to get things going again.

However, an increase in how often you need to reset your circuit breakers could be a sign that you’re overloading the circuit’s safety capacity or you may have a short in your wiring. Either way, it could lead to major issues if left unchecked. Contact an electrician to diagnose the issue.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights may be great for haunted houses, but you don’t want them in your home. In most cases, the issue may lie with the fixture itself – maybe it’s old or needs a replacement bulb.

Continued flickering after the bulb or light has been replaced could indicate a problem with your wiring. A licensed electrician will be able to detect and repair the electrical issue.

Shaking Appliances

Many appliances are designed to make their need for electricity discreet. If it becomes obvious that a lamp or appliance is plugged in that could indicate a problem with your wiring.

Some signs to look out for are slight buzzing, shaking or shock when you turn the appliance on. You can try testing the lamp or appliance in another outlet – if the same issues occur, it’s a strong indication there’s an electrical problem that needs to be examined.

Burning Odors

If you start smelling burning plastic or vinyl, turn your breaker off immediately and contact an electrician. The odor usually indicates a significant issue with your wiring or possibly an electrical fire.

Detecting early signs of an electrical issue could save your home from major damage. If you experience any of the above issues in your home, contact a licensed electrician that’s trained in diagnosing and repairing electrical problems.