Your home’s electrical wiring is the network powering almost everything in your life, from the lights you use to the appliances you depend on. Without it, life would be much more difficult. Unfortunately, electrical wiring problems can occur over time due to a number of factors. In order to keep your home safe, it’s important to be aware of common electrical wiring problems and solutions.
Let’s go over the most common electrical wiring problems, their consequences, and how professional wiring installation can help solve them.
The Potential Risks of Electrical Wiring Problems
There are several serious risks that most people never think about until it’s too late. Personal safety is the biggest concern when it comes to electrical wiring problems. Poorly maintained wiring is a fire hazard that can cause extensive property damage, injury, and even death if not taken care of.
For example, if your outlets are loose, there is a risk of an electrical short or spark. This can cause a fire or shock, both of which can lead to serious injury or death.
In addition to the safety concerns, electrical wiring problems can also lead to reduced efficiency. If your wiring is old or damaged, it won’t be able to deliver the power required to run your appliances. This can cause them to overheat and break down, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Finally, faulty wiring can also lead to increased energy costs. Wiring problems can cause your electrical system to be less efficient, leading to higher energy bills.
Lights Flickering When It is Windy
One of the signs you have a serious problem with your electrical wiring is if your lights flicker when it’s windy. This is a sign of loose wiring and could be a potential fire hazard.
Lack of GFCI’s (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters)
GFCI’s are designed to sense ground faults and shut off the power to the outlet when a problem arises. Without them, you’re leaving yourself open to the possibility of shock or electrocution.
Your Panel is Overheated
This is a sign of an overloaded electrical system. When too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit, it can cause wiring to overheat, creating sparks or a fire hazard.
Junction Boxes Aren’t Covered
Exposed junction boxes can be dangerous because they can easily be damaged or tampered with. It could be something as simple as inclement weather that causes the next major electrical issue in your home, knocking out the power or even starting an electrical fire.
Overlamping (Bulb Has Higher Wattage Than the Fixture)
Using a higher-wattage bulb than the fixture is rated for can cause excessive heat to build up, which can lead to a potential fire hazard.
Not Enough Outlets
If you don’t have enough outlets, it’s likely that you have too many appliances plugged into the same circuit. This can cause wiring to overheat and create a potential fire hazard. If you are using many extensive cords or outlet extenders, this is probably a sign that you need more outlets to distribute the electricity more evenly among your appliances and electronics.
Receptacles Are No Longer Holding Plugs
If your receptacles are not holding plugs, this is a sign that your wiring has become loose and needs to be re-tightened or replaced.
Receptacles are Ungrounded (Only Two Prongs)
Two-pronged receptacles do not provide the necessary protection from ground faults and can create a potential shock hazard.
Backstabbed Connections
Backstabbed connections are created when the wires are connected to the wrong terminals on the receptacle such as being pushed into small holes in the back of an outlet instead of being anchored down by screws. This can create hazards for sparks, shocks, or even fires.
Your Wiring is Aluminum
Aluminum wiring can become loose due to oxidation, which can create a potential fire hazard. This cheaper option for wiring was used in the 60s and 70s as a cost-saving measure, but is no longer considered a safe option.
How to Protect Your Circuit Panel
To protect your circuit panel from overloading, you should use a circuit breaker to limit the amount of electricity that can enter your home. You should also review how many outlets you have in each room and make sure that appliances are plugged into individual circuits. Additionally, you should check to make sure all of your outlets are grounded and that you have GFCI’s installed in areas where there is a potential for shock or electrocution.
Only Hire Professionals for Electrical Wiring Installation in Northern Virginia
It’s important to hire a professional electrician for any electrical wiring installation services in Northern Virginia. Professional electricians are trained and certified to safely install and repair electrical wiring to ensure your home is safe and up to code.
Get Service for Wiring Installation from RD Matthews Electrical Contracting
For wiring installation and electrical services in Northern Virginia, look no further than RD Matthews Electrical Contracting. Our experienced electricians can help you with all your residential and commercial electrical needs, from wiring installation to repair.
Our professional home wiring installation services will have your home’s electrical system running safely in no time. Contact us today to get started with a quote or request a service.
Find us on Nextdoor
