Signs a House needs Rewiring

When all is well, a wiring system should work without producing any sound.

House wiring can require replacement, similar to other electrical system components. However, since the wires lie behind walls and hidden spaces, knowing whether they need replacement can be challenging for most homeowners.

Here are the telltale signs of a wiring system that needs replacement:

Lights dimming or flickering when using high-power appliances

Lights can flicker or dim for various reasons. One of them is a loose bulb. So, before concluding that the lights are flashing because of faulty wiring, a homeowner should ensure the bulb is tightly screwed. Once fixed, the lights should stop flickering.

When light flickering stems from faulty wiring, it’s more consistent and likely to happen when using high-power appliances like a microwave. The wiring will struggle to handle the increase in power demand. As a result, it’ll supply irregular voltage to the lighting system, causing the lights to brighten and dim.

If the flickering happens in other rooms, the wiring issue has spread throughout the house.

A buzzing sound coming from outlets and switches

When all is well, a wiring system should work without producing any sound. If buzzing sounds come out of an outlet or a switch, it could signal a loose wiring connection.

A loose connection causes the electric current to encounter resistance, leading to overheating. The heat makes the wires expand and contract, and in the process, they emit a buzzing sound. Since loose wiring is among the leading causes of electric fires, a homeowner should immediately cut off the power supply to the affected area and call a professional.

Circuit breakers tripping persistently

Circuit breakers trip or disconnect power when they sense current overload. Usually, circuit breaker tripping results from faulty appliances and won’t happen too often.

If a circuit trips persistently, it signals an underlying issue in the wiring system. One possible cause is exposed wires. The other one is power overload due to increased power needs in the household to a level that the wiring system can’t match. In either case, calling a professional to check the issue is the safest action.

Discolored switches and outlets

When a wiring system works correctly, the switches and outlets should not get discolored. However, black and brown marks appear on the outlet when there’s a loose wiring connection. The “arching” produces tiny sparks that mildly burn the outlet and switch surfaces. Not only that, a burning smell may accompany the discoloration.

In situations like this, an electric fire can break out unexpectedly. Homeowners should avoid using the outlets and switches in this condition and seek the attention of a licensed electrician.

Keep the house safe

Knowing when a wiring system needs replacement helps a homeowner take the right action before the problem escalates. A homeowner should contact a professional after spotting any sign of a faulty wiring system.

ACT Electric performs quality, licensed, bonded work at affordable prices for residential and commercial services. From troubleshooting to whole-house electrical renovations, our primary concern is the comfort and safety of our customers. Give us a call at (480)986-1722 today!