2 Easy-To-Miss Signs Your Home's Wiring Needs Immediate Professional Attention

Posted on: 29 June 2021

When you think about finding possible issues with your home's wiring, you may think about the usual, noticeable signs that there is a problem. Such signs as flickering lights or continuously tripped breakers may be the obvious signs for you that you need to call in an electrician.

However, even before you notice these obvious signs, there are some indications that you may not notice easily. Below are a couple of easy-to-miss signs that your home's wiring is having serious issues and, therefore, needs immediate professional attention.

1.  Crackling or Buzzing Noises Heard Coming from Inside the Walls 

One sign of problems with your home's electrical wiring that is easy to miss is the presence of crackling or buzzing noises coming from inside of the walls. Especially if your home constantly has electronic devices and fans running, you will usually not detect these sounds unless you place your ear directly on different areas of the wall.

Normally, wiring has a protective coating that keeps the electrical current contained within the wrapping. If this coating becomes damaged because of the rubber or plastic rubbing off, or if a wire becomes frayed or broken, the current will arc outside of the wire.

As the electricity arcs, it can create crackling or buzzing noises, especially if the damage is severe. If you hear one of these sounds, call a professional right away.

2.  Radiating Heat Felt Coming off of the Outlet and Switch Plates 

Another sign that you may not notice is heat that radiates off of the surfaces of the outlet and switch plates. A break in the same coating that causes electrical arcs inside of the walls can also make the faceplates heat up if the damaged area is close to them.

If the faceplates are getting warm, chances are that the wood, insulation, and drywall around them are heating up as well. This poses a serious fire hazard, so if you do notice the plates heating up, you need to have them looked at right away.

If you notice either or both of the signs above after carefully inspecting the walls and faceplates in your home, these are indicators that there may be bare, frayed, or broken wires in the electrical system. If left alone without being seen by a professional, they could lead to serious issues, including posing electrocution and/or fire hazards. As soon as you suspect that something is seriously wrong with your home's wiring, contact an electrician near you that offers residential electrical services to have them conduct a full inspection so that they can fix any issues that they may find.

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