How Can You Check for Bad Wiring in Your Home?

Protect Your Suffolk County Home with These Simple Tips

The Importance of Checking the Wiring in Your Suffolk County, NY Home

Electricity is often taken for granted, yet it powers our homes, workplaces, and essentially our lives. However, faulty or outdated wiring can transform this modern-day necessity into a potential hazard. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of residential fires across the country.

 
Checking your wiring on a regular basis can be the difference between a safe, well-lit home and a potential disaster. So, if you’re a resident of Suffolk County, NY, this blog is for you! We’re going to discuss why it’s crucial to keep a vigilant eye on your home’s electrical system and the role an experienced electrician plays in maintaining it. Strap in and get ready to enlighten yourself about the importance of home wiring maintenance!

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Identifying Bad Wiring in Your Home

Faulty electrical wiring is a silent danger that could lead to severe consequences, including fires, electrical shocks, and other potential hazards. As a homeowner, recognizing the signs of bad wiring is essential to home safety. The following are some tell-tale signs of trouble with the electrical wiring in your Suffolk County, NY home.

  • Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: Your circuit breaker is designed to protect your home from electrical overloads. If it frequently trips, it’s a sign that your home’s electrical system works harder than it should, potentially due to bad wiring.
  • Flickering or Dimming Lights: This could be a symptom of an overloaded circuit, poor wiring, or a problem with your electrical panel.
  • Discolored or Warm Outlets: Discolored or warm outlets clearly indicate an underlying electrical problem that needs immediate attention.
  • Burning Smell or Sparks: If you notice a burning smell or see sparks coming from your outlets, switch off your main power and contact an electrician immediately.
  • Buzzing Noises: Electrical systems should operate quietly. If you hear a buzzing sound, it could be a sign of bad wiring.

    Now that you know the signs, let’s look at how to check for bad wiring in your home.
Burned electrical outlet open from wall

How to Check for Bad Wiring in Your Home

Checking for lousy wiring requires a keen eye and some electrical knowledge. However, it’s crucial to remember that dealing with electricity can be dangerous. If you’re uncomfortable or uncertain, hiring a professional electrician is always best. The team of certified electricians at Fielack Electric is always available to assist you with all your needs, so don’t hesitate to call us.

With that said, here are some simple steps that you can take to inspect the electrical wiring that powers your Suffolk County, NY home:

  • Inspect Your Outlets and Switches: Look for discoloration, a burnt smell, or any warmth when they’re in use. For example, if you notice a strange odor emanating from your outlets or if your switch plates feel hot to the touch, those are surefire signs something is amiss and needs to be addressed. 
  • Pay Attention to Your Lights: If any lights in your Suffolk County, NY home appear to be flickering or dimming for no apparent reason, there may be a problem with the electrical wiring.
  • Listen for Unusual Sounds: Buzzing or sizzling sounds are not normal and a definite cause for concern, as these sounds could indicate a serious underlying problem with your electrical wiring.
  • Check Your Electrical Panel: Old, corroded, and otherwise damaged electrical panels can lead to wiring issues. If your board needs to be updated or appears in poor condition, it’s time to consult an electrician.

What Are the Proper Ways to Handle an Electrical Emergency?

If you suspect an electrical emergency, the safety of your Suffolk County home – and, more importantly, your family – should be your top priority. Suppose you’re experiencing any of the problems highlighted above or any other issue with your electrical wiring. In that case, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and treat the situation as an emergency. Here are some simple steps you can take:

  • Do Not Touch Anything: Remember that electricity is extremely powerful and can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. If you suspect an electrical problem, keep a safe distance.
  • Shut Off Power: Carefully assess the situation. If you’re certain that it’s safe to do so, shut off the power at the circuit breaker. 
  • Evacuate the Premises: If you aren’t 100 percent sure that the situation is safe or there’s a risk of fire, evacuate your Suffolk County, NY home immediately and dial 911.
  • Call a Professional: Once you’re certain that everyone is safe, contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

Why You Need a Professional Electrician

When it comes to electrical issues, DIY is not an option. Electrical work is complicated and has the potential to be extremely dangerous, so it’s always best to hire a professional electrician. Whether it’s an emergency or you just want to have your wiring inspected, you can count on the team at Fielack Electric to assist you with all of your needs.

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Contact Fielack Electric Today!

Since there are unknowns during inspections, safety is necessary. Fielack Electric’s electricians are aware of potential problems, how to turn on and off your power safely, and what needs to be done to make repairs. They can also inform you of possible long-term system safety improvements through an inspection.

Contact Fielack Electric in Long Island, NY, if you believe your residential or commercial property could benefit from an electrician survey. We offer a range of electrical services, including inspecting and repairing improper conductor-sized runs to ensure that your system is in excellent condition