6 Signs You Need an Electrical Safety Inspection: Stay Safe

When was the last time you had your home's electrical system inspected? Experts recommend you have your home inspected at least every five years.

Letting your electrical system operate without ensuring its safety can lead to numerous problems in your home. Electrical fires and shocks may await homeowners who do not take care of their electrical systems.

However, there are times when it may be prudent to have a safety inspection before the five years is up. Constantly tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, warm outlets and a burning smell are just a few of the electrical safety concerns that show you may need an emergency inspection.

So, let’s take a look at those six signs and a few more.

1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

When a circuit breaker trips, it cuts off the electrical flow to your home. A circuit breaker trips when it detects an electrical overload or a short circuit. So if your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, it means something is going wrong somewhere.

There are a few possible causes of overloads and short circuits, such as:

• Faulty wiring: Damaged or deteriorated insulation on wires can expose the conductors, leading to unintended contact and creating a short circuit.
• Water exposure: Electrical circuits exposed to moisture or water can create a path for electricity to flow unintentionally, causing a short circuit.
• Faulty appliances: Appliances with electrical faults can cause short circuits when plugged in.
• Overloading outlets: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip can exceed the circuit’s capacity, causing an overload.

An electrical safety inspection can find the true source of the tripping circuit breakers. Professional inspectors will ensure that your system can return to being trip-free.

2. Outdated Electrical Wiring

Times change. What was once considered acceptable can now be considered outdated as standards change. This is the case with electrical wiring. Over time, safety standards have changed and older forms of wiring are no longer considered safe for use.

Despite this, many homes are still full of this kind of electrical wiring, either because of their age, or because someone ignored the safety standards. Over time, this wiring can deteriorate, leading to it becoming exposed and frayed. This increases the likelihood of household fires and electrical shocks to the occupants.

Additionally, modern electrical appliances demand more power from electrical installations and fittings, and older types of wiring may not be able to keep up with this load. If you suspect that your home may be using these old, outdated wires then ensure you book in for an electrical inspection as soon as you are able.

3. Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are one of the most annoying indicators of electrical problems. While a single flickering light may just require a new lightbulb, consistent and widespread flickering indicates a much deeper issue with your electrical system.

This issue could be caused by many things, such as loose wiring, an overloaded circuit or faulty connection to the electrical system. If you notice your lights flickering, and it isn’t solved by changing to a new bulb, then contact an electrician immediately for electrical safety checks.

4. Warm Powerpoints and Switches

Warm powerpoints and switches are a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s why you should consider an electrical safety inspection if you notice this issue:

• Overheating components: When a powerpoint or switch feels warm to the touch, it could indicate that the electrical components inside are overheating. This can happen due to worn-out wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit.
• Fire hazard: Overheating can cause the insulation around the wiring to melt, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Regularly checking the temperature of your powerpoints and switches can help you spot potential dangers early.
• Circuit overload: If you’ve recently added new appliances or devices to your home, the electrical circuit might be struggling to handle the increased load, causing the switches and powerpoints to overheat.
• Worn-out wiring: Over time, wiring can degrade, leading to increased resistance in the electrical circuit. This resistance generates heat, which can cause the components in your powerpoints and switches to warm up.

If you notice any warmth coming from your powerpoints or switches, it’s time to schedule an electrical safety inspection to prevent potential hazards.

5. Burning Smell

If you ever smell smoke in your home, it’s probably not a good sign. This is especially true if the smell is coming from your power points. This burning smell coming from a power point indicates a strong risk of an electrical fire in your home. The smell likely means that either your circuits are overloaded, or your wiring is faulty.

When you first notice the smell, act quickly. Turn off the power to that area of your home, and ensure there are no appliances plugged into that outlet. Then, immediately get in contact with a professional. This professional will be able to fully assess your electrical system and help fix whatever is going on behind your powerpoints.

6. Blown Fuses and Bulbs

Blown fuses and bulbs are more than just a nuisance − they could be signalling a deeper electrical problem in your home. Here’s why you should pay attention:

• Frequent occurrence: If you find yourself constantly replacing blown fuses or bulbs, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right with your electrical system. This could indicate overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.
• Electrical overload: Fuses blow when there’s too much current flowing through the circuit. If this happens regularly, it could mean that your system is struggling to handle the demand, potentially leading to more serious issues.
• Faulty wiring: Worn-out or damaged wiring can cause short circuits, leading to blown fuses and bulbs. This is not only inconvenient but also a fire hazard that needs immediate attention.
• Incompatible bulbs: Using bulbs with the wrong wattage can also cause them to blow out quickly. However, if you’re using the correct bulbs and they still keep blowing, it’s time to investigate further.

If blown fuses and bulbs are becoming a regular issue, it’s essential to schedule an electrical safety inspection to ensure your home is safe and functioning properly.

Trust the Professionals

If any of the signs mentioned in this article start occurring in your home, don’t wait, call a professional to perform a full safety inspection. The issues mentioned above may seem minor on their own, but over time they can grow into major issues, such as electrical fires or electrocution risks.

A professional will be able to fully analyse your electrical system and not just the affected area to find out what is going on behind the scenes. An expert can identify and rectify issues, ensuring your home’s electrical system remains safe, efficient, and up to code. Don’t wait until a disaster occurs, put safety first and get an electrical safety inspection soon.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.