How to Determine the Severity of a Circuit Issue
Flickering lights in your home might be nothing to worry about. Of course, it could be a sign that your circuits are overloaded or that there is an electrical fire somewhere behind a wall. Luckily, there are a few ways in which you can tell whether a circuit issue is something that you can get around to fixing later or if you need help immediately.
How Frequent Is the Problem?
Lights might flicker when an appliance turns on or when you’re charging something like an electric vehicle. This is because those items require a significant amount of power, which has to come from somewhere.
In scenarios such as these, you don’t have anything to worry about. At most, you might want to consider adding more circuits to your electrical box or taking other steps to upgrade your home’s electrical system.
However, if the lights in your house are frequently dimming or flickering, it could be caused by a short or another serious problem. You should call for help right away to prevent serious damage to your home that could cost thousands of dollars or more to repair.
Do You Hear or Smell Anything Out of the Ordinary?
If you notice a burning or melted plastic type of smell coming from an outlet, it is a likely sign of heat buildup or an ongoing fire. It is critical that you call someone for assistance right away.
It’s worth noting that a light switch or dimmer unit may be hot if a light has been on for several hours. In such a scenario, you can get away with waiting a few minutes to see if it cools off. Otherwise, it’s still in your best interest to call for help as you may be dealing with an emergency situation.
The same is true if you hear a buzzing, popping or cracking noise coming from an outlet. This could be a sign of a short, issues with a wire or the possibility that your circuits are overloaded.
How Old Is Your Home’s Wiring?
If the wiring in your home is more than 30 years old, it’s generally a good idea to have it replaced. This is especially true if you think or know that the wiring is made from aluminum instead of copper. Generally speaking, aluminum is less resistant to heat, and it was a popular choice to install in homes around 30 to 40 years ago.
Therefore, it’s likely that your aluminum wires have aged out and should be taken care of even if you think that they are in good condition. In some cases, buzzing noises, odd smells or flickering lights can be caused by frayed wires or loose connections.
Any issues related to wiring need to be addressed by a professional. In most areas, you won’t be able to get a permit to rewire your home unless the work is done by a contractor or someone who has a license.
Who Did the Work Previously?
If your home has had a lot of DIY work on it, there is a good chance that you or someone else made some key mistakes. Generally speaking, homeowners don’t have the tools, experience or understanding of electrical systems to perform work on their own properly or safely.
Therefore, if you notice a weird noise or see something unusual after fixing a wire or upgrading the electrical panel, call for help. A team member from Mister Sparky will be glad to assist and take care of any errors that you or others made before you.
If you are in need of residential electrical repair services, don’t hesitate to call the team at Mister Sparky. Remember, you won’t deal with any malarky with Mister Sparky. Instead, you’ll work with a team of professionals who can get the job done right in a timely and affordable manner.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Serious Is My Circuit Issue?
Is it normal for lights to flicker when I turn on an appliance?
Yes, occasional flickering when a high-power appliance like an EV charger kicks on is generally harmless. You may want to consider upgrading your electrical system, but it’s not an emergency.
When should flickering lights be treated as urgent?
If your lights are frequently dimming or flickering without an obvious cause, it could signal a short or other serious problem. Call an electrician right away to avoid costly damage.
What do strange smells or sounds mean?
A burning or melted plastic smell near an outlet likely indicates heat buildup or a fire call for help immediately. Buzzing, popping, or cracking sounds can point to a short, faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits and should also be checked out promptly.
Does the age of my home’s wiring matter?
Absolutely. Wiring older than 30 years, especially aluminum wiring is more prone to failure and should be inspected or replaced by a licensed professional, even if no obvious problems are present.
Can I fix electrical issues myself?
It’s strongly discouraged. DIY electrical work often leads to mistakes that can create safety hazards. Most areas also require a licensed contractor to obtain permits for rewiring. Always call a professional for anything beyond the most basic tasks.
