Have you heard a buzzing near your light switches? Any burnt smells? We find it extremely important to help families stay safe and protect their cherished belongings. This week, we are continuing the discussion when it is necessary for wiring repairs and replacement.
In review:
Last time you dropped by, we shared warning signs you need full-house wiring replacement. Those include:
- buzzing outlets
- warm or hot plugs once unplugged
- discolored light switch plates, plugs, or chords
- bulbs burnout too quickly
- loose outlets
- dimming or flickering lights
Buzzing outlets, burnt odors, and warm devices may be pointing to other wiring issues such as loose connections and short circuits.
More serious signs of overload circuits:
Very severe signs you need wiring replacement, and possibly full-house wiring replacement, include the following:
- burning odors coming from switches and outlets
- scorched plugs or outlets
- warm or hot outlet covers
- sparks when plugging in gadgets
These warning signs are more serious than the others we have discussed in previous weeks. This is not because the others are not as dangerous, but these may be signs there may be a fire soon. Heat and sparks are nothing to put off.
Let’s talk about why these warning signs are not to be ignored. Burning odors coming from switches and outlets means temperatures are hot somewhere. A source of heat coming from outlets mean there is too much energy flowing through that outlet, and the outlet cannot endure that amount of current. The excess power is transferred into heat and requires wiring repairs.
Power tools, electronics, and appliances may not seem to be working as usual. They may lack sufficient power which is a sing the outlet either cannot handle these appliances, meaning the wiring may be outdated for modern appliances. Unusually warm devices may indicate alternate wiring problems which require wiring repairs.
Home circuits:
To temporarily prevent overloading your circuits, until Sanford Electric‘s electricians can replace your wiring, learn your home’s circuits with mapping. Mapping your home’s circuits is the first step to prevent electrical circuit overload. With this mapping, you can learn which circuits can power your devices.
In a home’s wiring, a circuit usually indicates a group of lights or receptacles. Every circuit can be traced from its beginning in the service panel or sub panel through multiple fixtures, receptacles, or appliances. An electrical panel is a steel box that encases multiple circuit breakers wired to circuits that distribute power to different parts of the home.
You may also hear the electrical panel referred to as a breaker panel, breaker box, or service panel. These are all referring to the same spot in your home which help you map out your home’s circuits. Your home’s electrical panel may have an electrician’s or former homeowner’s notating which circuit breakers connected to different circuits.
If you do not see any labels or notations, it is very useful to map these out. Even if you do see labels, or notions, it is a great idea to double check their accuracy. This will be of great use to you if you need to quickly shut off or reset the circuit breakers. The same goes for panels with fuses.
So, to obtain a map of your home’s circuits, call Sanford Electric Company II, Inc. to send out an electrician. He or she can do this for you and explain it all afterwards, or they may do it with you watching. You will have a good understanding of your home’s electrical layout.
For thorough mapping, make a sketch of the home’s layout. Make notes of which breaker number correlates with each light and receptacle throughout the house. Mapping the house should be done with a professional in the daylight.
You will notice after the mapping process that receptacles are on separate circuits from lighting and major appliances. Washing machines, microwaves, electric ovens, and electric dryers are examples of major appliances.
Next week, we are going to continue this discussion. We look forward to having you back! Remember to call our office with absolutely any questions you have. We are here to help!
Staff Writer
