Electricity is something we often overlook until it’s unavailable. Those who have experienced a lengthy power outage can truly relate to this. However, not all electrical issues stem from major disruptions. You might notice that your domestic electrical system is struggling to meet your demands due to increased electrical consumption.
This can lead to issues like overloaded sockets, and tripped circuit breakers. As more of us shift to working from home and start using more devices such as laptops, printers, screens, and televisions, there’s a chance you’ll start noticing indications that your electrical system requires an upgrade. Let’s identify five indicators that your system could use an upgrade.
Tripping Circuit Breakers
A common and clear indication of an issue with your electrical system is when a circuit breaker trips. Imagine making coffee and toasting bread, but everything goes off when you switch on the microwave. This signifies that the specific circuit supplying power to your kitchen cannot meet the demand.
The immediate and seemingly easiest solution might be to replace the kitchen’s circuit breaker with a higher capacity one. However, this could lead to further issues if the existing wiring in your kitchen isn’t equipped to manage the increased load.
If you’re frequently dealing with tripped circuit breakers, it’s best to seek advice from a professional electrician or contractor to consider all possible solutions. While swapping the circuit breaker might seem like an easy fix, it could also be necessary to introduce an additional circuit or upgrade your wiring to effectively address the issue.
A Burning Smell
Detecting a scent of something burning from your electrical system is a crucial red flag that your system may need an upgrade. This smell often arises when there’s a potential failure in your circuit breaker panel. Ignoring this could result in disastrous consequences like a house fire, damaging not only your property but also risking your neighbors’ homes.
The pungent burning odor is typically a result of overheated plastic or wood materials. More precisely, it could be the plastic covering of your electrical wires melting or the wood and insulation in your walls getting scorched. These signs are serious and indicate an urgent need for replacing your electrical panel. If you ever detect such odors, do not delay. Get parts from companies like Bay Power for a much-needed upgrade of your system.
Dimming Lights
When your lights flicker or dim as you use an appliance or any high-powered item, it clearly indicates that your electrical system requires an upgrade. This dimming suggests that the electricity usage surpasses the capacity of your existing system. This issue is often observed in houses with outdated wiring or multiple outlets linked to a single circuit. The problem escalates when you acquire additional high-amp appliances for your system.
You See Sparks
It’s fairly normal to see tiny sparks when you connect something into a power socket, but it’s important to be alert to the size and regularity of these sparks. If you spot persistent or big sparks emanating from your socket, this is a distinct signal that there may be a problem with your electrical network. The issue could stem from a wiring or outlet malfunction, but it’s advisable to take this cautionary sign seriously and employ a qualified electrician for an evaluation.
Discolored Outlet
If you observe any color changes or what seems to be scorch marks on or around any of your power sockets, this could imply a significant problem with your electrical infrastructure. This discoloration usually signifies an occurrence of high temperatures within the sockets, suggesting that your circuits may be bearing more current than intended. Sockets exposed to high heat can malfunction, resulting in spark generation and a possible fire risk.
Endnote
Upgrading your electrical system can instantly increase your property’s value, improve your reliability and safety, and make any space feel modern and up-to-date. So if you see any of the five signs discussed above in your home or business, investing in an upgrade is best to ensure it meets current standards and regulations.
