Electricity is something most of us take for granted. When you need it, you turn to the nearest switch or outlet, and there it is, ready to serve you 24/7. It illuminates our homes, keeps them cool or warm and powers all those appliances that are an integral part of our everyday lives.
Yet that electric energy faithfully serving us is also a potential source of destruction. According to the Electricity Safety Foundation International, electrical malfunctions cause more than 50,000 mostly preventable house fires every year.
Many electrical fire dangers are hidden within the walls of your house. However, if you know how to spot the warning signs, you can make proactive — and less expensive — repairs that will also help protect your home in the long run. Here are 10 ways to spot common issues and what to do about them
1. Unfamiliar or funny odors
A new appliance might produce an unfamiliar odor upon first being installed. This could be due to the appliance's paint, finish or some other superficial issue. But should you detect an odd smell coming from an electrical outlet, unplug anything connected to it, and don’t use it again until a qualified electrician has checked it. Additionally, if your breaker panel or fuse box is emitting an odd odor, call an electrician immediately.
2. Arc faults
Arc faults occur when an electrical circuit veers off its intended path, often through a breach in the wiring. They are a frequent cause of electrical fires. However, arc faults are preventable through the installation of a device called an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). A professional electrician can install AFCIs. While they can be a bit pricey, the outlay is probably worth it, especially in older homes where the electrical wiring may have degraded.
3. Counterfeit electrical products
If you’ve ever gone to a flea market and seen vendors selling things like extension cords, power strips and night lights at ridiculously low prices, beware. There's a strong possibility that they are counterfeit or not up to either industry or government standards and incredibly dangerous. Purchase your electrical products from reputable, established dealers, and always check to make sure the product bears a seal from the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
4. Warm or sparking outlets and switches
If your light switches are warm to the touch or an outlet is sparking, call a professional electrician immediately to see if your wiring needs repairs or the fixture should be replaced.
5. Buzzing sounds
Your outlets and switches should operate silently. If you hear any buzzing, cracking or sizzling sounds when you flip a switch or plug into an outlet, turn off the power to that fixture immediately and consult a professional electrician.
