If you're having persistent electrical problems throughout your home, your wiring system may be unable to handle the amount of electricity you use. There are a few warning signs that your wiring is not up to par. If you're experiencing any of the issues stated below, it's best to call an electrician to inspect your wiring system to see if it needs to be updated or replaced.

1. Your Old Home Still Uses Original Wiring

If your home is over 70 years old, its electrical wiring is likely inadequate for today's needs. Not only might it be an outdated knob and tube wiring or problematic aluminum wiring, but even if it is newer, it may not be sufficient for today's technology. To determine if your wiring needs to be updated, check to see if your bathrooms and kitchens have GFCI outlets, if your outlets are two or three prongs, and if you need to use power strips to plug in all your devices. All of these are indicators that rewiring your home may be necessary.

2. Your Circuits Trip Constantly 

If a circuit breaker trips consistently, it could be a sign that the system is experiencing too much strain. This could result from an electrical fault, an excess voltage, or too many electrical fixtures running in the same circuit. If only one circuit trips often, the issue might be resolved by simply redistributing the electrical items to different outlets. However, if multiple circuits are affected, it could point to a larger problem with the wiring. In either case, it should be addressed to avoid a hazardous situation.

3. Your Outlets Overheat, Burn, or Are Discolored

If your outlets are giving off smoke and sparks or have melted plastic components or discolored faceplates, then it is a sign that the wiring in the outlets is overheating. This could be due to worn-down wires or an overload of electricity. The heat could wear away the protective covers between the outlets and the wires, showing the bare wires underneath. 

If these wires are exposed, they can spark, smoke, or even contact each other, which is extremely dangerous. If you experience this, it is important to contact a professional for rewiring as soon as possible.

4. Your Lights Dim or Flicker

If your lights flicker and dim when they're in use, or if you can't get them to produce a sufficient amount of light even when you increase the wattage on the bulbs, it could be a wiring issue. It's likely that your electrical system isn't providing enough voltage for your lights, either due to a lack of power or because you're using other devices simultaneously. 

Also, wires that aren't working correctly can cause the bulbs to burn out faster. Rewiring can solve these problems and provide a more consistent and reliable lighting system for your home.

Conclusion

Rewiring your home is an important part of home maintenance and should not be overlooked. If you are experiencing any of the four signs discussed above, it is likely time to call in a professional electrician to rewire your home. This is especially true if you live in an older home since wiring may be outdated and potentially unsafe. Taking the initiative to inspect your home's wiring and make necessary repairs can save you the hassle of dealing with an electrical fire in the future.

B-Town Electric is a local electrician in Hampshire County, MA, specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services. We have been a proud member of the Better Business Bureau since 2011 and have an A+ rating. We are OSHA 10 certified and also a lead safe renovator-supervisor. 

From small residential jobs to large commercial and industrial electrical projects, we can provide expert electrical service. If you need home electrical services in Hampden County, MA, get in touch with us today!