Signs you have an issue with your home’s wiring.
The Importance of Your Home’s Electrical Wiring
Your home's wiring is one of the most critical components of its electrical system. If your electrical panel is the heart of your system, then wiring acts as the veins, delivering power throughout your home—just as blood circulates through your body. However, because wiring is hidden behind walls, it’s often overlooked, which can be a serious issue, especially in older homes that haven’t had an inspection in years.
The good news? If your home needs rewiring, you can count on the experienced electricians at Sheep Electrical Service & Solutions to handle the job quickly and efficiently. Below, we’ve outlined five key warning signs of potential wiring issues. If you notice any of these, don’t hesitate to call our experts for professional electrical services.
Warning Signs of Electrical Wiring Problems
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Occasionally tripping a circuit breaker is normal—it means the system is doing its job by stopping excess electrical current. However, if one or more breakers trip frequently, you may have a wiring issue. Before calling an electrician, check whether too many appliances are plugged into a single outlet, as overloads are a common cause of breaker trips. If the problem persists despite reducing the load, your wiring could be to blame, and it’s time for a professional inspection.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker or dim occasionally during storms or when using high-power appliances aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if your lights frequently flicker even when using everyday electronics, your wiring may be struggling to handle the electrical load. This could be an early sign of faulty or outdated wiring that needs attention.
Buzzing Noises from Outlets
In residential settings, you should never hear a buzzing or humming sound coming from your outlets. Electrical buzzing could indicate a wiring issue, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit. If you notice this noise, call an electrician immediately to diagnose and resolve the problem before it leads to more serious electrical hazards.
Burning Smell or Hot Outlets
A burning odor near your outlets is a major red flag. When wiring overheats, it can melt the plastic around outlets, causing scorch marks or discoloration. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, a burning smell or hot-to-the-touch outlets could indicate sparking behind the wall. If you detect this, turn off power to the affected area and contact an electrician immediately—ignoring this warning could lead to an electrical fire.
Frayed or Damaged Wiring
Over time, wiring can deteriorate due to sparking, water exposure, construction work, or even rodent damage (rats and mice often chew on electrical wires). When the protective coating wears down, the exposed wires can arc, increasing the risk of sparks or fires. Because wiring is hidden, it’s often difficult to assess its condition. If your home is several decades old or hasn’t been inspected in years, schedule a professional inspection to ensure your wiring is safe and up to code.
Call Sheep Electrical Service & Solutions for Expert Wiring Services
Electrical wiring issues can be dangerous, but they’re also preventable with regular inspections and maintenance. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your home, don’t wait—contact Sheep Electric today for professional, reliable service. Our team is committed to keeping your home safe and powered efficiently.