Circuit & Wiring Services 

Signs of faulty wiring

If you encounter any of the following, your wiring may be faulty and you need to shut off power to this area of your house and call a skilled electrician like those at The Wire Doctors.

• Burnt outlets, strange smells

Visual and olfactory clues of burning can indicate a serious wiring problem in dire need of repair. Electrical arcing, like miniature lightning, happens when the voltage difference between the live or “hot” wire in your home jumps to a lower voltage or lower resistance area where it doesn’t belong, and this much energy somewhere that can’t handle it can cause fires. Signs of burning like scorched outlets, smoke, or burning smells are very serious.

• Strange sounds and warm outlets

If your wall or outlet is vibrating or making vibrating sounds, this can be a sign of a major issue. Buzzing, popping, vibrating, and extra warmth can be a sign of electricity being somewhere it doesn’t belong. You should shut off the circuit breaker switch to the affected area immediately and call an electrician.

• Rodents, frayed wires

If you hear scurrying in the walls or attic or find rodent fecal matter, it may be worth calling an electrician. Rodents love to chew electrical wiring, not something we recommend you try, and damage to wires can lead to serious problems. Rodents aren’t the only cause. Screws and nails from hanging art, shelves, or a wall-mounted TV can also damage wiring.

Electrical issues can be urgent and should not be put off. If you run into any of these issues, we recommend calling your local The Wire Doctors electrician to diagnose and repair your home’s wiring.