Having an electrical installation is essential, but when it is in poor condition, it can represent a great risk. That is why you must be attentive to the signs to make the necessary change and improve it.
What is an electrical installation?
When we refer to an electrical installation, we are referring to the cables, devices, and connections that conduct energy. This goes from the supply point to those control points within a given space.
This type of work includes:
- A distribution board or board
- The plugs
- Switches
- Luminaires and other elements
Its function is to ensure the efficient and safe use of electricity on site. So it is necessary to keep them in the best possible condition.
However, when it is not designed correctly or not adequately maintained, failures can occur. Therefore, to identify these signs, you must know how to recognize each one that indicates it is not entirely safe.
5 Signs That Something Isn’t Right
It’s essential to notice visible signs in your home, office, or business. This may help you determine when a professional review is necessary. So, take note of these indications.
1. Frequent power outages or tripping circuit breakers
Circuit breakers usually jump constantly or cut the power to the circuit when there are faults. This occurs when certain appliances are connected, an overload signal is generated, or a short circuit occurs.
These interruptions are not regular at all and are protective mechanisms that are activated. So, pay attention, they may be warning you that something is not right with the type of assembly.
2. Burning smell or plugs that are hot
Faulty electrical installations can generate characteristic odors. This is what the clear indication of overheating in the circuit indicates. Among the smells that will give you an indication that something is wrong are:
- A constant smell of burnt plastic in outlets or switches.
- Smell of burnt rubber on the connectors of this material.
- Sometimes it can be a fish-like smell.
If you notice that a plug is hot when you touch it, stop using it immediately. Contact an electrician to help you with loose connections or damaged wires.
3. Lights flashing or dimming
There are indications that the load distribution is incorrect or that there are issues with the internal assembly. Some signs may include the following:
- Spotlights flickering for no reason.
- The intensity of the light dims by the moment.
- Bulbs are frequently damaged.
In some cases, the issue may be due to a fault in the external network. However, if it’s something that happens frequently in your home, it’s a sign that something internal is going on. Pay attention when connecting other appliances at home.
| According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical fires account for nearly 13% of all residential fires in the United States. Many of them due to old facilities. |
4. Check the condition of any plugs or cables you have
A serious sign of an electrical fault is finding melted wires or black plugs. Black marks or scorched wires are a sign that something is amiss with the electricity in the area.
This can be due to different overloads that are constant in place or different electric arcs that may occur. It is essential to pay attention to this to prevent a fire from occurring due to excessive overheating.
When you see this happening, never use that plug or demand more electricity from the cable with black markings. Try as much as possible not to use it until you can solve this problem with the help of a specialist.
5. You may have an old net, or it may not be grounded
We conclude this list with a common mistake: current standards may not be complied with. This occurs in houses or places that are more than 30 years old and have not undergone a proper network update.
Many of the older systems are not grounded or lack differential protectors. This increases the risk of electrocution in the place.
Likely, this system is not prepared to support the number of modern appliances currently in use. Consumption is higher, so the risk is constantly growing in these cases.
Ensure safety with properly maintained electrical installations at home, office, or business
With the signs above, your electrical installation can be kept much safer. Electricity is a vital resource, so mishandling it can cause irreparable harm.
If you have noticed any of the signs we mentioned, do not let them pass you by; take action. Consult with certified professionals who can make the necessary revisions and adjustments.
Investing in a good assembly will ensure that everything is protected, both your home and your loved ones. It is better to be safe than sorry in this type of case, and the signs will be your guide.