Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection In Pittsburgh, PA

Two-Pronged Outlets

One of the most obvious signs that your home may have outdated electrical wiring is the presence of two-pronged outlets. These outlets are a clear indicator that your electrical system is not up to current safety standards. Two-pronged outlets lack the grounding necessary to protect your home and devices from electrical surges, which can lead to shock hazards and increased fire risk.

In 1969, electrical codes were updated to require three-pronged outlets for increased safety. If your home still has two-pronged outlets, it is definitely time to schedule an electrical inspection. A professional electrician can assess whether your home’s wiring needs to be upgraded to accommodate three-pronged outlets, ensuring that your home is safer and compliant with modern electrical standards.

Lights Flicker When Appliances Turn On

Have you noticed that your lights flicker or dim when you turn on certain appliances? This is a common issue that should not be ignored. Flickering lights can be a sign of various electrical problems, including overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or outdated electrical panels. In some cases, it may simply be a matter of too many devices being connected to a single circuit, but it could also indicate a more serious underlying issue. Faulty light switches, for example, can cause your lights to flicker and, in extreme cases, overheat and catch fire. If you experience frequent flickering lights when using appliances, it’s essential to have a professional electrician conduct an inspection to identify and address the root cause of the problem.

Circuit Breakers Frequently Trip

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by cutting off the power supply when there’s an overload or a short circuit. However, if your circuit breakers frequently trip, it could indicate that your electrical system is struggling to meet the demands of your household. While moving some appliances to different circuits may temporarily solve the problem, it’s crucial to have an electrical inspection to determine the underlying cause. Frequent breaker trips could be a sign that your home’s electrical system needs an upgrade to handle the increased load, especially if you’ve added new appliances or electronics in recent years. An electrical inspection will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your system’s capacity and ensure that it’s capable of safely handling your household’s electrical demands.

Switches or Outlets Feel Warm

Another clear sign that you need an electrical inspection is if your switches or outlets feel warm to the touch. This could indicate that too much energy is being demanded from a particular area of your electrical system, leading to overheating. Warm outlets or switches could be caused by damaged wiring, a broken infrastructure, or an incorrectly sized fuse or circuit breaker. If left unchecked, warm outlets or switches can lead to more severe problems, such as electrical fires. An electrical inspection can help identify the cause of the overheating and allow a professional electrician to take the necessary steps to correct the issue before it becomes a safety hazard.

Burning Smell

A burning smell in your home is never something to ignore, especially when it comes from your electrical system. Most electrical fires have a distinctive smell, often described as the acrid scent of burning plastic. This smell is usually caused by a short circuit in an outlet or wiring within the wall, leading to the melting of plastic insulation. If you notice a burning smell when using your home appliances, it’s crucial to act immediately. Turn off the power to the affected area and contact an electrician to inspect your system. Electrical fires can spread quickly and cause significant damage, so it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible.

Outdated Electrical Panel

If your home is more than 20 years old and still has its original electrical panel, it may be time for an upgrade. Older electrical panels may not be equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern households, which often include multiple appliances, electronics, and devices.

Signs that your electrical panel may be outdated include frequently tripped circuit breakers, buzzing or humming sounds from the panel, and visible rust or corrosion. An outdated panel can lead to insufficient power supply, increased risk of electrical fires, and damage to your appliances. An electrical inspection can help determine whether your panel needs to be replaced or upgraded to ensure that it meets current safety standards and can handle your household’s electrical needs.

Outlets That Don’t Work

If you have outlets in your home that don’t work or only work intermittently, it could be a sign of a more significant electrical issue. Non-functioning outlets can be caused by loose wiring, damaged circuits, or faulty connections. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, ignoring non-functioning outlets can lead to more severe problems, such as electrical shocks or fires. An electrical inspection can help identify the cause of the problem and ensure that all of your outlets are functioning correctly and safely. A professional electrician can also assess whether your home has enough outlets to meet your needs and recommend any necessary upgrades.

Buzzing or Humming Sounds

Buzzing or humming sounds coming from your electrical system are often signs that something is wrong. These noises can indicate loose wiring, faulty connections, or issues with your circuit breaker. Electrical components should operate silently, so any unusual sounds should be investigated promptly. If you hear buzzing or humming sounds from your outlets, switches, or electrical panel, it’s essential to schedule an electrical inspection. An electrician can identify the source of the noise and take the necessary steps to correct the issue, preventing potential hazards.