An aging home requires ongoing upkeep, from updating old appliances to replacing the roof. Your electrical wiring is no different. With over 50,000 electrical fires reported in the U.S. each year, old or faulty wiring presents a major safety concern. You'll want to work with professional "electric electricians near me" to ensure your home's electrical system can deliver the goods safely.
Need professional electrical repairs fast? The team at Randy's Electric is fully trained, licensed and insured to meet your needs. With nearly two decades of industry know-how, you can rely on Randy's. Give us a call at 763-560-5600 or visit us online today.
Electrical problems like sparking outlets, burning smells and hot switch plates should always be taken seriously. It's important to note that electrical repairs like rewiring should never be DIY'd. Rewiring a home requires extensive training, safety knowledge and specialty tools. If you're unsure whether you need electrical repairs, read on for 10 reasons your house needs rewiring.
1. Burning Smells
If you notice burning smells in your home when you haven't cooked or used any appliances, it could indicate a serious electric issue. Heat coming off of faulty wires can cause burning smells. As this is a fire hazard, it's advised to turn off the circuit breaker immediately. Identify and take note of the rooms where the burning smells occur and contact a professional electrician right away.
2. Aluminum Wiring
When the price of copper went up in the mid-1960s, builders and electricians opted for single-strand aluminum wiring to save on costs. It was soon discovered that aluminum wiring presents a safety hazard, as it's likely to overheat or fail. If you see the letters "AL" on the panel jacket in your home, consult with a qualified electrician to determine if your house needs rewiring.
3. Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing noises are a sign that your electrical wiring needs attention. While this doesn't necessarily mean you need to rewire your entire house, buzzing sounds should be taken seriously. A mains hum, wiring issues or a problematic circuit breaker are just a few of the possible culprits for electrical buzz.
4. Loose Outlets
Loose outlets may seem like a minor issue, but they could indicate anything from poor installation to extreme overuse of the outlet. It's easy to overlook this one, but you'll want to check in with your local St. Paul, MN electrician to ensure it's not a symptom of a larger issue.
5. Blown Fuses and Tripped Breakers
If the electrical flow in your home exceeds a certain number of amps, your circuit breaker stops it. Built in as a safety feature, it needs to work at all times to effectively protect your home. If you notice your circuit breaker trips frequently, or you find yourself dealing with blown fuses, it's time to have an electrician evaluate your home for rewiring. Randy's Electric offers home electrical safety services including home safety electrical audits.
6. Sparking Outlets
If you see sparks or experience an electrical shock when using an outlet in your home, call a local St. Paul electrician right away. There are multiple reasons why an outlet might produce a spark or shock you. A professional electrician can find and fix the root cause of the problem quickly and safely.
7. Damaged Insulation
Broken or exposed wires are a strong indication your home needs rewiring. Wires with exposed metal can actually melt the insulation that surrounds it, leading to further damage and potential safety hazards. If this happens in your home, have wires replaced immediately.
8. An Over-Fused Electrical Panel
It's imperative for a breaker or fuse to match the amperage a wire is able to handle. When a circuit breaker is oversized for the capacity of your wires, your home circuit is over-fused, preventing safety measures from kicking in when they're supposed to. If you notice a discrepancy between a breaker or fuse and the amperage your wires can safely handle, your home needs to be rewired. This fix requires the help of an expert.
9. Hot Cords, Switches or Plugs
If you notice switch plates, plugs and cords that are hot to the touch, have your wiring inspected by a professional electrician. While this may seem like a minor issue, especially in an older home, it should be taken seriously. Hot or warm switches can be a warning sign that a fire could start at any moment.Â
10. Bulbs Burning Out
One or more light bulbs that constantly burn out is an indication your house needs rewiring. While the issue could be something simple, such as a loose connection in the light fixture, it could also mean there's a more serious issue, like excess heat in your wiring. Have an electrical pro troubleshoot the issue for you.Â
The Best Electric Electricians Near Me? Randy's Electric
The team here at Randy's electric is committed to keeping you and your family safe. Aside from wiring that's outlived its prime, electricity demands are ever-increasing. As more appliances are added to your home, the demand for power increases. Fortunately, savvy homeowners can save on energy costs by utilizing smart home technologies. If you'd like to be an appliance smart St. Paul, Minnesota homeowner, Randy's Electric can help. We're proud to partner with Nest on smart home technology products to help you live more efficiently and save big on utility costs along the way.
If you're on the hunt for professional electrical services in St. Paul, Minnesota, look no further than Randy's Electric. Our team is fully trained, licensed and insured to provide excellent customer service and electrical repairs you can rely on. We're proud to offer a wide range of services, including home wiring, home safety and home electrical services. All our customers receive Randy's Guarantee, which means we offer a lifetime guarantee on all our workmanship. Give us a call at 763-560-5600 or book electrical services online today.
