Lights that will not stop flickering? Outlets with a warmth to them? A peculiar smell by the electrical panel and some concern as to whether it is safe?
You have come to the right place if you can relate to any of the above. We at Palomino Valley Electric are on hand for homeowners in Reno, NV to put the warning signs of faulty wiring in perspective before they become an issue of some consequence. For a professional opinion, call (775)-406-7117.
There is no telling when a problem with your wiring is going to make itself known; it is there behind your walls, deteriorating until it has to be dealt with. And once it does, it may well be a fire hazard. As a homeowner, one of the better things to do is to be aware of what you should be looking for.
Why Faulty Wiring is an Issue
It does not matter if the home is new or old, wiring can give you trouble. The electrical system in your walls can suffer from its age, from rodents, poor workmanship of years gone by or just wear and tear. What makes it difficult is that these matters do not present themselves in any obvious way, but rather as symptoms you might let pass.
But they are easy enough to spot if you are looking for them, and an early detection will go a long way in protecting your property and family, not to mention your wallet.
Some of the more common indications of a problem include:
- Lights dimming or flickering upon turning on an appliance
- A mild shock from an outlet or switch plate, or one that is warm
- The scent of hot plastic or something burning in the vicinity of the panel
- Breakers in the habit of tripping
- Scorched or discoloured areas around your switches and outlets
- Fuses that blow for no apparent reason
- Fixtures or outlets in the wall that are buzzing or crackling
One of these by itself merits your attention. Put several together and you have ample reason to have a licensed man inspect the system.
The Smell and Sound Test
Your nose and ears can be quite adept at finding electrical trouble. You will often get a whiff of overheating wires before you see any evidence of it. Do not put off a persistent fishy or burning odour near a panel or outlet.
Then there is the noise. Electricity ought to be quiet. A hum, buzz or crackle from behind the wall is usually a telltale of a wire in bad shape or a connection that is loose, which is how most electrical fires start.
Older Homes in Reno
A lot of homes here in the Reno area are decades old and have wiring systems to match. They were not put in to handle the power requirements of all the electronics and appliances we have today. An antiquated system under stress can put up a good front for a while before it gives out. If you have an older home and have not had an evaluation done, you would be wise to put one on the calendar even in the absence of any red flags.
Make a Call to a Professional
Do not be in the business of guessing where wiring is concerned. When you see the kind of warning signs we have listed, it is best to have a licensed and insured electrician come in. Palomino Valley Electric is here 24/7 so you do not have to wait on something you deem unsafe.
We would like you to contact us without hesitation if:
- There is a burning smell about the panel or outlets
- Scorch marks or discoloration are visible
- An outlet or switch gives you a shock
- The breakers are tripping time and again
- You can hear a buzz from within the walls
We are proud of the service we provide to our neighbours in Reno and stand behind it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our 4.8 star rating from over 200 Google reviews speaks to the honesty and care we put into our work. We also give free estimates so there is no excuse for putting it off.
Protect Your Home
Good condition is what makes your wiring run safely. Should you have seen any of the signs mentioned here, do not let a minor matter get out of hand, and consider our wiring upgrades to bring your system up to modern standards. Get in touch with our team at Palomino Valley Electric, (775)-406-7117, for the peace of mind you are due.