Safety is something you can never compromise on. Today we’re covering a short, punchy set of signs that can indicate a problem with your wiring and electrical devices. This is an important subject; knowing these signs can help you avoid issues that can develop into costly and dangerous problems. With that said, let’s get right to it with our first indicator of an issue.
Your accessories are hot
Overheating is, unsurprisingly, one of the leading causes of electrical fires, injury and property damage. It’s perfectly normal for some appliances to become warm upon use, but in many cases, it’s a sign that you have electrical faults at some point in your setup that need addressing immediately. If you’re not sure whether your equipment should become warm upon use, it’s better to check with the manufacturer or provider of that equipment.
You’ll usually find the accessories themselves and any screws that hold them in place becoming hot. That’s a sure sign of an issue and is usually related to the power outlet having too much power running through it. You might also see visual signs of overheating, such as discolouration of the item itself. In some cases, this issue can require a complete rewiring or replacing of your circuit.
Odour
It’s normal for some electrical appliances to emit a slight odour when they’re used for the first few times, but a strange smell coming from your appliances and outlets over time is usually an indicator of an electrical fault. If this happens to you, you’ll want to arrange a visit from a technician and you should avoid using the outlet in question until it’s been checked by that professional. If you notice an odour coming from a breaker panel or fuse box, get on the phone right away — that’s a serious issue.
Sparking
Sparking is rarer, but still common enough to warrant a mention. Live wires are sitting just behind your outlets and current can easily jump over to your appliance. This visually shows itself as brief blue sparks, although they aren’t always detectable by the naked eye.
In some cases, sparking is actually normal and not a sign of an issue. You might have a problem, however, if you notice very intense sparks that may be yellow in colour. Problematic sparking is often accompanied by odours and audible crackling sounds, making it easier to identify issues. It’s a safer bet, however, to get in touch with a professional if you’re not sure whether your sparking is benign or not.
Get it checked
These issues are common in the UK, but they’re easily avoided if you have a schedule in place for the performing of fixed wire inspections by a certified professional. It’s a legal requirement to have your appliances and electrical wiring checked periodically, making it a sensible choice to arrange a frequency of checking that covers your legal requirements and keeps your property, staff and assets safe. It’s a worthy investment and it can even save you money in the long run. Can’t argue with that!
