Warning Signs of Electrical Problems

My goal is to educate homeowners everywhere to be more aware of electrical issues or hazards in their homes. I still find electrical defects in people’s homes. It worries me because these homeowners’ lives could be at risk. Here are 9 most common home electrical problems found in homes.

 

#1 No AFCI Breakers

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An AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter or an arc-fault detection device), is designed to trip when it detects electrical arcs. This is often a sign of loose connections in your home’s wiring. AFCIs guard against electrical fires by identifying circuits that have potentially harmful arc faults.

Dual-function breakers that combine GFCI (more on this below) and AFCI technology can help provide complete protection.

 

Areas in the home that always require AFCI protection:

1. Fridges in kitchens
2. Kitchen counter receptacles
3. Receptacles one meter from the kitchen sink
4. Fixed islands and peninsula receptacles
5. Install a dedicated sump pump in a single receptacle

#2. No GFCI 

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The National Electrical Code and Canadian Electrical Code require GFCIs throughout the house. This includes outdoor areas. GFCIs are crucial for protecting against electrical shock, and ensuring the safety of your home. No ground fault circuit interrupters in areas where water is present, like kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoors can increase the risk of electrical shock.

GFCIs should have test and reset buttons. If a GFCI trips and won’t reset, contact a licensed electrician to check for possible damage, moisture, or a ground fault.

Outdoor GFCI outlets require you to have a proper waterproof cover for added protection.

 

#3. Outdated Electrical Panels 

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Outdated electrical panels may not meet current safety standards or capacity requirements for today’s modern homes. This can lead to potential overloads and safety issues, like potential electrical fires.

Older panels with damaged or worn-out obsolete or discontinued components can be difficult to replace. This can lead to a lack of safety features, code compliances, and difficulty expanding the panel.

 

#4. Unapproved Equipment

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Electrical products should be approved for used in the country you are in. Look for certification marks on the product and the packaging, such as CSA, cUL, or cETL. Any electrical accessories or products, without these marks, may pose an electrical shock, burn or fire hazard to consumers.

Here’s a story from Holmes and Holmes. We were installing a state-of-the-art induction stove. This ws new to the market. What we didn’t realize was that the stove was not yet rated for use in Canada. Frank, at the time of installation, noticed the product lacked the necessary certification marks.

The proper certification eventually made it through the proper channels but we had to find an alternative model so we could get the job completed.

Bottom line, if there are no approved certification marks clearly marked on it, it is not legally safe to use in Canada.

 

 

#5. Knob and Tube Wiring

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Knob and tube wiring used to be the standard in older homes and is considered outdated. The wiring system can have insufficient grounding and insulation which can be a fire hazard. Over time, the rubber insulation used becomes brittle, cracks and breaks.

An older home with knob and tube wiring eventually becomes an electrical nightmare, as the system gets upgraded in certain areas of the home.

Over time, until you are left with a serious electrical problem like we found in Filomena’s house, episode 4 of Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy, Aging in a Perilous Place.

You can easily overload knob and tube wiring, often by using extension cords and power bars. This outdated wiring system also can’t handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and loads.

Learn More About Knob and Tube Wiring

#6. Aluminum Wiring In Your Home

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Aluminum wiring can also become a fire hazard if not properly upgraded or maintained.  Why?

Aluminum wiring tends to oxidize which makes the joints corrode, resulting in overheating and potential fire. When the temperature changes, aluminum expands and contracts more than copper. Over time, this movement may cause connections to break loose, increasing resistance, and potentially causing electrical arcing and overheating.

 

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#7. Overloaded Circuits are an Electrical Problem

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Excessive use of power bars, extension cords, or multiple appliances plugged into a single outlet often overloads circuits. This leads to overheating and potential fire hazards.

Overheating can also potentially ignite nearby combustible materials, such as insulation, and wood framing causing a fire.

This reminds me of a time when my brother and I lived together. Our bedroom was always cold, so we used a 1500-watt portable heater. Of course, the cord on it wasn’t very long so we had to use an extension cord. The extension cord got buried under clothing and one night caught on fire. Luckily the fire was quickly extinguished and we got out alive, but it was a serious lesson.

Never use extension cords when operating a portable heater and never bury extension cords under carpets, blankets, anything that can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished but it was a serious lesson.

 

#8. Improper Electrical Installations

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DIY electrical work or work done by unqualified or unlicensed individuals can result in improper wiring connections, inadequate grounding, and other safety hazards.

Common signs that you need to call a licensed electrician to review your electrical are:

• frequent flickering
• dimming lights
• warm or hot outlet
• frequent circuit breaker panel tripping
• buzzing
• crackling
• burn marks
• sparks
• non-functioning outlets

 

Exposed Electrical Wiring

Exposed wiring can be easily damaged and pose a risk, leading to electrical shocks or fires. I’ve lost count on how many jobs I’ve found exposed electrical wiring hidden behind walls.

In Mike and Joanne’s house, in Season 2 of Holmes Family Rescue, we found live electrical wires behind the shower wall. This was a disaster waiting to happen. If the live wire had touched the water, it could have electrocuted the person in the shower and flooded the kitchen below. We reported the contractor for negligence.

#9. Unsafe Electrical Upgrades 

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Electrical upgrades without proper permits or completed by unqualified individuals can compromise safety and compliance with building codes.

Unsafe modifications would include:

• improper use of extension cords and power bars
• unsupported electrical upgrades
• incorrect breaker sizes
• removing or bypassing safety devices
• non-compliant wiring methods
• improper grounding or bonding

Modifications can also mean altering any “approved” equipment.

You can avoid electrical defects by ensuring that professionals install all electrical systems correctly and to code. In addition, to proper installation and regular inspections. If you are in doubt, call an electrician and get an electrical inspection done. Don’t mess around with electrical safety!

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ABOUT MIKE HOLMES

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Mike Holmes is a renowned North American contractor, television personality, and advocate for healthy homes. Best known for his television series Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes It Right, Mike has built a reputation as a champion of safety, quality, and durability in residential construction. Over the years, he has become a prominent voice in advocating for healthier living environments, emphasizing the importance of building homes that are not only structurally sound but also promote the health and well-being of their occupants.

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