Electricity plays such a crucial role in our day-to-day lives at home. It does more than simply keep the lights on; it powers everything from our handheld devices to major home appliances and keeps everything ticking along nicely. 

But it’s not without its problems. 

Sometimes you might encounter a seemingly minor concern, like the occasional flickering light. Though you might be tempted to brush it off as a niggling issue that will eventually sort itself out, those niggling issues can suggest a more serious problem is just around the corner. Waiting to strike with barely a moment’s notice. And the last thing you want to be dealing with is a potentially damaging - or lethal - electrical hazard that you could have avoided by addressing those minor concerns as soon as they emerged.  

That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of these issues before they get out of hand. So let’s take a closer look at five common electrical problems that every homeowner should watch out for. Knowing what to look for and what to do can help you keep your home and family safe and your mind at ease.

Problem 1: Flickering or Dimming Lights

One of the first common signs that something isn’t quite right with the electrical system in your home is the presence of flickering or dimming lights. 

Though on the surface it might seem like a minor annoyance, flickering lights can suggest there’s a more serious underlying issue that could emerge without warning. 

So why might your lights flicker or go dim? There are several possible reasons, including:

• an overloaded circuit
• loose connections
• faulty wiring

Any of these three possible culprits can result in an inconsistent power supply that leads to your lights flickering or dimming intermittently. It’s certainly an issue you should get on top of quickly; ignoring it poses risks such as overheating, which could damage your appliances or even cause an electrical fire. A licensed electrician can identify the problem and conduct the necessary repairs to keep your home safe and immaculately illuminated. 

Problem 2: Constant Circuit Breaker Trips

If you find your circuit breakers constantly tripping, there’s a high chance it’s more than a mere inconvenience. More often than not, it’s a big red flag telling you there’s something wrong with your home’s electrical system. And that “something wrong” needs to be made right ASAP. 

Circuit breakers very much fall into the “you had one job” category of electrical safety tools. Their key purpose is to protect your home by shutting off the power when they detect an overload, short circuit, or ground fault. So if your circuit breakers always seem to be tripping, it’s likely because the overloaded circuits are drawing more power than they can handle. This can happen for numerous reasons such as:

• people in the house using too many high-demand appliances at the same time
• there’s faulty wiring or 
• a damaged appliance causing a short circuit

Much like with the flickering lights, ignoring frequent trips can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of electrical fires. To avoid potential hazards, it’s crucial to have a licensed electrician inspect your system and resolve the underlying issue. Preferably sooner rather than later. 

Problem 3: Warm or Sparking Powerpoints

Have you ever plugged a cord into a powerpoint, only to find it unusually warm or that it even starts sparking when you flick the switch?

Well, this is another big red flag that requires your immediate attention. 

When a powerpoint feels warm to the touch, or if you notice electrical sparks when plugging in or unplugging appliances, it’s telling you in no uncertain terms that something is wrong with the electrical circuit. This could be for various reasons - the circuit might be overloaded, the wiring might be faulty, or the connections might be loose. Whatever the cause, it can result in an excessive buildup of heat, which can damage the powerpoint AND  increase the risk of an electrical fire. 

Sparks coming from the powerpoint can point to a more severe problem, such as a potentially hazardous short circuit. If you come across a powerpoint at home that feels noticeably warmer than it should be or shoots out sparks when you turn it on, it’s important to stop using it immediately. Contact a licensed electrician to assess and repair the issue ASAP. 

Problem 4: Burning Smell or Discoloured Outlets

Turns out, though, that sparks and unusual warmth aren’t the only potential problems you might encounter with your powerpoint. A noticeable burning smell or a yellowish-brown discolouration can also be major warning signs that there are possible problems that require a quick and effective resolution. 

If you notice a burning odour near a powerpoint or see discolouration on its faceplate, chances are that the powerpoint is overheating. Again, faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or a short circuit can cause these problems. They generate heat that can melt the plastic components of the powerpoint, leading to discolouration and a strong burning smell.

The last thing you want to do is ignore these signs. Burning and discolouration can become a significant fire hazard that puts your home and family at great risk. If it’s safe to do so, shut off the power to the affected area and contact a licensed electrician straight away. They’ll be able to investigate and fix the problem.

Problem 5: Faulty or Old Wiring

Outdated (and possibly faulty) wiring is common in older homes. It can become a major safety risk if you don’t address it properly and thoroughly. 

Over time, wiring can degrade, become frayed, or suffer damage from pests. All of these can lead to electrical hazards. These older homes might also feature wiring which no longer meets today’s safety standards. Aluminium wiring is a common example; it’s more susceptible to overheating and causing electrical fires. 

Faulty wiring can also result in frequent electrical issues, such as:

• flickering lights
• blown fuses
• even electric shocks

If you live in an older home with its original wiring, or the wiring is showing signs of wear and tear, calling a licensed electrician to do a full rewiring of your home is the best plan of attack. Not only might it save your home in the long run; it just might save your life as well.  

Keep Your Home Safe and Sound

If you’ve ever given little thought to the occasional flickering light or warm powerpoint that you’ve come across at home before, perhaps give it a little more consideration moving forward. 

Even what may seem like a small electrical issue at home can quickly escalate into a serious hazard if you don’t get on top of it quickly. Staying aware and recognising the warning signs will help you be proactive in how you protect your home and loved ones.

If you do need electrical repairs, avoid the DIY route. This is best left to licensed professionals with the expertise to safely and effectively handle these issues. Regularly inspecting your home’s electrical system and seeking professional help when needed will ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live.