Solving an Electrical Problem

Fires cause significant property damage each year. The causes of these fires vary, and electrical fires account for some of the unfortunate occurrences. Many property owners are not aware that they are at risk for an electrical fire. They may dismiss subtle signs as being a minor electrical issue. Fires that occur due to electrical problems can be hidden from plain sight and may wreak havoc in a short period of time. Their hidden locations behind walls can make them even more deadly. The following points can be used as a guideline to determine if your property is at risk for an electrical fire. 

Discolored Outlets and Power Switches

If your outlets have a yellowish hue or black stains that resemble charring or soot, you may have an old electrical system. Yellow staining may be a sign that the outlets or switches have aged. The electrical system as a whole may be in decent condition. However, in many cases, these older extensions of the electrical system are indicative of a property that has not had a recent electrical system inspection. The wiring may be the same age or older than the outlets and switches. Antiquated wiring may no longer be in use in modern properties because of known safety risks such as fires and electrocution. Blackish burnt-appearing switches and outlets are signs of electrical sparks that could eventually cause a fire. 

Damaged Wiring

Wiring can get damaged due to aged materials or other things such as rodents chewing through it. Property owners may not be aware of the damage as long as their electrical system appears to be working. The hidden damage can lead to electrical fires. Sometimes the wire material may not be the problem but rather insulation material around it may wear down. Wire materials such as copper and aluminum may overheat and lead to an electrical fire in these cases. 

An electrician is a good resource to use to determine whether you need a full or partial electrical upgrade. They can perform an in-depth analysis to discover a variety of emerging or emergency issues. It is best to get electrical repairs performed as soon as issues are identified even if they do not pose an immediate threat. This is because postponing could lead to you forgetting that you need the repair. Emergency issues that are noted likely indicate that an electrical system has issues that can cause property damage or bodily injury.

For more information, contact a company like RDS Electric.