One of the most significant concerns of a homeowner is fire. State-of-the-art smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are essential, but if your home’s wiring needs updating, they may only be providing you with a false sense of security. Household wiring is a core system in your house, and you should always contact an electrician if you have any problems with your wiring. Zelek Electric Co. in Old Lyme, CT, has put together this list of telltale signs your home’s wiring needs updating.

1. Blown Fuses

Are you making frequent trips to the fuse box to reset circuit breakers? Fuses that trip too often are a sign that something is amiss with your wiring system. In most instances, the cause is outlets that are not getting the correct amount of power.

2. Burning Odor

Sometimes wiring issues can produce a noticeable burning odor due to overloaded circuit breakers and failing outlets. Don’t wait to call an electrician if you experience this problem.

3. Old Wiring

If the wiring in your house is over 40 years old, you need to get it inspected by an electrical contractor. Old wires can become loose and other issues like rodent activity can cause compromised safety. Plus, homes built in the 1970s sometimes used now-banned aluminum wiring.

4. Buzzing Sounds

Strange sounds coming from your electrical outlets means that current is passing through frayed wires. You need to get your electrical services checked at once if this happens in your home.

5. Hot Outlets

Even if you plug a power-hungry appliance like a space heater into an electrical outlet, the outlet should not become overheated. Call for help if an electrical outlet overheats with no devices attached.

If you live in Old Lyme, CT, and you need to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring, contact Zelek Electric today. As a family-run business with over 42 years’ experience, Zelek Electric is a full-service electrical contractor who sells and services a wide variety of electrical and eco-friendly solar products. Call them at (860) 434-9726 to speak with a technician or view their website for more information.