Our homes are a lot like us. They age just like we do. They begin to creak and moan. They begin to show their age. They like us have aging systems, some that can be seen and some that cannot. Just as we need to get checkups from time to time, our homes also need checkups. When it comes to the electrical system in our homes it is important to have the doctor do a house call when any of the following warning signs are noticed. If you notice any of these signs you should immediately call a licensed electrical contractor and have an electrician give your home a checkup.

If you experience frequent circuit breaker tripping or fuse blowing. Breakers and fuses are overcurrent protection devices. They are rated in amperes and protect the wiring in our houses from overcurrent. Overcurrent may result from any of the following three conditions:

1. Overload- overload is the operation of equipment or of a conductor in access of its normal full-load rating, or its rated ampacity. If an overload persists for a sufficient length of time dangerous overheating can occur.

2. Short circuit- a low resistant connection either by accident or intentional between two points in an electrical system. Short circuits can be caused by the failure of the insulation surrounding the conductors of the circuit. They can also be caused by natural sources lightning, wind and from human intrusion.

3. Ground fault- is an unintentional low resistant connection to ground by the system conductors. Ground fault circuit interrupters are devices that protect personnel by de-energizing a circuit or portion of the circuit when the current to ground is six milliamps or higher.

Over sized fuses and breakers can be extremely dangerous when an overload condition exist. A licensed electrical contractor can inform you if this condition exists in your home. It is important to note that a short circuit and a ground fault are not overloads.

If you experience a tingling sensation when you touch an appliance or metal object. Getting a shock when you touch appliances in your house can indicate a more serious problem. You should immediately unplug the appliance and discontinue its use.

This can occur when you have a ground fault in an improperly protected circuit. Many older homes are of the old two wire circuits. These consisted of the energized (hot) wire and a neutral return wire. These older wiring types can be dangerous in the scenario above because the hot wire has come in contact with the metal frame of the appliance. The breaker will not trip because it does not see the fault. With newer electrical system a third wire is provided with the wiring. This third wire is called the equipment ground. The equipment ground is attached to the metal parts of appliances. When the hot wire comes in contact with ground the breaker or fuse is de-energized. In the National Electrical Code ground-fault circuit-interrupters are required in dwelling units for all 125-volt single phase 15 and 20 amp receptacles in the following locations:

• Bathrooms


• Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.


• Outdoors


• Crawl spaces at or below grade level


• Unfinished basements defined as areas not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas and the like


• Kitchens-where the receptacles are installed to serve countertop surfaces


• Laundry, utility, and wet bar sinks where installed within 6ft. of the outside edge of the sink 8. Boathouses By installing properly grounded and ground-fault protection in these areas you can greatly reduce the possibility of shock hazards.

Discoloration or abnormally warm receptacle or wall switch and/or sparks coming from the devices This could indicate arcing, smoldering, burning happening behind your outlets, due to loose connections, damaged or improperly installed wiring in the outlet, or a problem with the receptacle itself. You should immediately avoid using the outlet or switch and contact a licensed electrical contractor as soon as possible to correct the problem.

Persistent burning smell from a light fixture, appliance, room or area This may indicate that a light fixture may have the wrong size lamp for the fixture. Use only the specified wattage and trims indicated by the lighting fixture. It may indicate an appliance that is overheating or malfunctioning. In this case unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker until a further investigation can be made.

Flickering or Dimming Lights This could indicate loose connections at electrical termination points on switches causing arcing and overheating. Left uncorrected overheating can occur resulting in a fire hazard. It could also indicate a short in the wiring system.

In Summary All these warning signs can be detected when your home is given its proper electrical checkup! A licensed electrical contractor may recommend the installation of life saving devices such as the ground-fault circuit-interrupters, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. He may also introduce you to the Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Breakers required in new homes since 2000. These devices are intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults and de-energize circuits before a fire can be started. He may indicate to you that you get a total rewire of your electrical system. This is also recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Labs when a home is over forty years old. Know the warning signs and if your electrical system is beginning to show its age get your checkup to insure the safe and proper operation of your electrical system.

-- Michael Ashenfelter Sangamon County Electrical/Mechanical Inspector Safe Electricity Advisory Team MikeA@co.snagamon.il.us