How To Spot Hidden Electrical Problems Before Buying a Home?

 Are you planning to buy a new home in Edmonton? The idea seems to be thrilling and joyous; however, if you are not careful, you might end up buying a home with electrical problems. Especially if you are buying an old home, it is essential to have the electrical lines checked. Sometimes the DIY fixes can turn out to be dangerous later.

With the help of a residential electrician in Edmonton, you can be sure before you buy your home. Hire them and they will inspect the entire electrical line plug points and appliances before confirming safety.

Here is a practical guide to identifying the red flags that suggest the new home you are purchasing may have electrical problems.

How to spot electrical problems in a new home?

Start with the surveillance

Walk around every room and check the outlets and switches. Look for loose-fitting outlets, discolored switches and loose connections. Sometimes overloaded circuits can damage the whole electrical line. To check the circuits, you can plug in a phone charger or a lamp and confirm the power transmission. Again, if the outlets are oddly placed or if you require modern load demands, contact a residential electrician in Edmonton.

Check the electrical panel

There is a breaker panel present either in the basement or in the utility room. Before purchasing the property, ensure you inspect the age and condition of the panels. Are they rusted? Are they poorly labeled? Do you have mismatched breakers? Look for these facts and contact a trained electrician to investigate them further. Sometimes, the breakers and panels, especially in the kitchen, will have labels. If they are missing or tampered with, then you need to book a residential electrician and get it fixed.

Smells, sounds and visual clues

Did you notice a burning smell, a buzzing sound, or a popping sound near the outlet or switch? If yes, then they are warning signs. A single defective bulb does not cause flickering lights. It is generally caused by overload or poor connections. If you notice these issues in the electrical appliances and lines, then do not ignore them. Especially if the new house has open sockets, exposed wiring in the basements and attics, then you should call an electrician and get it fixed.

Look for outdated systems

Edmonton is home to many historic homes and properties. Over time, the wiring in these homes becomes outdated. Does your property have cloth-insulated wiring? Are there knob and tube wiring in the property? If yes, then instead of trying to fix them with DIY jobs, get in touch with a residential electrician. They will use extension cords and secured electrical lines to fix the outdated systems.

Test for appliance safety

Along with checking the electrical lines, you also need to inspect and test the safety of the appliances. Most modern homes have GFCI outlets, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. If you want AFCI protection and GFCI protection in bedrooms and living rooms as well, then have it checked by an electrician before making a decision.