5 Signs Your Electrical Circuits Need Upgrading

Many of us do not think about the electrical systems in our houses until we have to. Electric problems can lead to prolonged blackouts, equipment damage, and fires and this is when most people start wondering if their electrical systems and circuits are in top condition and if they need an upgrade. However, you don’t have to wonder anymore as a simple check can let you know the state of your electrical systems and help you decide if it is time for an upgrade.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Dimming lights are a great indicator that there is a problem with your electric circuits. Dimming lights can indicate that your circuits are bearing a heavier load then they were designed for. This often happens when you plug in a new appliance or switch one on.

Flickering lights indicate that your electric circuits have a problem, especially if you have this happening to multiple lights.

Warm, Discoloured or Sparking Sockets

Warm plug sockets indicate that they are bearing a heavy load or that the contact points are not connecting properly with the contacts on the plugs you are using. This leads to the discolouration you see on the socket or sparks that appear when you plug in or unplug an appliance.

Your Electric System Fails an Assessment

It is important that the electric systems in every property are inspected regularly to ensure they are safe. Once your property is inspected, the contractor will hand you an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which outlines the condition of your electric systems. If you do not get a satisfactory EICR report, that means you need to make changes, repair or upgrade your electric system.

In addition to complying with the law, it is important to get a satisfactory assessment for the safety of everyone who uses or interacts with your property. You can get an EICR report from Trade Facilities Services, which is a company that does electric tests and offers electric certifications. They also do electric system maintenance and are therefore the right people to call when you need an upgrade.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

Tripping circuit breakers are an obvious sign there is a problem with your electric circuits. It may be that it is carrying a load it wasn’t designed for, or that there is a short circuit somewhere in the system. To eliminate all problems and ensure solving the circuit in one part of the house does not cause problems in another part, it is a good idea to add extra circuits or simply upgrade your wiring.

There Are Too Many Appliances Plugged In

When you run out of sockets, it is tempting to buy cords and strips so that you can power all your appliances. If you are running out of sockets and find yourself opting for strips and cords, it is time for an upgrade.

It is also important to remember that if you have no longer have enough sockets, it is likely that your electricity consumption has also gone up. This means there is a lot of strain elsewhere in your electric circuits, which makes a strong case for an upgrade.

It is important to keep an eye on your electric circuits, so you know when they are being tasked with doing more than they were designed to handle. If you have any issues with your electric circuits or if they are quite old, it is better to upgrade the whole system than to carry out smaller repairs as those can add up over time.