Older homes often have outdated and deteriorating electrical systems that can cause a variety of problems. Knowing how to identify and troubleshoot common electrical issues can help you restore power safely and avoid potential hazards. This article outlines some of the most frequent electrical problems in older homes and provides tips for diagnosing and resolving them.

Fuses Blowing Or Circuit Breakers Tripping Frequently

If you find yourself constantly resetting circuit breakers in your older home, it likely indicates an overloaded electrical circuit. Things to check:

  • Too many appliances plugged into one socket. Try distributing the load over more sockets.
  • Faulty appliances drawing excess current. Unplug your devices one by one to isolate the issue.
  • Damaged power cords causing a short circuit. Inspect the cords and replace them if worn.
  • Faulty wiring unable to handle demand. You may need to upgrade the consumer unit or rewire it.

Lights Dimming Or Flickering

Dimming or flickering lights often stem from loose connections, ground faults or voltage drop. Things to try:

  • Check the light bulb’s wattage – it may be too high for the fixture.
  • Tighten connections at light fixtures and switches.
  • Check for reverse polarity or ground faults using a circuit tester.
  • Measure the voltage – it should be 220-240V. If it is lower, contact an electrician.

Odd Electrical Smells

Unusual burning or electrical odors typically mean potentially hazardous wire damage. Immediately unplug appliances and turn off suspect circuits at the main panel. Sources can include:

  • Arcing/sparking due to damaged or loose wires. Inspect visible wires thoroughly.
  • Overheating components like light fixtures and motors. Check for dust/debris buildup.
  • Rodent damage to wires. Look for chew marks and nesting materials.

Light Switch Not Working

For a switch that suddenly stops operating lights, check:

  • Bulb integrity – try a new bulb.
  • Loose wires on the switch or at the fixture. Tighten or reconnect.
  • Faulty switch – test with a multimeter and replace if needed.
  • Blown fuse or tripped breaker – locate and address the cause of overload.

Strange Humming Sounds

Unusual humming or buzzing noises from electrical equipment can signal potentially hazardous faults in your electrical system.

If you hear a humming noise coming from switches, sockets, circuit breakers or electrical panels, it likely indicates loose wiring connections, ground faults or excessive vibrations. These conditions can lead to arcing, overheating and even fires. Never ignore new electrical humming noises – trace the source immediately and shut off power to that circuit at the main breaker panel.

Call an electrician to thoroughly inspect for damaged wires or components that need replacement.

Know When To Call An Electrician

Some electrical issues, like power outages across multiple rooms or shock/burn hazards, require professional assistance. Contact a certified Somerset electrician immediately if you:

  • Receive any electrical shock.
  • Notice a burning smell along with power loss.
  • Have recurring tripped breakers with no explanation.
  • Discover blackened/melted wires, smoking outlets or scorch marks.

Old wiring and outdated electrical equipment in older UK homes can present fire and shock risks if they are not updated and maintained properly. Remember to stay safe when carrying out any electrical repairs. If the issue appears too dangerous, or too complex, do not hesitate to call a professional electrician in Somerset for assistance.

Following basic troubleshooting tips and knowing when to bring in an expert electrician will keep your old home’s electrical system running safely and efficiently.