Though the South African National Standard (SANS) states that all electrical work must be done by a “qualified and registered electrician,” the SANS also recommends that homeowners have a basic familiarity with the electrical system.
This is because electrical and wiring issues can happen. And they can be dangerous.
These issues are even more important to be aware of because according to the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) statistics from 2013, electrical hazards and fires related from them had contributed to over 550 deaths in the home.
Basic wiring
So let’s begin by getting familiar with the colours of wires.
The electrical outlet in your house may have either two or three wires. These are the:
• Live, which is red or brown, is found, as you’re staring at the screws of the outlet, on the right. This wire carries the electrical current to the device
• Neutral, which is blue or black, is on the left side of the outlet and it is the wire that completes the circuit
• Earth, which is the protective wire, is green and yellow and is usually located at the top of the triangle outlet
When you look inside a socket, you might find only a live and neutral with no earth present. The two wires can have the circuit work though if either of these wires are missing or even loose, the plug may not work.
Hazards to be watchful for: flickering lamp
If you are using an outlet for a lamp and you see the lamp light keeps flickering, it could be one of two things:
• The lamp is faulty. Lamps aren’t complicated so it could be damage wiring or possibly a dying light bulb. Try changing the bulb and see if that helps. Also, try putting a different lamp in that outlet to see if the same thing happens with flickering
• The outlet could be damaged or there could be a wiring problem which is much more serious
If troubleshooting of the lamp doesn’t fix the issue, you might want to reach out to an electrician because it could be a faulty outlet or something more.
Hazards to be watchful for: overloaded circuit
If you find that an appliance isn’t working, it could be that it requires too much amperage for the circuit; called overload.
In most cases, this event will cause the circuit breaker to “trip” or shut off; which is a safety feature of breakers. This, then forces you to go to the breaker box and reset the breaker. So you know there is likely a problem.
Another indication that the outlet is overloaded is if the outlet cover and the appliance cord is warm or hot
Breakers do go out, though. So if you find that the breaker doesn’t reset or a device you know should work on that outlet keeps tripping the breaker, you may want to get the breaker replaced.
Similarly, fuses can be defective. And like breakers, if they keep going out, it could also need to be replaced.
Hazards to be watchful for: burn marks and sparking
Another indication there could be a problem is if you see black burn marks on the socket cover.
Also check the breaker panel for signs of sparking.
Finding this is bad. Definitely contact an electrician!
Another good reason to call a certified electrician is if you see an appliance is sparking.
This could be either a wiring or appliance issue.
And the first thing to do is stop using the appliance.
If the sparking continues when using that socket with different appliances, don’t take any chances and call in a professional.
Also, waste no time in contacting a professional if you smell something burning from the sockets as well.
Stay aware of these warning signs and get in the habit of watching for them. Contact a professional if you ever find any of these warning signs in your home. It’s one useful way of keeping you and your family safe.
Filed under : Electricians