What are the signs of damaged electrical wiring?
A burning smell, a warm outlet, sparks, a breaker that trips, or yellowing around a socket means the wiring needs an electrician. Do not open the electrical panel yourself.
Written by: Ajeer team
2 minute read
What are the five signs?
- • A smell of burning or hot plastic near a socket or an appliance.
- • A socket or plug head that is too warm to touch.
- • A small spark when a plug goes in or comes out.
- • A breaker that trips whenever the air conditioner, the water heater, or several appliances run.
- • A yellow or brown colour around the socket frame or on the plug.
What should you do immediately?
Take the appliance off the socket if you can do that without touching a hot part. Do not replace the plug, do not tape a damaged socket, and do not reset the breaker again and again to keep the appliance running. If a fire has started, leave and call civil defence before any inspection.
Is this related to the air conditioner or the bill?
A breaker that trips when the air conditioner starts can mean the wire cannot carry the load. That is different from weak cooling. Read why an air conditioner is not cooling if the air is warm and the breaker stays on, and the summer electricity bill if the issue is consumption rather than a smell. Book Ajeer electrical. The price before you confirm is in how to estimate a maintenance cost.
Is a burning smell alone a reason to call an electrician?
Yes. Switch off the device that was running, stop using that socket, and book an electrician even if the smell fades.
Is one trip of the breaker dangerous?
Once, after a large appliance, can be normal protection. Repeating, or tripping with a smell or heat, is a sign of overload or a damaged wire.
Should I inspect the electrical panel myself?
No. Leave the panel closed. Unplug the affected device from its socket only if that is safe, then book an Ajeer electrician.
Related articles
Keep reading our experts' tips for cheaper, simpler home care
Air conditioningWhy is the air conditioner not cooling?
The usual reasons an air conditioner stops cooling are a dusty filter or low refrigerant from a leak. Cleaning the filter every month, and servicing the unit every six months, fixes most of these and extends the life of the unit.
TipsHow do you estimate a maintenance cost before the technician arrives?
The maintenance cost is the price shown in the Ajeer app before you confirm. That is the price at the door unless you agree to extra work. The golden warranty covers the same fault for 30 days.
Air conditioningWhy does the summer electricity bill rise?
In most Saudi homes the air conditioner causes the summer jump in the bill. This guide covers what uses the electricity, what you can check yourself, and when to book an AC technician.
