Advances in technology have made home automation more popular than ever. But for your new home automation systems to work, you’ll need an electrical system that can handle the energy requirements of such appliances. Outdated wiring will be unable to meet your power needs, and it may also be dangerous. Here are some signs your system needs updating.

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Wiring

1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breaker

Circuits distribute power to the outlets in your home, and each one has a breaker that regulates the electrical current. When a circuit breaker senses an overload or excess electricity, it automatically stops the flow to prevent damage. An occasional trip is routine, but frequent trips mean your existing electrical system isn’t keeping up with your home’s electrical demand.

2. Hot or Discolored Outlets

It’s common for outlets to yellow or discolor over time, but soot or scorch marks on the surface indicate something is wrong. If you see these dark marks, or the face of your outlet feels hot, your outlets and switches are likely overloaded. This is a fire hazard, so it’s important to update your wiring system as soon as possible.

3. Electrical Shocks

If you experience a mild tingling or even an electrical shock when you plug in an appliance or flick a switch, your wiring system may no longer be safe. Additionally, look out for tiny sparks or smoke coming out of your outlets or appliances, as these signs point to an overwhelmed electrical system.

4. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your outlets, such as buzzing, crackling, or popping, switch off your appliance and refrain from using that outlet. If you know which circuit is presenting these problems, turn it off in your electrical panel. Otherwise, call a professional to diagnose the problem.

5. Dimming or Flickering Lights

An efficient wiring system can easily handle all of your electrical requirements, including those of a home automation setup. However, if your lights often flicker or dim when you turn on appliances like a microwave or vacuum cleaner, you might have an inadequate electrical system. 

Whether you want to boost your electrical wiring to support a home automation system, or you want to ensure the safety of your wiring, contact Alamo Electronics in Cincinnati, OH. In addition to your electrical wiring, they can install anything from a custom home theater to outdoor sound and lighting control systems. And, most importantly, they’ll check your current wiring system first to ensure it can handle the additional load. Call (513) 791-2300 to schedule a consultation, or go online for more information.