Electrical leakage is much like the name suggests. This hazardous electrical issue occurs when an electric current escapes the desired path and runs into areas where it shouldn’t. Similar to unwanted water leaks, having electrical currents veer out of the safe pathway can lead to major damage.
While you won’t deal with flooding like you would a water leak, you face the risk of being shocked or experiencing a house fire. At the very least, electrical leakage can damage appliances and cause you to have higher utility bills due to energy waste.
Our Service Minds Mister Sparky technicians often encounter electrical leakage in Pompano Beach homes due to the humid coastal climate. Knowing how to check for a leak and what to do next helps you secure your property until we arrive.
Quick Takeaways
- Shut the power off before touching any wiring.
- Inspect cords and outlets for signs of damage.
- Check the circuits on the electrical panel.
- Call for professional help if you lack knowledge of electrical testing equipment.
- Don’t ever attempt testing yourself when you smell burning, see arcing or are near moisture.
Understand What Electrical Leakage Is and Why It Happens
The simplest way to understand electrical leakage is to know that it is the unintended flow of electricity to an unintended path, such as the ground. Damaged wires, aging insulation, moisture intrusion and overloaded circuits are a few common causes of electricity leaks.
Your Florida home faces an increased risk of developing an electrical leak due to the many sources of moisture that impact electrical wiring. Both the high humidity levels and frequent storms we have here contribute to corrosion that weakens electrical wiring.
Pay Attention to These Signs Your Home Might Have Electrical Leakage
Catching electricity leaks early prevents serious damage to your home and health. If you spot any of these signs, just give our team at Service Minds Mister Sparky of Pompano Beach a call to schedule an inspection.
- Receiving unexpectedly high electric bills
- Feeling a mild shock when using an appliance
- Noticing warm or buzzing outlets
- Seeing flickering lights
- Tripping breakers (especially AFCI/GFCI)
- Detecting a burning smell or discoloration around outlets
Discover How to Check for Electrical Leakage Step-by-Step
This step-by-step guide will get you started with a thorough check for electrical leaks. Please note that if you feel uncomfortable or unsure at any time, then we’re here to help.
Step 1: Turn Off All Appliances and Check the Meter
Without the appliances running, there shouldn’t be much of an electrical flow. If you see the meter moving, then there is likely a leak occurring somewhere.
Step 2: Inspect the Cords, Visible Wiring and Outlets
Look for signs of potential leak sources that include frayed insulation. Seeing sparks, sensing heat or spotting discoloration are signs of damage. Pay special attention to moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.
Step 3: Test the Circuits at the Electrical Panel
Taking a look at the electrical panel could reveal a tripped circuit breaker that can indicate a possible leak. When you open the panel, listen for buzzing or sizzling sounds and note if there are any burning odors. You can also carefully test for heat by using the back of your hand to feel for warmth.
Isolated breaker testing is beneficial for identifying faulty circuits without the need for touching live wires. If you are uncomfortable with this step, then it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Step 4: Use a Multimeter to Test for Leakage Current
A multimeter measures electrical current levels. To perform this test, you’ll set the multimeter to AC voltage.
Then, test between neutral and ground as you look for abnormal readings. Seeing a reading above the threshold of concern is a good reason to call an electrician to fix the leak.
Step 5: Detect Current on the Ground Wire With a Clamp Meter
Clamp meters can give clearer readings by wrapping around a cable or wire to prevent it from getting disconnected. If you lack training on how to use the clamp meter safely, then our pros can help check for leaks.
You’ll also want to avoid using measurement tools in breaker boxes that are damp or showing clear signs of heat or sparks.
Step 6: Test the Outlets With a Plug-In Outlet Tester
Outlet testers use lights to show the status of the wiring. For instance, seeing no lights could mean that there is no power.
Meanwhile, two amber or yellow lights typically indicate the wiring is correct. Seeing all three lights on or other unusual patterns is a sign that you may be dealing with grounding or wiring faults that cause leakages.
When You Should Opt Out of Electrical Leakage Testing Yourself
Safety is always the priority when dealing with electricity. These signs indicate that you might not be safe trying to handle the testing alone:
- Smelling burning
- Noticing power surges
- Finding damp or wet outlets
- Buzzing from the panel
- Having a home with aluminum wiring or outdated panels
- Seeing visible arcing or sparking
What Does a Licensed Electrician Do to Diagnose Electrical Leakage?
Our licensed electricians use specialized equipment and techniques to perform electrical testing safely and accurately. We may use these strategies to get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem in your Pompano Beach home.
- Load testing and circuit isolation
- Infrared imaging
- Advanced leakage current measurement
- Moisture intrusion detection
- Code-compliant repairs
How to Fix Electrical Leakage
We base our recommendations for repairs on the true source of the problem. Looking at these common repair needs helps you prep for our services.
- Repairing worn insulation
- Replacing damaged wires or outlets
- Correcting faulty grounding
- Replacing failing appliances
- Upgrading panels for safety
- Installing AFCIs or GFCIs in the required locations
FAQ: Answers to Common Electrical Questions
A read through these FAQs gives you a jumpstart on detecting electrical leaks.
What is the easiest way to check electrical leakage at home?
Start by turning off all of the appliances and looking for movement on the meter.
Can a multimeter detect electrical leakage?
Yes, a multimeter can provide you with a reading that indicates a potential leak.
What causes leakage current in house wiring?
Loose or broken wires and connections are common causes of leaks.
Is electrical leakage dangerous?
Electrical leaks are considered emergencies due to the potential for house fires or electrical shocks.
Why does my breaker trip when there is no load?
This problem usually indicates a fault in the wiring or device that could involve a leak.
Can moisture cause electrical leakage?
Moisture causes corrosion that impacts wiring and connections to the point of creating leaks.
Is it safe to test electrical leakage on my own?
Sometimes, it is safe to do a few quick checks to see if there is a leak. However, the average homeowner is usually safer calling a pro.
Need a Safe, Accurate Electrical Leakage Test? Call Service Minds Mister Sparky of Pompano Beach
Safety is the priority when you suspect you are dealing with an electrical leak. Our crew offers you a fast route to receiving a diagnosis due to our local expertise. Between the South Florida humidity and storm season, it’s critical to make sure your home meets safety standards.
We serve Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas, and we offer outlet repairs and other essential electrical maintenance services to keep our neighbors safe. Reach out to our team at Service Minds Mister Sparky to fix leaks and feel safe, no matter what appliance you’re using this season.