10 Hidden Electrical Hazards in Your Colorado Springs Home: A Safety Checklist
Colorado Springs homes, especially those in older neighborhoods, are charming, but their age can hide serious electrical dangers. Many homeowners ignore subtle signs until a major problem—or worse, a fire—occurs.
Here is your essential checklist from American Electrician to identify the top 10 hidden electrical hazards lurking in your walls.
Hazard 1: Unprotected Aluminum Wiring
If your home was built between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s, you may have aluminum branch-circuit wiring. Aluminum is safe when installed correctly, but its connections can loosen over time, leading to overheating, arcing, and a significantly increased fire risk. This is a crucial inspection point for any older Colorado Springs property.
Hazard 2: Outdated Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Found in very old homes (pre-1940s), knob-and-tube wiring lacks a ground wire and its insulation can become brittle. Because it relies on open air for cooling, covering it with insulation (like during an attic upgrade) is extremely dangerous and a common cause of home fires.
Hazard 3: Frayed or Damaged Extension Cords
Never run extension cords under rugs or furniture. Constant pressure can easily crush and fray the cord's insulation, creating a severe fire hazard that's completely hidden from view. Use extension cords only as a temporary solution.
Hazard 4: Overloaded Electrical Panels
Your electrical panel has a maximum capacity. If you've added new appliances, a hot tub, or an air conditioner without upgrading the panel, you could be constantly running on an overloaded system. Common signs include flickering lights when a large appliance turns on or a panel that is warm to the touch.
Hazard 5: Improperly Grounded Outlets
In older homes, three-prong outlets may have been installed without a ground wire connected to the electrical system. This leaves you and your electronics unprotected against a surge or a short, significantly increasing the risk of electric shock or fire damage.
Hazard 6: Missing GFCI Protection in Wet Areas
Garages, bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to rapidly shut off power if electricity detects moisture or a fault. Missing GFCI protection in these wet areas is a common and dangerous code violation.
Hazard 7: Cracked or Broken Outlet Covers
While seemingly cosmetic, cracked or missing outlet or switch plate covers expose live wiring and components underneath, posing a direct shock hazard, especially to children or pets.
Hazard 8: Hot or Buzzing Switches and Outlets
If a switch or outlet is hot to the touch or emits a strange buzzing or crackling sound, it’s a red flag. This usually means a connection is loose, leading to electrical resistance and heat buildup—a direct precursor to an electrical fire.
Hazard 9: Incorrect Light Bulb Wattage
Screwing a light bulb with too high a wattage into a fixture can lead to overheating the fixture’s wiring and insulation. Always check the maximum recommended wattage printed inside the fixture before installing a new bulb.
Hazard 10: Buried Junction Boxes
All wire splices must be accessible inside a junction box that is covered by a plate. When homeowners or contractors hide these boxes behind drywall or bury them in the ceiling, they create a serious hazard because heat buildup or a fault cannot be inspected or repaired without ripping open the wall.
Your Next Step: Professional Electrical Safety Inspection
If you’ve identified any of these hazards in your home, don't wait. Electrical issues rarely fix themselves and can escalate rapidly.
Contact American Electrician for a comprehensive safety inspection. Our licensed technicians specialize in diagnosing and safely resolving hidden electrical hazards, ensuring your Colorado Springs home is up to code and protected. Your family's safety is our top priority.
