5 Signs Your Exeter Home Needs an Electrical Health Check

You know when the sea starts to turn a bit murky before a storm? That’s kinda how dodgy electrics behave before something goes properly wrong — subtle signs that most people ignore until the power cuts out halfway through cooking tea.

As an electrician in Exeter, I’ve seen plenty of homes showing warning signs that all’s not well beneath the surface. And just like a surfer knows when the tide’s changing, spotting these early signals can save you a whole lot of hassle (and a fair few quid).

So here are the five big signs your home might be crying out for an electrical health check.

1. Flickering Lights

It’s one of those things some people just put up with — “oh, it’s just old wiring” — but flickering lights aren’t just annoying, they’re a symptom. Loose connections, overloaded circuits, or tired fittings all play their part. It’s like a wave that looks fine on the surface but hides an undertow; one day, something’s going to trip. Or worse, catch fire. It’s not worth the risk.

2. Constantly Tripping Breakers

If your fuse board trips every time you use the kettle and toaster at once, it’s your home saying, “Mate, I can’t handle this load.”
Older circuits were never designed for modern living — tumble dryers, EV chargers, endless gadgets — so if your breaker’s doing a full dance routine every evening, it’s time for a check.

3. Warm or Buzzing Sockets

You should never feel warmth or vibration from a socket or switch. That’s resistance — and resistance means wasted energy, which can lead to heat, which can lead to trouble.
I’ve been called to plenty of jobs where a simple loose connection could’ve turned into a kitchen fire if left another week.

4. Outdated Fuse Board

If your fuse board looks older than your surfboard, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Modern consumer units with RCD protection are designed to cut power in milliseconds — the kind of safety gear that could save your life.

5. Odd Smells or Sparks

A faint burning smell or a spark when you plug something in isn’t “normal for an old house.” That’s carbon build-up or a poor contact — both of which need sorting fast!

Why It Matters

Think of an electrical check-up like checking your board for cracks before you paddle out — it’s peace of mind. A quick inspection keeps your family safe, spots future problems, and keeps your wiring compliant with modern standards.

Exeter’s full of beautiful older homes — but a lot of them are running on wiring that’s seen more years than it should. A proper check can mean the difference between smooth-running electrics and no emergency call-outs.