5 Signs of Corrosion in Your Electrical System

You rely on electrical systems to power your lights, HVAC systems and even cars, but faults in these complex systems can put your safety at risk. While you've probably heard of electrical overloads and short circuits, electrical corrosion is another potential cause of power failures and house fires when left untreated.

This May Also Interest You: How Much Does Electricity Cost?

If you've ever tried removing rust from a car, you'll know how much damage moisture can cause to metal surfaces. Therefore, it's hardly surprising that moisture can wreak havoc with wires, electrical panels and other crucial parts of your electrical system. Read on to learn why electrical corrosion develops, how to spot it and what to do if you suspect corrosion in your electrical system.

What Causes Electrical Corrosion?

Electrical corrosion happens when the wires and other metal elements inside your vehicle or home electrical system degrade due to contact with moisture. Common causes of wire corrosion include:

• Plumbing leaks

• Cracks in foundations or walls

• Rainwater accumulation around outdoor wiring

Galvanic corrosion is a less common type of corrosion affecting electrical systems. It occurs when electricity flows between dissimilar metals, leading to uneven electron flow and corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is more common on boats receiving an electrical current from a shore power line. It can also cause problems in home heating systems containing different metals.

Several factors can make electrical corrosion more likely. Dust attracts moisture, so allowing dust or dirt to accumulate around wires can increase the risk of corrosion and other electrical problems. High temperatures can also speed up corrosion, so this problem is more common in hot, humid environments.

What Are the Signs of Electrical Corrosion?

Depending on the location of the issue, you may notice visible signs of corrosion in your electrical system. For example, you may see reddish, orange, green or blue build-up on wires, screws or circuit breakers on your electrical panel. Other warning signs include:

Overheating

Corrosion can cause your electrical system to overheat, leading to overly warm outlets, electrical boards and wires. Parts of your electrical system may melt or appear discolored, and you may notice burning smells. An overheated electrical system requires urgent attention because it can cause fires or burns.

Power Loss

As corrosion worsens, you may experience power loss. Outages may affect a single circuit or system or your entire house.

Appliance Malfunctions

Malfunctioning appliances can also signify electrical corrosion. Your appliances may function sporadically, stop working altogether or trip the circuit breaker when you switch them on.

Electrical Arcing

Electrical arcing happens when overheating, or another electrical issue damages a connection in a circuit. Electricity then jumps between the damaged connectors, increasing the risk of a fire. You may hear a popping or sizzling sound when you turn on a switch.

Reduced Current

Damage caused by electrical corrosion can cause inconsistent or reduced current from your electrical outlets. Reduced current prevents plugged-in appliances from functioning correctly.

When to Suspect Electrical Corrosion

Electrical corrosion can cause symptoms similar to other common electrical problems. For instance, outlets that feel hot to the touch could signify electrical corrosion but could also be a sign of an electrical short circuit. Sometimes, corrosion can lead to short circuits and other electrical system issues.

The older your electrical system, the greater the likelihood of electrical corrosion. Therefore, you should be particularly vigilant to the signs of electrical corrosion if your system is outdated. Consider hiring an electrician to inspect your system for corrosion and other issues if your wiring is several decades old.

You should also suspect electrical corrosion if you're experiencing electrical issues and you also see signs of water infiltration inside your home. Common signs of leaks include pooled water on your floors and damp or discolored patches on your walls, floors and ceilings.

More Related Articles:

• All Homeowners Should Know These Electrical Terms

• How Much Do Electrical Repairs Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

• Why U Trippin’? 3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Trips

• 15 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bill

• Socket to Me: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Electrical Outlets?

What Should You Do If You Suspect Electrical Corrosion?

When left unchecked, issues such as arcing and overheating caused by electrical corrosion can lead to house fires and potentially lethal electric shocks. Corrosion affecting your electrical panel can also prevent your circuit breakers from functioning correctly. Therefore, they may fail to trip during an electrical overload, further increasing the risk of fires and severe damage to your system.

You need to call a licensed electrician as soon as you suspect electrical corrosion. Water conducts electricity, so avoid touching your electrical system if you notice signs of water infiltration to avoid electric shocks.

Your electrician can replace corroded parts of your system and provide electrical corrosion prevention tips. Depending on the cause, they may recommend fixing plumbing leaks, cracks in the walls and other causes of water ingress to prevent the problem from recurring.