An exposed electrical wire in your home is never something to ignore. These wires carry live currents that can put your home at risk of fire, surges, and shocks. Carefully assessing the situation, shutting off power, and taking the proper precautions helps prevent immediate hazards. Keep reading to learn the steps to take if you discover exposed wires, and know when to call the experts at High 5 for emergency electrical repair.
Assessing the Situation
If you detect exposed electrical wiring in your home, carefully assess the situation to keep you and your household safe. Keep your distance and check for nearby hazards, such as water, sparks, melted plastic, or burning smells. If there aren’t any immediate threats, try to determine the source of the wires. Check if they fell from the ceiling, a wall, out of an outlet, or from a nearby appliance or electronic device.
Immediate Safety Measures
Once you’re able to determine the source of the wires, immediately go to the breaker box to turn off power to the circuit. Avoid touching the wire or any surrounding devices to prevent an electric shock. After switching off the breaker, test nearby lights or outlets to verify that the power is off and contact a licensed electrician in your area for emergency assistance. Keep children, pets, and other household members away from the exposed wiring until an electrician arrives to inspect and make the necessary repairs.
Temporary Solutions
If an electrician isn’t able to come immediately, you can insulate the wire with electrical tape until they arrive. With the power shut off, carefully wrap the electrical tape around the wire to cover the exposed area. Make sure the tape is wrapped tightly around the gap and completely covers any exposed bare copper.
When temporarily insulating a wire, use only UL-listed electrical tape. Duct tape, masking tape, or other alternatives are not suited for electrical devices and can increase the risk of fire or shock.
Permanent Solutions
When the electrician arrives, they’ll assess the situation and determine the most effective solution. Depending on the type and extent of damage, they’ll either replace the damaged wiring, re-secure the connections, or install a new junction box.
If there’s a more significant issue occurring in your home’s electrical system, they may suggest a complete inspection to check for additional hazards. Upgrading your wiring or electrical panels can help bring your home up to code and prevent future issues.
Risks of Ignoring Exposed Wires
Ignoring exposed electrical wires can lead to serious and dangerous risks. When the surrounding insulation that protects you from the live current is damaged, it can lead to the following hazards.
Electrical fires
If exposed wiring sparks, it can ignite nearby surfaces such as walls, insulation, or furniture and start a dangerous electrical fire. Electrical fires often spread quickly and can cause extensive property damage, injuries, or even loss of life.
Shocks
Exposed wires often carry a live current. Touching the wire can result in a severe electric shock that causes burns, nerve damage, or, in extreme cases, death.
Power surges
Exposed wires cannot distribute the correct amount of power to connected devices. To compensate, these devices draw more electricity, which can lead to a power surge that shuts down your breaker.
Call The Professionals High 5 for All Your Electrical Needs!
If you notice an exposed electrical wire in your home, don’t hesitate to call the team at High 5 for immediate assistance. Our licensed electricians are available 24/7 to assist with electrical emergencies in Denver and surrounding areas. We’ll quickly determine the source of the exposed wire and find a lasting solution that keeps your family safe. Whether you need a quick replacement or a comprehensive electrical assessment, you can count on our team to complete the job safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local codes.
Call us or book online to schedule your electrical service in Colorado today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave electrical wires exposed?
Leaving electrical wires exposed can pose a serious risk to your household. If an electrician isn’t able to come to your home immediately, turn off the power and find UL-listed electrical tape to insulate the wire. This temporary solution helps protect you and your family until a professional can inspect and repair the wire.
Can I still use a device that’s plugged into an exposed wire?
Continuing to use a device that’s connected to an exposed wire can result in power surges, shock, or damage to the device’s internal components. Immediately disconnect the device, shut off power to the circuit, and contact our experts for repair.
How can I tell if an exposed wire is live?
The top signs that an exposed wire is live include buzzing noises, sparks, or a burning smell. To verify, it’s best to contact a certified electrician for inspection. However, if you have the tools and experience to handle electrical systems, you can use a voltage tester to check the current.
What should I do if the wire is near water?
If an exposed wire is near water, immediately evacuate the area. Electrical currents can flow through water, posing a serious risk of electric shock to you and others. Turn off the power to the area and contact an emergency electrician right away.
Why do wires become exposed?
The most common causes of exposed wires include wear and tear, rodent damage, poor installation, and moisture. If you notice an exposed wire in your home, try to determine the underlying cause to prevent future damage and electrical hazards. Addressing the source helps protect your wiring and keep your home safe.
