What usually causes this?
Aging insulation
Older cable insulation can become brittle and crack, especially in hot attics.
Loose connections
Connections loosen over years of heating and cooling.
DIY or unpermitted work
Splices outside boxes, wrong wire sizes and missing grounds are common findings.
Rodent damage
Mice and squirrels chew cable insulation in attics and walls.
Aluminum branch wiring
Some homes built in the 1960s–70s have aluminum wiring that needs special connection methods.
Knob-and-tube
Very old ungrounded systems often have been modified or covered in insulation.
What you can safely check
These details help an electrician find the cause faster. Look and listen only — do not remove covers or touch wiring.
- Warm switches or outlets
- Two-prong outlets throughout
- Visible cable condition in the attic or basement (look, don't touch)
- Extension cords used permanently
- Signs of past rodent activity
Warning signs that need a professional
- Burning smell
- Scorch marks
- Sparks
- Shocks from fixtures or appliances
- Buzzing in walls
When should you call an electrician?
An electrical inspection identifies wiring problems throughout the home and prioritizes repairs. Depending on findings, the fix may be targeted repairs, new circuits or rewiring.
Services that fix this problem
Electrical Inspection
Whole-home electrical safety inspections for older homes, home purchases, renovations and insurance questions.
Home Rewiring
Replacing outdated, damaged or unsafe wiring throughout a home — knob-and-tube, ungrounded or deteriorated cable.
Electrical Wiring
New circuits, repairs to damaged wiring and wiring updates for kitchens, additions and major appliances.
Electrical Repair
Diagnosis and repair of dead circuits, failing outlets and switches, tripping breakers and other everyday electrical faults in your home.
Related electrical problems
Frequently asked questions
Warm outlets, frequent trips, flickering, burning smells and two-prong outlets are common signs. An inspection gives a clear answer.
Aluminum branch wiring can be safe when properly terminated with rated devices and connectors. Improper connections can overheat.
It depends on condition and type. An electrician can recommend repair, partial rewiring or full rewiring.