Do You Need a Home Wiring Upgrade? Warning for Tampa Homeowners
Your home’s wiring system is essential to your comfort, safety, and daily functionality—but many homeowners don’t think about it until something goes wrong. Outdated or faulty electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires and appliance damage. In a city like Tampa, where older homes are common, it’s especially important to stay proactive.
At Keentel Electrical Contractors, we specialize in wiring inspections, electrical panel replacements, and full-system upgrades to ensure your home is both safe and up to code. Below, we break down the top 7 warning signs your home may need a wiring upgrade—plus what to do next.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, your home’s electrical system may be working harder than it should. This can be due to old or undersized wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty components in the electrical panel. In Tampa’s older homes—especially those built before 1990—this is a common and dangerous issue.
Your breaker box is designed to shut off power during unsafe conditions, but constant tripping means there's a bigger underlying issue. Homes that have added high-draw devices like modern appliances or EV chargers often push older systems past their limits. This increases the risk of overheating, short circuits, and fires.
If you’re experiencing this issue, it may be time to consider a full panel upgrade. Learn more about our electrical panel replacement services, which ensure your home can safely handle your energy needs.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker or dim when you use appliances like a microwave or air conditioner may seem harmless—but they're often a warning sign of an electrical issue. These symptoms suggest unstable voltage or outdated wiring unable to support the load.
This is especially true if you've recently installed modern features like EV chargers, which pull a significant amount of electricity. It's essential to ensure your wiring system is compatible with these technologies. Our team frequently addresses these concerns in our EV charger installation FAQ, which explains what homeowners should check before upgrading.
Flickering can also be caused by poor wire connections, corroded terminals, or even dangerous arcing—all of which require immediate professional attention.
Warm or Discolored Outlets
Have you ever touched an outlet and noticed it felt warm—or worse, seen brown or black marks around it? These are signs of overheating, usually caused by poor wire connections or circuit overloads. Left unchecked, this heat can cause insulation to melt and increase the risk of electrical fires behind your walls.
Homeowners who rely on extension cords or plug in power-hungry appliances like portable heaters, power tools, or even high-wattage kitchen gear can overload their outlets without realizing it. If you’re also using battery-powered systems or energy storage devices, it's crucial to ensure compatibility with your wiring. Explore our battery storage safety FAQs for more insights.
Warm or discolored outlets should be inspected immediately by a licensed electrician. Simply replacing the outlet won’t fix what’s happening behind the wall.
You Still Have Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was popular in the 1960s and 1970s but is now considered a safety hazard. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which leads to loose connections over time. These weak spots can generate heat, cause arcing, and significantly increase the chance of fire.
If your home was built during that era, it’s worth checking what kind of wiring you have. Our team at Keentel has extensive experience replacing aluminum wiring with modern copper wiring that meets all safety codes and supports today’s energy loads.
For a complete breakdown of our offerings, check out our Tampa electrical services for residential homes, including rewiring and system upgrades.
Burning Smell or Buzzing Sounds
Smelling burning plastic or hearing buzzing near outlets and switches is never normal. These are serious indicators of electrical arcing, melting insulation, or failing components. If you experience this, shut off power to the area and call a professional immediately.
These issues don’t go away on their own—in fact, they usually get worse over time. Some homeowners in Tampa brush these off until a major electrical failure occurs. Don’t wait for a small noise or smell to become a disaster.
Stay proactive by reviewing our electrical safety blog for Tampa homeowners, which covers real-life risks and preventive tips.
Overuse of Extension Cords or Power Strips
If your home feels like it’s held together by extension cords, it’s time for an upgrade. While power strips may offer convenience, they’re a major red flag that your home doesn’t have enough outlets or circuits. Overuse can lead to overheating and fire hazards, especially in older homes.
Instead of relying on temporary fixes, it's better to upgrade your electrical system to match your lifestyle. This also helps if you're considering backup power sources. Learn about safer options in our standby generator FAQs, which include professional installation insights.
You’re Renovating or Installing New Appliances
Planning a renovation or adding heavy-duty appliances like a hot tub, EV charger, or new AC unit? These upgrades can place significant stress on older wiring. Most building codes require electrical inspections during major renovations—and for good reason. Ensuring your wiring meets updated safety standards protects both your home and your investment.
At Keentel, our electricians work closely with homeowners and contractors to ensure all remodels are electrically sound. Learn more about our team and experience by visiting our About Us page for Tampa electricians.
Why Choose Keentel for Generator Installation in Tampa?
We’re not just another contractor — we’re a team committed to powering your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
- 27+ Years of Electrical Experience
- Licensed, Insured & Certified Electricians
- Serving All of Tampa Bay and Surrounding Counties
- Financing Options Available
- Emergency Repairs & Long-Term Support
We provide residential electrical services throughout Tampa and the greater Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, and Citrus County. Whether you live in a historic bungalow in South Tampa, a growing neighborhood in Wesley Chapel, or a waterfront property in Clearwater, our licensed electricians are ready to deliver safe, code-compliant solutions tailored to your home. From home rewiring and electrical panel upgrades to generator installations and safety inspections, we’re trusted by homeowners across the region for reliable service and long-term peace of mind.
Still Have Questions?
We’ve gathered the most common electrical questions from Tampa homeowners in our comprehensive electrical FAQs section—check it out for more quick answers.
Schedule a Wiring Inspection with a Licensed Tampa Electrician
Wiring issues aren’t always visible, but the warning signs are there if you know what to look for. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above, your home may need a wiring upgrade or at least a professional inspection.
📞 Call: (813) 395-0000
