7 Common Home Wiring Issues and How to Spot Them

admin • 2 July 2025
A person is working on an electrical box in a house.

From flickering lights to buzzing outlets, electrical problems can be more than just annoying—they can pose serious safety risks. At Landmark Electric, we’ve repaired thousands of home wiring issues across Troy, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and the greater Metro Detroit area. Here are the most common problems we see and how to recognize the warning signs before they become dangerous.


1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker or dim when appliances turn on, it could signal a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or an aging electrical panel. This is one of the most common calls we receive across Oakland and Macomb counties.


When to call: If the flickering is frequent or affects multiple rooms, contact a licensed electrician immediately.


2. Warm or Discolored Outlets

Outlets that are warm to the touch, scorched, or discolored may indicate overheating or faulty wiring behind the wall—a serious fire hazard.


When to call: Right away. This is a major red flag and should be inspected by a professional ASAP.


3. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells

If you hear a buzzing noise from a switch or smell burning plastic, shut off power to that area and call an electrician. These issues are often caused by arcing or loose wire connections inside your walls.


4. Frequently Tripping Breakers

Are your circuit breakers tripping often—especially when using appliances like microwaves or space heaters? This could be due to overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or a faulty breaker.


Tip: Modern homes require more amperage. If you live in an older home in Troy, MI, your panel may need an upgrade.


5. Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets

Older homes built before the 1960s may still have two-pronged outlets. These are not grounded and offer limited protection against shocks or surges—especially around water sources like kitchens and bathrooms.


Solution: We recommend upgrading to GFCI-protected, grounded outlets for your safety.


6. Extension Cord Overuse

If you’re using extension cords or power strips daily, it’s likely a sign that your home doesn’t have enough outlets or circuits. This overuse can strain your system and increase fire risk.


Tip: Our team can safely install additional circuits and outlets where you need them most.


7. Aluminum Wiring (Older Homes)

Homes built in the 1960s and 70s may contain aluminum wiring, which expands and contracts, causing loose connections over time. It can increase the risk of arcing and electrical fires.


Solution: Have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring. We offer safe rewiring and aluminum-to-copper retrofits.

How Landmark Electric Can Help

Whether you’re seeing flickering lights or just want peace of mind, our licensed electricians in Troy, MI, are here to help. We provide expert diagnostics, rewiring, outlet upgrades, panel replacements, and more—with clean, code-compliant work every time.

Serving

  • Troy, MI
  • Royal Oak, MI
  • Sterling Heights, MI
  • Birmingham, MI
  • Bloomfield Hills, MI
  • Madison Heights, MI
  • Clawson, MI
  • And the surrounding Metro Detroit area.

Schedule a Wiring Inspection Today

Don’t ignore electrical red flags. Protect your family and your property by calling the pros.

Call 586-405-0227.

Book online at www.call-landmark.com.

A kitchen with gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances

5 Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Add Style and Efficiency

by admin • 2 July 2025
Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But poor lighting can make even the nicest kitchen feel dull, dated, or inefficient. At Landmark Electric, we help homeowners across Troy, Michigan, and the surrounding Metro Detroit area upgrade their kitchen lighting for both style and energy savings. Here are five modern kitchen lighting ideas that can elevate your space and reduce your energy bill. 1. Under-Cabinet Lighting: Function Meets Flair Under-cabinet LED lights are one of the most popular upgrades we install. They illuminate countertops, reduce shadows, and make food prep easier—all while adding a sleek, high-end touch to your kitchen aesthetic. Why we love it: Energy-efficient LED strips or puck lights Motion sensor or smart switch options Great for task lighting and evening ambiance Pro tip: Choose warm white LEDs for a cozy glow or cool white for a modern, crisp look. 2. Pendant Lights Over Islands and Counters Pendant lighting creates a stylish focal point while providing essential task lighting over kitchen islands, breakfast bars, or dining nooks. This is your chance to showcase personality—from vintage Edison bulbs to modern industrial fixtures. Why we love it: • Adds dimension and character • Works with dimmers for adjustable brightness • Easy to pair with recessed or ambient lighting 3. Smart Lighting Systems for Full Control Imagine controlling all your kitchen lights from your phone, voice assistant, or wall panel. With smart LED lighting, you can automate brightness, color temperature, and even set schedules—ideal for both energy savings and convenience. Why we love it: Works with Alexa, Google Home, or mobile apps Dimmable and programmable settings Save on your electricity bill by reducing waste Popular installations: Wi-Fi dimmers, smart under-cabinet lights, and multi-zone lighting systems 4. Layered Lighting = Balanced Brightness Professional kitchen lighting isn’t about one light source—it’s about layering. The perfect kitchen setup includes Ambient lighting (overall brightness) Task lighting (over counters, islands) Accent lighting (under cabinets, toe-kicks, or shelves) This layered approach ensures every part of your kitchen is functional and beautiful—no dark corners or harsh overhead glare. 5. Recessed Lighting for a Clean, Modern Look Also known as can lights or pot lights, recessed lighting provides smooth, even coverage without visual clutter. It’s ideal for kitchens with low ceilings or a minimalist design. Why we love it: Energy-efficient LED recessed fixtures Sleek and subtle ceiling finish Works perfectly with smart dimmers Bonus: We can install wet-rated recessed lights in kitchens with high humidity or near sinks.
A person is working on an electrical box with a screwdriver.

When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

by admin • 2 July 2025
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity to your lights, appliances, and outlets. But if your panel is outdated or overloaded, it can pose a serious fire hazard—and may not support the power demands of today’s modern home. At Landmark Electric, we upgrade panels every week across Troy, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and the Metro Detroit area to help homeowners stay safe, compliant, and ready for future needs. 1. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box If you’re still using a fuse box, your electrical system is long overdue for an upgrade. Fuses are outdated, can be unsafe, and are not designed to handle today’s energy use—especially with appliances like EV chargers, air conditioners, and high-powered kitchen equipment. 2. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently If your breakers trip often, especially when running appliances like microwaves, vacuums, or space heaters, it may mean your panel is overloaded or failing. Frequent tripping is a sign of: Inadequate amperage (often 60–100 amps in older homes) Loose wiring or outdated circuit breakers Overloaded circuits from high-energy use 3. Burning Smells, Buzzing, or Warm Panels Any of the following are signs of immediate concern: A burning smell from the panel or outlets A warm-to-the-touch panel or breakers Buzzing or humming sounds These could indicate loose connections, arcing, or breaker failure—all of which are electrical fire risks. 4. Is My Electrical Panel Out of Date? Many homeowners don’t know how to tell if their electrical panel is still safe. If your home was built before 1995, or you don’t know the last time your panel was inspected, it may be due for replacement.