Tips to Detect RFI-Generating Bad Wiring in the House

You have probably heard the radio emit an occasional static sound. This is quite a common occurrence, and so is the constant buzzing noise that occurs every time your radio is present in the immediate vicinity of an electrical wire or a live electronic device. However, if the buzzing continues for an extended period or varies in terms of intensity, it might signify something far more troubling than a faulty radio. Any bad electrical wiring is capable of producing long-form radio frequency interference (RFI). You should make it a point to stay alert for any such sound and get suitable RFI shielding mechanism in place. Besides RFI being harmful to your health, faulty wiring is dangerous and may cause extreme damage to your home if left unattended.

Detection Methods

A buzzing sound on the radio despite the absence of any electrical gadgets nearby is a common sign of a faulty wiring, especially if the sound appears to be coming from the underground. Contractors in the past often used buried underground feeder (UF) cables made of plastic instead of conduits for carrying electrical lines to outhouses and buildings. This method is now obsolete in many locations since the insulation often fails to sustain the damages from sharp and jagged rocks, and any repairs to the other utilities are conveniently able to cut through the cable and kill its use. However, the use of the UF cable is still prominent among electricians. Many unscrupulous contractors have no qualms about using the regular outdoor nonmetallic (NM) cables during construction. Not only is this illegal but it is also highly dangerous as the live, untethered wires can give off harmful RFI radiation that can cause grievous harm to your health in the long run if left unchecked and unshielded.

Simplest Method

The best method for tracking a faulty wiring is to tune a portable shortwave radio to above the buzzing sound peak, and then listen to different places on the wall. In the case of an emergency, you might use the ordinary AM radios especially if you can turn the radio to a frequency where you can hear the buzzing sound once you place it against the wall within some inches of the wire. However, something must use electricity for the method to work – it should ideally be an appliance that’s incandescent in nature and doesn’t make much noise itself, like a bulb.

It’s never a good idea to ignore an unidentified source of noise in your home surroundings, especially when you suspect that it might’ve something to do with a faulty wiring in your home environment. If you are confused, get in touch with the ham radio operators. These guys are professionals when it comes to the detection of faulty wiring. If you are having trouble with bad wiring, it’s better you get in touch with an electrician who can not only repair the wires but can also install RFI shielding materials for added measures. You can protect both your home and your health in this way.

Elvis Moore is an active blogger with an extensive industry experience in the field of electronics and technology.