The electrical system is a vital component of your home. It keeps your lights on and appliances working, but it can also pose a danger when something goes wrong.
Everyone’s breakers will trip from time to time, but if this is happening regularly, it’s an indication that there may be a more severe problem with the wiring or circuit.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are an annoying inconvenience, but they also indicate a potential electrical issue that can be a fire risk or lead to injury. Often, the problem is a simple fix, like replacing a light bulb or tightening a switch to fix a loose connection. However, if the pattern persists, it’s time to call a professional electrician for more in-depth troubleshooting.
In general, homes can only manage a certain amount of electricity, and old wiring can wear out over time. In the worst cases, this can cause voltage fluctuations that lead to flickering lights or even a house fire. A professional electrician can help find the source of the problem and determine if it’s a risk to your family. They can also rewire the home to address older, faulty wiring or outdated breakers and connectors.
Unusual Smells
If you notice a burning smell coming from your fuse box, outlets, or switches, turn off your power and call for an electrical service Washington DC, immediately. Burning smells are a sign of old wiring that is smoking, and this is a significant fire hazard.
Make sure all of your appliances are plugged directly into outlets and not extension cords or power strips. This way, you’ll be able to eliminate the possibility of overloaded circuits that cause tripping, and you’ll lower your risk of electrical fires.
Periodically touch your light switches and outlets to see if they feel hot. If they do, it’s time to call a full-service electrician to check out your wiring and replace any overheating. This will help keep your family and business safe.
Unusual Noises
If you hear humming or buzzing sounds from your walls, it is an early warning sign that your electrical wiring needs repair. These sounds may indicate faulty wiring that can lead to fires and other dangerous problems.
It is not uncommon for your breaker to trip when you use an appliance, but if it keeps happening, you should call an electrician immediately. Frequent breaker trips may indicate outdated wiring not up to current electrical standards, which could be a severe fire hazard.
If you have a home built before 1985, your wiring must be updated. Having an experienced electrician upgrade your electrical system can save you from the many house fires that occur yearly, causing more than 50,000 injuries and $1.3 billion in property damage.
Overheating Outlets
When an outlet or switch feels warmer than usual, it is time to call an electrician. Hot outlets can be dangerous, as they increase the risk of fire and cause damage to nearby wires.
The most common reason for an outlet to become hot is to be more productive. This can happen if you have too many appliances in one outlet or the electricity demand is higher than usual.
Another possible reason for an outlet to become warm is that it is faulty. This is most likely caused by a loose connection between the wires, corrosion or other damage to the wiring, and even conductive moisture. A professional electrician will rewire your outlets to eliminate these issues. They will also check for any outdated outlets that are prone to overheating.
Shocking Feelings
A shocking feeling can indicate a serious electrical problem, like deteriorating wiring. It’s best to avoid attempting to fix these problems yourself but to call a residential electrician instead.
While an electric shock might not feel as severe as those from the movies, it is still a sign of a potential problem. A minor shock may feel like a tingling sensation that goes away, while a significant shock could cause pain, muscle contractions, and even loss of consciousness.
Whether you’re building or buying a new home or simply looking to make sure that your home’s electrical systems are up to date, it is essential to know when it is time to call an electrician. Flickering lights or a circuit breaker that keeps tripping are signs that it’s time to call for professional help.
