The electrical system in your home is responsible for powering lights, televisions, and appliances. It can also be hazardous if it’s not working correctly.
You should always call a licensed electrician immediately if you notice any of the following signs. Identifying problems early will prevent serious injuries or fires.
Your Circuits Are Tripping Often
It can be annoying when your circuits keep tripping, but paying attention is essential because a breaker that keeps tripping is a sign of dangerous electrical problems.
If a breaker trips often, there is likely too much electricity on the circuit, and it can only handle the load if overheating. This could be caused by too many gizmos being plugged into the same circuit or an appliance drawing more power than it should.
The breaker may also be faulty, especially if it’s older and shows signs of wear and tear. A licensed electrician can check and replace the breaker to fix the problem. A ground fault is another common cause of frequent breaker trips, which happens when active wires touch a grounded part of the outlet or switch box.
Your Smell Is Burning or Smoky
A licensed electrician like the home electrician Van Buren AR will be current on the latest electrical codes. They will have paid a bond to receive their license, which covers you if they don’t complete the job or cause any damages while working on your home.
A sudden smell of smoke can indicate an electrical fire or other dangerous conditions in your home. It could also be a phantosmia, an abnormal smell that is perceived as coming from the smell region of your brain and can last for less than a minute.
Many states require a license to work as an electrician. You can find out the specific requirements in your area by checking with your local licensing department or requesting evidence of licensure from any potential contractors.
Your Lights Are Dimming
If your lights dim and brighten frequently, you may need a new bulb or fixture. However, this could also be a sign of loose wiring, which poses a significant safety hazard for you and your family. Loose connections can cause arcing and overheating, leading to a fire.
With outdated wiring, older homes can struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics. This is particularly common with air conditioning units that require large amounts of electricity.
If your lights are dimming and suddenly brightening, it’s essential to call an electrician immediately. This is a potential fire hazard and requires immediate attention. Your electrician can inspect and fix the issue quickly and safely. This will ensure you have adequate voltage to power all of your appliances.
Your Outlets Are Hot to the Touch
If you touch an electrical outlet that feels hot, it indicates something is wrong. Several things can cause this issue, but you must contact an electrician immediately.
A hot outlet can mean it needs to be more productive and able to provide enough electricity for the appliances plugged in. It could also indicate that you’re wasting electricity through standby power or that a more severe problem with your electrical system needs to be addressed.
If the outlet also feels warm to the touch or produces a burning smell or soot marks on the panel, you should turn off your breaker and call for an emergency visit from a trusted local electrician. These issues can be a significant fire risk for your home and pose a health hazard to your family.
Your Circuits Are Overloaded
Your electrical system is built to handle a certain amount of current. When your circuits become overloaded, they begin to heat up and may cause damage to your appliances. Over time, this constant overloading can also reduce the lifespan of your equipment.
Overloaded circuits are a fire hazard and pose a severe risk to your family’s safety. They can even cause significant structural damage to your home or building. One of the best ways to prevent overloading is by understanding the maximum load capacity for each circuit and distributing your power usage evenly. This includes not using multiple extension cords or power strips and avoiding “daisy-chaining” numerous high-powered appliances on the same circuit. Also, consider switching to LED lightbulbs as they require less power.
