Our electrical systems are the beating heart of our homes, but these systems need constant TLC to keep them running at their best. You wouldn’t drive thousands of miles without an oil change, and simila
rly, our home’s electrical system needs regular check-ups. Regular check-ups from a professional keep things running smoothly, but homeowners can take some safe, proactive measures to determine when further help is needed.
Signs of Electrical Issues Homeowners Can Recognize
There are a few telltale signs that your home might be in need of some electrical help. Keep an eye out for these:
Flickering Lights: Flickering lights are a possible sign of overloaded circuits or voltage issues, as well as an annoyance at all times.
Circuit Breaker Trips: If you often trek to the breaker box, it’s a sign something’s amiss. A tripping circuit signals a deeper issue than lighting or appliance hardware issues.
Warm or Sparking Outlets: Warm outlets could mean there’s loose wiring behind the scenes, which in turn means fires might be a concern.
Dead Outlets: If your outlet’s not working, it could indicate deeper wiring issues.
The longer you ignore these signs, the worse the problem will become, costing you more money and stress later on. And let’s not forget, issues like faulty wiring don’t just put a strain on your wallet – they are clear and present safety hazards.
Simple Electrical Checks Homeowners Can Perform
As a homeowner, you have the power to conduct some straightforward electrical checks that help keep your home’s electrical system in tip-top shape.
Let’s start with outlets. If you notice any outlet feeling a bit wobbly when you plug something in, give it a gentle wiggle. A shaky outlet could be a sign of wear or not-so-great installation, and that’s something an electrician should take a look at. Remember to periodically check for warm, sparking outlets or outlet covers with visible burn marks. Once you have determined there is an issue, do not mess with them further and immediately get in contact with a professional.
Now, let’s talk about GFCI outlets. These outlets will be found in your bathroom or kitchen, as they are designed to protect you from electrical shocks. Testing them is easy: just press the ‘Test’ button. You should hear a click and the power will cut off, which means they’re doing their job. Hit the ‘Reset’ button to bring the power back. If there’s no click or the power doesn’t shut off, it’s best to call an electrician. That could be a sign of a bigger issue, and you want these outlets to work when you need them to in order to prevent major injuries.
Moving on to your lights – if they’re flickering, first try tightening the bulbs or switches. If the flickering continues, it might not be a simple bulb issue but something more serious with your wiring. Take a look at your circuit breaker panel. See any switches not firmly in the ‘On’ position? If a breaker is stuck in limbo between ‘Off’ and ‘On,’ that’s a tripped breaker. You can reset it by flipping it all the way to ‘Off’ and then back to ‘On.’ However, if it keeps tripping, your home might suffer from an overloaded circuit issue. At this point, professional help is once again highly recommended to keep homeowners and their electrical system safe.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
If you’re constantly resetting your GFCIs, dealing with dead outlets, or facing any electrical task that feels like it’s out of your league, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional electricians have the skills, tools, and knowledge to tackle these issues safely and effectively.
Remember, DIY electrical repairs can be risky business. They can lead to electrical fires, burns, and shocks and might even land you on the wrong side of local electrical codes. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures safety and gives you the reassurance that the job is done right.
Promise Electric employs the Sarasota area’s premier team of master electricians. Contact us today if your electrical system has serious issues that need to be addressed.
