Electrical and lighting systems in the home are to blame for almost 20% of all electrical emergencies and house fire deaths in the United States. Therefore it is crucial that a homeowner’s electrical wiring, systems, and appliances are operating in a safe and efficient manner. If you have been noticing lights flickering or the power going out for no reason, you might be considering doing the electrical work yourself – but this might not be the best option. There are times for DIY and times to call an electrician. Read on to find out when and why you should contact an electrician. It might just save your life.
Why Should I Call An Electrician?
Simply put, electricians should be called for any work involving electrical equipment – unless you have extensive knowledge and background working as an electrician. One small mistake can lead to death, injury, and quickly ballooning costs. By utilizing a trained professional, you will keep yourself safe and have peace of mind that the work will be done to the highest industry standards.
Call An Electrician for Electrical Emergencies
Flickering or Dim Lights: People’s most common interaction with their electrical systems is their home’s lighting. If a bulb or light fixture is dim, flickering, or not working, replacing the bulb is a sensible first step. If that does not remedy the problem, there is likely a deeper issue at play. Even if a light fixture only flickers on rare occasions, it is often a symptom of faulty wiring or deterioration of the circuit, a significant fire hazard.
Strange Smells: An unusual smell without an obvious source is an early warning sign of danger for your home. Wiring behind the wall can heat up, causing a strange burning smell and leading to fires. Smells that do not immediately bring to mind the scent of burning should also be investigated. Different materials, such as clothing, bedding, or plastics, might release unusual odors if they catch fire. Unplug all devices and check for any visible burn marks or discoloration on outlets and plugs.
Visibly Damaged Service Panel or Break Box: If you notice any physical damage to your panel, such as rust or burn damage, the wiring may be affected. This can cause tripped breakers and lead to circuit overloads in the future. A breaker box with rust or other types of damage can also be inferred as old, meaning that the underlying wiring may face similar physical damage.
Tripping Circuit Breakers: Although common, losing power is a significant indicator of deeper electrical issues. Finding yourself without power, even momentarily, is a sign that your system is overloaded and unable to draw enough current to power everything connected to the system. An upgrade to the system – or an investigation into the weak link – can be done by any experienced electrician.
Outlets That Will Not Work: The outlets in your house are not just for show; if they were installed, chances are they were being used to draw power at one time. If a large number of outlets in your home are not working, there are likely physical issues in the wiring behind the wall that is stopping the current from flowing all the way to the outlets. Electrical emergencies or a major fire hazard may be lurking if there are frayed or completely disconnected wires.
Just noticing issues with your electrical system is not enough – action must be taken to keep your property and family safe. Instead of putting yourself at risk and possibly creating new problems, always call a professional electrical service company for home repairs and installations. Promise Electric has been serving the Sarasota area for decades and is a trusted partner for many residents and businesses.
