If you’ve been spending more time at home lately, you might have noticed some things around your home that need repair. Electrical fires are common and cause approximately 35,000 fires per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Faulty wiring could involve outlets, receptacles, interior wiring or outdoor wiring. So, how do you know if you need a licensed electrician?
Electrical Problem Warning Signs
There are signs that your home’s electrical system may need repair. Obviously, it’s important not to ignore potential problems. If you notice any of the issues listed below, you should contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
- Obvious signs, such as a burning smell, smoke, buzzing or sizzling sounds should be investigated right away by a licensed electrician. In addition, if you get a shock when touching a cord, or plugging a cord into an outlet, contact an electrician.
- Do you have breakers that are frequently tripped or blown? This could indicate an issue.
- Insulation that is cracked, cut, or broken should be inspected.
- Even loose outlets could cause or indicate an issue. If outlets, cords, or switch plates get hot or discolored, this is also a cause for concern.
- Sometimes a light bulb that burns out quickly can indicate that the fixture can’t withstand the bulb wattage.
- Sparks or electrical arcs, when you plug in or unplug a cord, should be inspected.
- If you have an over-amped or over-fused electrical panel, it should be reviewed by a licensed electrician.
- Even something as simple as lights that flicker or dim could mean a circuit is overloaded or has a loose connection.
Hidden Dangers in Your Home
Undoubtedly, the signs above indicate issues with your home’s electrical wiring that should be inspected, and repaired by a licensed electrician. However, there are some reasons to have your electrical system inspected, even if you don’t notice issues.
For instance, if your home is more than 40 years old, you should have it inspected. Especially if you intend to remodel or make any major changes. Alternatively, you might need an inspection if you’ve already made home improvements or if you’ve purchased new appliances that might stress your electrical system.
Some older homes still have ungrounded, two-prong outlets that should be replaced with safer versions. Similarly, if your home was built in the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring may have been used instead of copper and may need to be replaced at the connections. Aluminum wiring is no longer in code, so if you make major renovations, you will likely need to budget for replacement wiring. With this in mind, you should plan to have a licensed electrician do the work.
Let a Licensed Electrician Handle the Job
In general, when it comes to electrical systems in your home, it’s best to contact a professional, licensed electrician to inspect and do the work. Professional electricians know local and state safety codes to ensure the work will pass an inspection. Most importantly, a professional electrician will know how to perform the work safely and up to quality standards.
If you need electrical work for your home, contact us at Raceway Electric, LLC. We have licensed, professional electricians, and decades of experience and would love to help.
