5 Signs It's Time To Call An Electrician
Running into electrical problems in your home can be stressful, but tackling or troubleshooting these issues is not something you should attempt on your own. For your safety, it's always better to call in experienced and licensed electricians to diagnose and perform any repairs. Not sure whether your home needs electrical repairs? There are some red flags you don't want to ignore.
Breakers Are Frequently Tripping
Having breakers that trip regularly can be annoying--but this can also be a sign of an electrical box that is overwhelmed. If you're frequently experiencing tripped breakers, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade. This is especially common in older homes, which were built with lower amperage capacities than modern homes.
An Outlet is Sparking When You Use It
A sparking plug can be scary and dangerous, so it's always worth calling an electrician for an assessment if you experience this. The good news? A sparking plug isn't always a sign of a major problem. Still, only an experienced electrician will be able to tell you if this issue is relatively harmless or the sign of a problem, such as a short circuit or an old outlet.
Your Light Switches Are Warm or Buzzing
If you hear a buzzing noise coming from your light switches, even when your lights are off, this is something that should be assessed by an electrician. This is especially true if the switches themselves seem warm to the touch. In some cases, the problem may be caused by a light fixture drawing more wattage than the switch can handle. However, an electrician will be able to determine the cause and proper repair.
Plugs Won't Stay in Their Outlets
If you're noticing that plugs are falling out of outlets after you've plugged them in, you probably need new outlets installed. This is a common issue with older homes. Still, it's not something you want to put off, as loose plugs can pose a greater risk of electrical fires and shock.
Your Lights Are Flickering
Other than during times of heavy wind, your home's lights should not flicker on and off. If you're noticing flickering while there are no heavy winds outside, this needs to be checked out by an electrician to make sure there are no issues with the power lines running to your house. Without a proper connection, power lines could be more prone to arcing and causing a fire.