In a modern home, your electrical system powers just about everything. It is the hidden current running behind your walls and powering all your devices. It is easy to overlook your electrical system, but it will give you warning signs that you need to call in an electrician when it needs to be updated.
Sign #1: Flickering Lights
Your lights should not flicker on and off all the time, nor should they flicker every time the air conditioner kicks on or you start up the dryer. If your lights are flickering every time a big appliance turns on, that means that your system is drawing too much power, and you need to add additional circuits or an additional power box to balance the power needs of your home.
If your lights are flickering in only a specific light fixture, there may be a wiring problem with that light fixture that you need to figure out. Other times, a flickering light may just mean the light is burning out and needs to be changed.
Sign #2: Hot Outlets
Every once in a while, go around and touch the outlets you are using in your home. If you notice that an outlet feels hot or warm when you are using it, or even shortly after you unplug a device from it, take this heat seriously. This heat is generally a result of faulty wiring and a sign that the outlet is damaged. This is a hazard that you will want to get checked out right away by a qualified electrician.
Sign #3: Falling Plugs
When you plug something into an outlet, it should stay in the outlet. The plug should not randomly drop or fall out of the outlet. If you notice that plugs are falling out of a particular outlet, that is generally a sign that the contacts for the connect have become worn out and are no longer providing a secure connection for the things you are plugging in. You are going to want to get an electrician to replace the hardware for that outlet.
Sign #4: Excessive Power Bars & Cords
Suppose when you look around your house, you have power cords running everywhere, and you are using power bars to extend the plug-in capabilities of just about every outlet in your home. In that case, you are overextending your electrical system and setting yourself up for an electrical fire and a tripping hazard as well.
If you have an overload of electrical power bard and extension cords running through your home, you are going to want to have an electrician come in, analyze your energy usage, and come up with a plan to install more outlets throughout your home so that you can safely plug everything in.
If you have flickering lights, hot outlets, loose outlets, or just too many power bars and extension cords running around your home, you are going to want to get those issues fixed by an electrician. Fixing those issues will protect your home from electrical fires and help improve your space's function and feel.
For more information on your electrical system, contact an electrician near you.
When we purchased our first home, we realized that there was a problem with some of the electrical work. Some of the lights flickered when we turned them on, and others really seemed to have issues if they were left on long term. I thought the issues was the light bulbs themselves at first, so I replaced several of them. However, after making those changes, it seemed like things were still having trouble. I began going through and thinking carefully about how to identify and resolve the challenges, and it occurred to me that working with an electrician could be helpful. I turned to the professional for help, and it was a good thing I did. Read more about electricians on this blog.