Important electrical issues are not something you can afford to take lightly as a homeowner. If left unattended, damage can get worse and lead to severe accidents. This can be everything from electrocution to fires, which is why you need to take action if you notice that your home is experiencing recurrent electrical issues. The problem is that major problems may not be obvious at first. Here are some examples of cases when you should consider calling an electrician.
Your Circuit Box Trips Too Often
It’s normal for circuit breakers to trip from time to time. They are there to protect your system from surcharges. A circuit box will usually trip when multiple high-power appliances are running at once, like a toaster and a microwave oven, for instance. However, if they trip all the time, it’s definitely a sign of something more serious. This could mean that your electrical service is not sufficient and that your system is easily overloaded.
Your Lights Are Flickering
This is a prime example of something that might seem benign at first, but it could be a sign of a very important and potentially dangerous issue. Sometimes, flickering lights will be caused by a faulty fixture, but it could also be a case of your circuit breaker box not getting enough service. This is usually the case when lights flicker whenever a particular appliance is running.
If you notice this, you should call a company like Prime Electric Services right away. They will be able to inspect your circuit breaker box and look at what may be causing the issue. They will also be able to instantly see if there’s an issue with your home’s main power supply and give you indications on what should be done next.
Flickering lights are not something you should ignore. It only takes one surcharge to spark an electrical fire, so make sure that you address the issue immediately.
Your Outlets are Getting Hot
This one should be a cause for alarm for anyone. If you notice that your outlets are getting hot, this is a sign that the circuit is overloaded. This is bad news and another thing that could cause a fire. If an outlet gets hot every time you use a particular appliance, you have to get it inspected as soon as possible. It could be that the appliance needs a dedicated circuit. Only a certified electrical service will be able to tell.
You Have a Fuse Box
If you’re still using a fuse box and haven’t had it inspected by an electrician yet, do so immediately. There are many reasons why you should. One of the biggest is that the previous homeowner may have tweaked the box to provide more power to certain appliances or areas of the house. You may also want to upgrade to a circuit breaker for safety and reliance.
These are all clear occasions where you should be speaking with an electrician immediately. This is important if you want to maintain your electrical system and avoid major incidents.
Thank you for explaining that you need help if your outlets are getting hot. I’ve noticed that there are a few in our kitchen and living area that get hot to the touch. I’ll be sure to call someone soon to have a look at these.