4 Signs That You Need to Seek Help from an Electrician
Fixing an electrical problem on your own may save you time and money especially when it’s just a minor issue. But there comes a point when solving it by yourself would no longer fix the electrical wiring problem. And this is the time when you need to seek help from a licensed electrician.
But how can you tell that such time has arrived? Here, we help you identify the signs that you need to find an electrical service provider.
1. Burning Smell
If any of your appliances produce a burning smell or odor, turn it off and unplug it immediately. It is also advisable not to use it again until it is inspected and repaired.
The burning smell might be a result of a fire in the outlet box, incorrect installation of electrical wiring, damaged wiring, exposed wiring, or an overloaded circuit.
2. Flickering or Dim Lights
At first, flickering or dim lights may only cause you inconvenience. But if it happens too often or if more than one light flicker frequently, it could be a sign of a serious electrical wiring problem. Flickering lights are usually an indication of a deteriorating wiring or an overloaded circuit.
Problems like these may not be a major hazard but waiting until it’s too late or when it gets worse can result in damaging your appliances and losing your home’s power eventually.
3. Warm Outlets
Another sign that you need an electrician’s help is when you notice hot or warm outlets unless it’s a dimmer switch which is normally warm.
If your outlet seems fine but warm to the touch, it’s a strong indication that something is wrong with your light fixtures or it could be broken; thus, it needs immediate repairs which must only be done by a professional. If ignored or neglected, your outlets could start sparking and be a potential fire hazard.
4. Tripping Circuit Breakers
If your circuit breakers keep tripping more than the usual, this could be a major issue. It is typically caused by wear and tear and the solution is to have a new one installed. It is best to have an electrician to inspect the situation to check if it is caused by a short circuit, overloaded circuit, or ground fault. He will then add a new circuit to your home’s electrical system to prevent this from happening again.
Doing electrical work without any experience, right tools, and proper training can be extremely dangerous. It may even cause more serious damage to your home and put your life at risk. No matter how simple the problem may seem, letting a licensed electrician handle all the electrical wiring issues and repairs is always the smartest decision.
Always remember that there’s no electrical problem too small to be ignored. It is very important that as soon as you notice the signs, get help from a reliable electrical services provider to trace the root cause of the problem and efficiently solve it.