What would modern life be without electricity? This incredible power source allows Americans across the country to heat and cools their homes, power light sources, and refrigerate their food. If you look around the room, you’re in now, you’ll likely quickly spot countless devices, appliances, and utilities that rely on electricity.

While electricity allows us to power our lives, electrical problems can be a nuisance at best and a fire hazard at worse.

It’s best not to ignore electrical issues that pop up in your home. It may require a quick fix, or it might be indicative of a much larger problem.

Let’s take a look at eight signs that your home is having electrical problems to help you determine whether it’s time to call an electrician.

  1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
    Light fixtures don’t typically draw very much power. This means that if you have lights that are flickering or dimming, the problem probably isn’t the fixture. There’s a good chance that the problem is being caused by appliances that hog a lot of energy.

    If you are experiencing this issue, it’s best to consult with an electrician. They will be able to discuss with you the options when it comes to installing dedicated lines for major appliances or moving lights to different circuits.

  2. Burning Smell
    Of course, we don’t have to tell you that the smell of something burning in your home is cause for concern. However, many people might look to see if they left the stove or oven on or if they smelled something off.

    If your electrical system has wiring that’s getting hot enough to cause the plastic sheathing to melt, immediate action is necessary. This is a serious fire risk.

    The best course of action is to try and get this issue resolved quickly. You can try and identify the source of the problem yourself, but it’s likely best to contact a professional for advice.

    Are you wondering how to find and hire the right electrician for your needs? Check out our guide here.

  3. Loose Outlets
    Have you noticed that when you plug a cord into an outlet it seems like the outlet’s insides are moving far too freely? If so, you will want to get this sorted out.

    The wires will eventually shake-free in a loose outlet, which can lead to several problems including shorts, sparks, and even fire hazards. Fortunately, it is fairly easy and quick to fix this problem either for you or for a professional.

  4. Outlets That Are Hot to the Touch
    It is normal for many electrical appliances to create some heat while they are operating. That being said, if the electrical outlet itself is hot then you’ve got an electrical problem. You will want to unplug any cords immediately and refrain from using the outlet until you can determine and fix the issue.

    The same goes for the cover plates over switches. However, it’s worth noting that dimmer switches often get warm to the touch because of the method through which the dimming effect is created. That being said, these plates still shouldn’t be so hot to the touch that it’s uncomfortable.

  5. Tangled or Messy Wires
    If you notice that the electrical wiring in your home seems extremely disorganized, it’s an indication that the work was done poorly or in a rushed manner. If your junction boxes or lines look unmanageable and tangled, your electrical installation may be technically a code violation. The best course of action is to call an electrician and have them take a look.
  6. Rodent Issues
    If you have seen any evidence of rodents anywhere near your electrical wiring, you’re going to want to look for chew marks on your wires. It’s common for rodents to chew on wiring until the point where it is completely bare. This means that your wiring is exposed, potentially leading to sparks or overheating.
  7. Buzzing Sounds
    When everything is going according to plan, your switches and outlet should be silent features of your home. If you hear cracking, buzzing, or sizzling when you plug a cord into an outlet or flip a switch, something is wrong. You’ll want to turn the power off to that fixture right away and call an electrician.
  8. Broken Light Switches
    Do you have outlets or switches that have mysteriously stopped working? Or do they only work some of the time? This could mean that the wiring is loose, which is a potential fire hazard.

    If you notice a small spark when you flip your switch, this is known as a load arc. Load arcs occur when the connections are separated. However, if there are large sparks with an audible noise accompanying them, it means that it’s time to call an electrician.

    It’s also worth noting that scorch marks or smoke coming from a light switch is (perhaps obviously) a bad sign. You’ll want to get an electrician over to take a look, and in the meantime, it’s best to stop using the switch entirely.

Electrical Problems: Is It Time for You to Call an Electrician?

Keeping an eye out for these and other electrical problems can help you catch an issue before it becomes larger. When there’s electrical work to be done in your home, it’s best to call an electrician to ensure your safety during the repair as well as the safety of your home’s electrical wiring system.

Are you looking for an electrician in Tampa, Florida? Comfort All-Stars proudly serves the area with its team of skilled electricians, HVAC experts, and handymen. If you need an electrician, contact us today!

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