Signs You Need The Services of an Electrician
Posted on: 7 October 2020
It's advisable to have an electrical inspection of your home after every few years to check for faulty wiring and outdated electrical connections, among other issues. You should also be keen on certain signs of problems with your electrical system. Here are some of the tell-tale signs that you need to hire an electrician.
Flickering Lights
Normally, the lights coming out of bulbs should be consistent. Flickering lights are a sign that you need to change your bulb. This is especially the case if you have a dimmer switch.
However, if you notice the lights flickering or dimming unexpectedly when you're using particular appliances, then you need to consult a qualified electrician. Appliances that run on motors draw a lot of electrical current and require a dedicated circuit. Therefore, dimming lights could be a result of many outlets using one circuit.
If You Have An Old House
One reason you may be experiencing electrical issues is if your house is more than 20 years old. Many electrical issues are caused by outdated wiring. For example, you may realise that modern appliances aren't supported by the electrical standards in your home.
If you notice electric problems like regular tripping of circuit breakers and power outages, you should schedule an inspection. The inspection will determine whether any electrical appliances or circuits are overloaded. The inspection will also reveal any defective electrical work or problems with earthing.
Hot Spots
If you place your hand on the wall in your home and feel a spot that is warmer than the rest of the wall, then you should be alarmed. You may also notice this with a light switch or electrical outlet. A hot spot is an indication that your electrical current is being diverted to places it shouldn't be.
With hot spots, there's a high risk of a fire outbreak or electrocution if you turn a switch on or off. If you notice hot spots on dimmer switches, then that is not a cause for concern. However, if that isn't the case and you notice hot spots or tingles when you touch a switch or electrical outlet, make sure you call an electrician.
In Conclusion
Many homeowners handle electrical problems by referring to DIY tutorials. However, there are some serious electrical issues that require a skilled electrician; otherwise, you risk getting electrocuted or causing serious damage to electrical outlets. It's crucial to be watchful for some of the signs that the electrical system in your house has a problem. Apart from the signs mentioned above, a burning odour, buzzing noises, unusually high electrical bills, and sparks are tell-tale signs that you should call an electrician.
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