Electricity is an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether we’re brewing coffee, heating our showers, washing our clothes, or charging our phones, electricity is vital to our modern day existence. But, like any other modern amenity, our home’s electrical system sometimes needs attention. Watching for electrical warning signs can help prevent serious electrical issues. Addressing an issue as it arises helps prevent unnecessary electrical damage and ultimately helps keep you and your family safe.
Below is a list of the most common electrical warning signs. If you keep an eye out for these signs, you may avoid costly property damage and injury.
- Electrical Shocks – Electrical shocks happen all the time. You can get shocked by simply crossing a carpeted area. While this type of shock is harmless, a shock from an appliance could mean you have inadequate electrical wiring or a ground fault in the appliance. It’s important not to ignore those minor shocks. They could be a sign of a bigger electrical issue.
- Flickering Lights – A flickering light could simply mean a loose or broken light bulb. First, replace the bulb and see if that solves the problem. If your lights are still flickering, the problem could be in your light fixture, in the circuit breaker wiring, or it could be a loose connection to the fixture. We recommend seeking a professional electrical contractor to remedy this problem.
- Burning Smell – A burning smell near your outlets or switches could indicate a very serious problem. It’s critical you turn your power off immediately and contact an electrician. At a minimum, the smell could be the result of an overloaded outlet or defective switch. But, a burning smell could be the start of an electrical fire. If not contained in time, electrical fires can destroy your property.
- Tripping or Faulty Circuit Breaker – Circuit breakers will trip when a circuit is overloaded. When a circuit breaker trips, it shuts down the electrical supply, preventing wires from overheating. If your circuit breaker trips and shuts down power to part or all of your home, it may need to be replaced. Replacing circuit breakers can be complicated and dangerous. It’s important to contact a professional electrician to determine whether your circuit breaker needs to be repaired or replaced.
Electrical problems shouldn’t be ignored. Thankfully, by educating yourself on the warning signs, you can address the electrical issue before it becomes a larger problem. If you’re concerned about your home’s electrical wiring or experienced any of the warning signs above, contact the professional electricians at Main Stream Electric today.
