Electricity is something many of us often take for granted. When you need it, you turn to the nearest switch or outlet, and there it is, ready and waiting 24/7. Electricity lights up our homes, keeps us cool, and powers all the appliances and technologies that we cannot live without.
Yet, electricity can be unpredictable, and many problems can arise in our homes. But if you know how to spot the warning signs of common household electrical problems, you will be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from electrical disasters.
Here are some of the most common household electrical problems and what to do about them.
#1. Unusual Odors
After a new appliance is installed, it may produce an unfamiliar odor due to its paint, finish, or other superficial issues. But if you detect an odd smell coming from an electrical outlet, unplug anything connected to it immediately, and do not use it again until you call in a professional electrician from Best Home Services.
Further, if your breaker panel or fuse box is emitting any odor, call an electrician immediately.
#2. Arc Faults
Arc faults occur when electrical circuits veer off their intended path—often through a breach in wiring. Arc faults are a frequent cause of electrical fires, but they are preventable.
If you live in an older home where electrical wiring may have degraded, consider having a professional electrician install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) in your home to prevent arc faults.
#3. Counterfeit Electrical Products
If you have ever bought an extension cord, power strip, or night light at a ridiculously low price, beware of using them. There is a strong possibility that they are either counterfeit or not up to industry or governmental standards and can be incredibly dangerous.
Always purchase electrical products from reputable stores to ensure that they are up to standard.
#4. Buzzing Sounds
The outlets and switches in your home should operate silently. If you hear buzzing, cracking, or sizzling sounds when you plug into an outlet or flip on a switch, turn the power off to that fixture immediately and call Best Home Services.
#5. Warm or Sparking Outlets
If your light switches are warm to the touch or are sparking, the wiring inside may need to be repaired or the fixture itself may need to be replaced. Call an electrician to troubleshoot and make repairs.
Are your lights flickering or are your outlets warm to the touch? Call in the pros at Best Home Services to diagnose these common household electrical problems in your Southwest, Florida home—844-921-2833!
#6. Flickering Lights
Typically, flickering lights usually indicate a power surge. Power surges do not always come from a catastrophic event, more likely your appliances are putting more demand on your home’s electrical system than it can handle.
Frequent power surges can take a toll on your electrical fixtures and your appliances and could be a sign that it may be time to upgrade the wiring in your home.
#7. Loose or Broken Light Switches
If the switches or outlets in your home work only intermittently—or not at all— this could be a sign of loose wiring which is a fire hazard. A partially exposed outlet could shock an unsuspecting person who is plugging in or unplugging a cord.
#8. Circuit Breaker Problems
The circuit breaker in your home is designed to trip when the circuit is overloaded. Tripping prevents overheating and mitigates fire hazards.
Occasional tripping likely indicates a simple overload, but if it occurs often, you need to call in an electrician to have them inspect your entire electrical system to prevent fire hazards and other electrical problems.
Protect Your Family with Best Home Services
While some of these common household electrical problems are more of a nuisance, some are more serious. Electrical is not a place for DIY; things should be inspected and repaired by a professional electrician.
Do not ignore electrical problems around your home. Get help fixing the problems from our licensed electricians at Best Home Services—844-921-2833!
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