There аrе mаnу do-it-yourself рrоjесtѕ around the house that can save you money but electrical is NOT one of them. Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems and undergo hundreds of hours of training and thousands of hours of apprenticeship before becoming licensed. It's not likely a YouTube video or Google search will prepare you in the same way.
Here are some common signs that you need to call a qualified, licensed electrician:
1. Circuits Trip Frequently
This may be an indication you are trying to draw more electricity than your system is set up for or there is a potentially dangerous malfunction with one or more circuits. A licensed electrician will be able to create additional capacity and improve safety
2. Lights Flickering or Dimming
If your lights dim or flicker when you use certain appliances it’s definitely time to call a qualified electrician. Flickering sometimes results from a loose connection and needs to be addressed immediately. Lights dimming when you use a particular appliance usually means the current wiring is inadequate.
3. Things Heat Up
If your electrical system surfaces (switches, power points, etc) are warm to the touch or give off an electric shock, that may mean that there is too much of a demand on the circuit (or something even worse). Regardless of the type of wiring in your home, electrical surfaces that cause a shock or are warm to the touch must always be investigated by an electrician.
4. Frequent Electrical Surges
Frequent electrical surges not caused by external forces (lightning, power lines, etc) are often a sign of faulty appliances or bad electrical wiring. Even if they only last for a microsecond, surges can cause significant damage to your electronics and appliances. Remove any suspicious electrical devices and see if that makes a difference. If not, an electrician will be able to advise you and check the wiring.
5. Light bulbs burn out often
If you feel like you’re constantly replacing bulbs, there are some issues you may want to explore. Often the issue is that the wattage is too high. Only use the wattage recommended by the light fixture manufacturer. Other reasons bulbs burn out quickly include bad wiring, too much wattage on a dimmer switch or insulation is too close to the light. Figuring out the cause on your own can be tricky (and dangerous), so reach out to an electrician.
Overloading sockets, running cords under carpets and two-pronged plugs are other common issues that can have unfortunate outcomes. Electrical systems are dangerous and we are surrounded by them. Only a qualified electrician can ensure the electrical safety of your home.
Contact Us
To find out more about how FM Lighting Electrical can help you these or any other electrical-related questions you may have, contact us at 403.863.8529.
