5 Warning Signs of Electrical Problems & When to Call an Electrician

Electrical problems cause thousands of house fires and injuries each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The…

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10/Dec/2024

Electrical problems cause thousands of house fires and injuries each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The majority of these incidents can be prevented by keeping an eye on the warning signs of electrical problems. Some issues like flickering lights may seem like nuisances, but they’re often an indication of a larger underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a licensed electrician in Apex, NC. Here at Mr. Electric, we pride ourselves on providing reliable electrical repair services. Here are the top 5 signs of electrical problems in your home and what to do.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are more than just an annoyance; they often indicate a deeper problem within your electrical system. This could be due to loose wiring connections, a failing circuit, or even issues with the main electrical service entering your home. Consistent flickering can strain electrical devices and increase the risk of overheating. While changing a light bulb might seem like a simple solution, it rarely addresses the root cause. If you're experiencing persistent flickering, have a qualified electrician inspect your wiring and electrical panel to identify and resolve the underlying issue.

Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut off power when a circuit is overloaded. However, if your breakers are frequently tripping, it's a clear sign that something is amiss. Repeatedly resetting tripped breakers is a dangerous practice that can lead to electrical fires. The problem could be due to an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. A professional electrician can diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure your electrical system.

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Burning Smells

A burning smell is never a good sign with anything electrical. Whether the odor is coming from an outlet or a connected appliance, it could mean there’s loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or the appliance itself is faulty. At the electrical panel, a burning smell could be a sign of faulty wiring or a short circuit. The action you’ll take depends on the affected component of your electrical system.

If the smell is coming from an electrical outlet, stop using it and unplug any connected devices. Then turn off the circuit breaker that controls that outlet. Contact a nearby electrician to inspect the outlet and repair the issue. If the smell is coming from the electrical panel, turn off the main breaker to cut power to the entire house. For appliances, unplug them and discontinue their use until they are repaired.

Warm Outlets

An electrical outlet that feels hot to the touch is a sign of an electrical problem. Some of the possible culprits behind warm outlets include faulty wiring, an overloaded circuit, a worn-out outlet, and damaged plugs. When you experience this problem, unplug anything plugged into that outlet and turn off the corresponding circuit breaker. A warm outlet can damage devices and lead to an electrical fire if the issue is not resolved in a timely manner.

Buzzing Sounds

Just like burning smells, buzzing sounds coming from anything electrical indicate an electrical problem in your house. These sounds usually point to loose connections, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit. Loose connections within electrical components can cause arcing, thereby producing a buzzing sound. In the breaker panel, a faulty circuit breaker can produce a buzzing sound. Call a professional electrical repair service when you notice this problem and prevent potential fires and electrical shocks.

Contact Mr. Electric for Reliable Electrical Services

While electrical problems are inevitable, regular inspections can reduce the risks of serious issues and keep your home safe. If your electrical system is outdated, it’s best to have a trusted electrical repair service to upgrade the system and guarantee electrical safety. Mr. Electric is here to help you upgrade your electrical system and address any problems you may be experiencing.

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