7 Signs That Is Time To Call A Licensed Electrician | Wilmington, NC
Photo By TommL at istock
When something goes wrong in your Wilmington, NC home, it is not uncommon to want to fix it yourself. DIY home repairs can save you money, and you also get a sense of accomplishment when you are finished. While there are some jobs that make great DIY projects, such as repainting a fence or replacing the switch plates on your walls, there are other projects that should be left to a professional. Electrical repairs are one of these jobs. Electricity is not something to be messed with if you aren’t qualified to do so. Every year, there are around 1,000 electricity-related deaths in the United States. If a light bulb burns out in your home, you should go ahead and replace it. However, if you are experiencing any of the issues listed below, you will need to call a licensed electrician.
#1 The Lights Flicker When You Use Appliances
If you turn on your microwave or your dryer and the lights flicker, it can be annoying. It is also a sign that there is a problem with your electrical system that would require the assistance of a licensed professional. There could be two reasons why this is happening. First, your circuit could be overloaded. If this is the case, an electrician may need to install a larger breaker box that is capable of handling the amount of electricity that you require in your home. The problem could also be with the wiring in your home. If you live in an old house, chances are that the wiring is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. Both of these are major electrical jobs, and should only be handled by a licensed professional.
#2 Tripping Fuses Frequently
It is not uncommon for a fuse to trip once in a while. If you find that you are tripping fuses daily or even weekly, it is time to call a licensed electrician. The fuses are probably tripping because your breaker box cannot handle the amount of electricity that your home requires. In cases like this, a professional would need to update your breaker box to make it strong enough to handle your electrical needs.
#3 Singed Wires In the Breaker Box
In most homes, the breaker box is located in the basement or hidden in a closet. Either way, it is out of sight. It is a good idea to inspect your breaker box on a monthly basis. This will allow you to spot any singed or damaged wires. If you notice something like this, you should call a licensed professional immediately. Wire issues can cause issues with the electricity being delivered to your home, and it is a significant fire hazard. This is considered an emergency situation that should be repaired by a professional immediately.
#4 The Switch Plates or Wall Outlets Are Warm To the Touch
Your switch plates and wall outlets should never be warm when you touch them. If they are, you need to call a licensed professional immediately. The heat is probably due to faulty wiring. Ignoring the problem can result in an electrical fire behind the wall, which can quickly spread through the entire house. If you notice the heat, be sure not to use that light or that outlet until an electrician has made the necessary repairs. This isn’t something that you want to take a chance with.
#5 A Burning Smell In the Air
If you smell something burning and nobody is cooking, the problem could be with your electrical system. If possible, try to trace the smell to the source. If it is coming from the breaker box or an outlet, you need to turn off the power to the house immediately. Next, contact a licensed electrician. This is an emergency situation and can quickly cause an electrical fire. Even if you don’t see any smoke, you need to call a licensed professional immediately. You don’t want to take any chances in cases like this.
#6 A Buzzing Sound Coming From Inside the Walls
If you hear a buzzing or humming sound coming from behind the walls of your Wilmington, NC home, you don’t want to try to ignore it. You need to call a licensed electrician immediately. This issue can be something simple to repair, such as loose screw terminals. Although this is an easy fix, it should only be done by a licensed professional. The problem could be something more serious such as a wiring issue, which is a more complicated issue, but it can be repaired by a licensed professional.
#7 Needing Too Many Extension Cords
Extension cords are great if you need power in an area where there are no outlets temporarily. However, if you are running extension cords and plan to do so permanently, it can be a fire hazard. It is best to hire an electrician to install additional outlets in your home. Not only will this prevent an electrical fire, but it can also prevent a tripping and falling hazard if the extension cords are out in the open.
Electricity can be very dangerous. If you don’t know what you are doing, you can put yourself at risk for electrocution if you try to make electrical repairs yourself. If you make a simple mistake, you could cause an electrical fire in your home. If you are experiencing any electrical issues, call Mister Sparky of Wilmington. Each of our electricians is licensed and insured and highly skilled. Whether the problem is in your breaker box or with the home’s wiring, we can fix it. If you need additional outlets installed in your home or a larger breaker box, our electricians can handle those jobs as well. Mister Sparky of Wilmington understands that electrical problems can occur at any time of the day or night. Because of this, we offer 24/7 emergency service. Best of all, we will waive our $89 trip fee with any repair. To schedule an appointment for electrical service, give us a call today.