Take a moment to think about all of the appliances in your home: your refrigerator, your furnace, your TVs, your computers, your lighting fixtures, your AC, etc. Now, think about what they all have in common. Each and every appliance in your home is dependent on electricity. So, as you can imagine, an issue with your electrical system requires immediate attention.
This is the reason why it is so important to hire an electrician in Birmingham, AL for routine inspections, as issues with your electric wiring can be quite dangerous if left unattended or unnoticed. In some cases, electrical rewiring is necessary to avoid hazardous situations, like electrocutions or even house fires. Even with regular maintenance, there is always a chance that a problem can occur, so it is important to be familiar with some of the tell-tale signs of an electrical issue. Below, we have outlined some of them.
Be Wary Of…
1) Flickering Lights
Of course, our immediate reaction to flickering lights is that there is a ghost lurking somewhere in the halls. However, the cause of flickering lights is almost always due to a short circuit in the system. If you’ve noticed this issue in just one lamp, you might get away with replacing that lamp and nothing else. But, if all the lights in your home are flickering, you have a larger issue at hand. If this is the case, contact an electrician before the problem gets any worse.
2) Hot Spots
If any of your light switches, or even random spots on the walls, feel warm, it indicates a breach in the electrical system. A hot spot represents points in the electrical system where current is flowing in a direction it shouldn’t. Electrical current gives off a lot of heat when it is diverted into the wrong spot, like drywall. Do not ignore this issue, as it can lead to very dangerous situations, like a house fire. Be sure to call for repairs as soon as you notice this issue.
3) Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
Your circuit breaker is designed to protect your home from power surges. When a part of your home’s electrical system suddenly carries voltage beyond the safety limit, the circuit breaker trips and that part of the system is shut down. Usually, you experience a circuit breaker trip when you overload the circuit. This can typically be resolved by unplugging a couple of things and resetting the breaker. But, if you are experiencing this frequently, you are likely dealing with a larger issue. There is either an issue with the circuit or breaker itself. In any case, contact an electrician right away.
Don’t Hesitate!
Should you experience any of the above-mentioned issues, contact your local electrician right away. Never attempt to address these issues yourself, as handling your electrical system is quite dangerous when you lack the skills and experience necessary to do so.
