According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there were 24,200 residential building electrical malfunction fires in the US in 2021. It’s important to monitor the below electrical problems to ensure safety inside your home.
If you spot any of the below signs, it’s important to contact an electrician, especially if you aren’t trained in electrical work yourself.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights with no apparent cause can indicate faulty wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit. If the circuit is overloaded, it simply means there might not be enough power to supply the lights and whatever else is on the circuit. An electrician can help diagnose the problem and offer an appropriate solution.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuits are regularly tripping or blowing, it might be a sign that it is overloaded or there might be a faulty component. First, you can try balancing the circuit by not running as many appliances or electronics on the same circuit at once. If the circuits are not overloaded and you’re still having a problem, an electrician can help you upgrade your electrical system to accommodate your family’s power needs.
Regular Buzzing Sounds
If there is a routine buzzing sound whenever a light is turned on, it usually indicates a problem with the wiring. It could be loose, burnt out, or corroded. This is a problem that an electrician can easily diagnose and fix.
Frequent Shocks
If a light switch or electrical outlet shocks you as you use it, that can be alarming. There is probably a short in the electrical system somewhere. It’s possible that your wiring lost insulation or became frayed through regular wear and tear over time. Electrical shocks can be serious. Call an electrician immediately for a fix to this problem.
Discolored Lights or Switches
Some of the older electrical outlets may spark when they short circuit, causing a small fire behind the outlet. It could also be a loose wire in the junction box that resulted in arcing. Either way, the heat from the small fire likely caused the discoloration of the outlet. An electrician can fix the wiring around the switch or outlet to ensure that it’s safe.
Heat Around Light Fixtures
Heat around the light fixtures is a sign they are not well insulated. The electrician at this point can either better insulate around the fixture or replace it altogether.
Hire an Experienced Electrician
Modern home electricity is a wonderful convenience but it’s important to make sure that everything is operating safely, to keep you and your loved ones safe. That means hiring an experienced electrician you can trust. You may also benefit from our whole home surge protectors, to regulate the amount of power that flows into your home. If you experience any of the above problems in your Ann Arbor home or would like to have your home’s electrical system serviced, contact us today!
