Let’s face it. We depend on electricity so much to the extent that any electrical fault can bring our world to a standstill. From lighting to entertainment to simple stuff like fixing a cup of tea, everything revolves around electricity.
If you’ve been staying in your current residence for some time, you may have experienced various electrical problems such as burnout bulbs and faulty light switches. While these faults are easy to fix yourself, most electrical issues require the input of a professional. To avoid the risk of electric shock, fires, and fatalities, do not hesitate to hire a professional electrician from wiretec.co.nz to fix any electrical problems. You can also hire a professional electrician from lexicongroup.com.au.
Here are the top 10 reasons to call a residential electrician:
Flickering or dimming lights
Flickering lights are usually a sign of a faulty bulb or a damaged bulb holder. However, if you notice your lights dimming or flickering whenever you turn on the air conditioner or any heavy appliance, then it’s time you consider calling an electrician. Some home appliances draw so much current that they require dedicated circuits, which a residential electrician can help you fix.
Sparking or smoking wall outlets
Sparks or smoke coming from electrical wall outlets are often a result of loose wires, overloaded circuits, or faulty appliances. Whatever the cause, sparking outlets are a real danger. They can lead to burns or even ignite electrical fires. A professional electrician can evaluate and fix the problem quickly and securely to avert any potential threats.
Insufficient electrical outlets
If you realize that you have to rely heavily on multiple extension cords and power strips to connect your appliances, you need to add more outlets in your home. Even though the risk is minimal, extension cords running all over the place can easily trip you. They can also overheat and ignite a fire if the load is too much for them to handle.
No three-pronged outlets
If your home is over 25 years old, it probably has old and outdated two-pronged outlets. These outlets are not safe since they don’t have a third prong for grounding. Current codes require homes to have three-pronged outlets for increased safety. Besides, newer appliances come equipped with three-pinned plugs for the same purpose. A residential electrician can replace the old outlets with new ones to guarantee maximum grounding.
Outdated service panel
Consider replacing your electrical panel at least once every 20-30 years. An outdated service panel is unsafe and can cause many problems ranging from overloads to electrical fires. Given its age, the service panel might not handle power surges and overloads from newer appliances. Since replacing the panel involves a lot of work, consider calling a residential electrician to handle the task.
Tripping circuit breakers
The work of a circuit breaker is to ensure that the current flowing in your electrical system does not surpass the safety limits. The breaker will automatically trip and cut off the circuit in case of an overload. However, if your circuit breaker keeps on tripping consistently, you are probably dealing with an immense electrical problem that requires the expertise of a residential electrician.
Warm-to-touch switches and power points
Due to normal tear and wear, the electrical contacts in your light switches and outlets might become loose. When this happens, electric current flows freely inside the component, subsequently creating heat. If your light controls and power points are warm to touch, do not hesitate to call an electrician to replace them.
Poor wiring or exposed wires
Poor wiring and exposed wires pose a significant risk of electric shock, burns, and electrocution upon contact. If not addressed appropriately, shoddy wiring also increases the risk of house fires, power surges, and other electrical faults. A professional electrician may have to redo the entire wiring to make your home safer.
No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are a must in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other potentially wet areas in your home. These electrical safety devices are wall outlets that work similarly to circuit breakers, but they are more effective, and they cut off electricity within microseconds of detecting an overload. Installing a GFCI outlet is not a DIY project but the work of a professional residential electrician.
Old receptacles and fixtures
Consider updating all your electrical fixtures and outlets to the latest standards, especially if you live in an older home. Upgrading to newer fixtures and receptacles will go a long way to curb potential electrical faults. A residential electrician can help evaluate what components require urgent upgrading to ensure compliance with current building codes.
Call an experienced residential electrician today!
Never attempt to repair electrical problems yourself. Unless you are a qualified electrician, handling electrical faults is a task best left to the professionals. After all, they have all the experience and proper tools to get the job done. Hiring an experienced residential electrician in Ottawa will go a long way to ensure your home’s lighting, wiring, and entire electrical system are working safely and optimally.
