Is your house getting along in years? Have you ever had your wiring looked at or updated by an electrician? If not, it’s a good idea to take a close look around the house. If you see any of these four things happening around your home, you should call an electrician right away.
1. Feel Your Cords – Are They Warm To The Touch?
Years ago we didn’t have so many gadgets that needed electricity. Older electrical panels, breakers, and outlets weren’t designed for today’s heavy use. The cords to your t.v., space heater, vacuum, etc. shouldn’t feel warm. If they are, it’s a good sign that you are overtaxing your system.
2. Do You See Sparks When You Plug Something In?
It doesn’t matter if there are big sparks or tiny sparks when it comes to electrical work. Sparks are almost always a bad sign. It could be signs of moisture coming into contact with the wires. It could be an old outlet that has loose fittings or a wire that has lost some of its protective coating.
3. Does a Breaker Keep Tripping?
Are you having to go out to the electrical panel and flip a breaker off and on again? This is a sure sign that your home needs electrical work. It could be a breaker that is old and needs replacing or it could be another sign that your wiring is no longer enough. Breakers are designed to flip off when too much electricity passes through.
4. Are There Black Marks Above Any Outlets
Black marks only mean one thing…fire. There may have been a small outlet fire that happened years ago and has since been replaced. Most likely is a repeated sparking that over time has scorched the drywall.
If you see any of these problems within your home contact us right away; your family’s safety could be at risk. The good news is that many electrical problems involve simple fixes if caught in time with upgraded electrical work.
