Signs that you Urgently Need an Electrician
Shockingly, more than 50,000 house fires are caused by electrical malfunctions every year, accounting for more than thirteen billion dollars’ worth of property damage! I’m definitely sure that you do not want to end up in the tally. Electricity has become a basic need in our households, and without it, the household comes to a standstill.
If you want to keep that fridge running, watch your favorite programs on television and charge your phone and laptop to keep up with friends on social media, it is essential to ensure that your electrical system is well maintained and repaired if need be. More importantly, you should be aware of when you should call the electrician. Here are a few signs to look out for.
1. Flickering lights
Does your fridge or air conditioner give your lights a moment’s pause when switched on? Have you noticed your lamps dimming when you turn your hairdryer on? Make an effort to find out the devices that cause lights to dim or flicker. Certain devices, such as motor-driven devices, draw a lot of current when plugged in, causing the flickering of lights. However, if smaller appliances also cause the flickering of lights, then you could have an overloaded circuit. You had better call the electrician when this happens; otherwise, you will end up blowing fuses and tripping circuit breakers.
2. A smoky smell in the air
If you notice a burning smell in the air, you could be at risk of a house fire due to burning wires. As soon as you realize the smell in the house, you should immediately turn off the power to your house and call the electrician. Ensure you do not turn the power back on until the necessary repairs are made.
3. Tripping fuses and circuit breakers
If your fuses keep blowing or circuit-breakers tripping, then it is an indication that the appliances in the circuit are drawing more current than the fuses can handle. In such situations, most people replace the fuses with ones that have a higher ampere rating. However, this is a safety risk! You can install fuses that allow so much current to pass through that the wires within the house burn out, causing fires. Therefore, it is in your best interest that you call your electrician in such situations.
4. Buzzing sounds on your walls
Loose connections at terminals are the most likely reason for buzzing in your walls or sockets. When this happens, you do not have to tear down your walls to tighten the terminals. Just call a professional, and the necessary repairs will be done, and you won’t have to put yourself at risk of electrical shocks.
5. Making an electrical outlet extension
With increasing technology, our dependence on electricity is simultaneously growing. The increased demand for power necessitates more electrical outlets in the house. You do not want to overload your sockets with many extension cords in one area. For an extension in the outlets, you can call a professional for the installation of additional conduits. Electrical conduits protect the wires from damage and protect you and your family from electrical shocks.
6. Getting electric shocks when you plug in your appliances
A slight electric shock can occur due to static charges building up on a surface. However, frequent electrical shocks when plugging in your appliances are signs you do not want to ignore. You could be dealing with a damaged circuit, broken cords, or an unstable electrical circuit. Ensure you call your electrician when you get frequent electrical shocks.
Final Thought
Electricity is dangerous and can easily disrupt the nervous system. Even worse, a significant amount of current passing through your body can kill you! Therefore, do not hesitate to call an electrician when repairs to your electrical system are required. Also, carry out routine maintenance after about three years to ensure electrical safety. You may want to save that dollar that the electrician will charge, but think of what you stand to lose. Remember, your safety is priceless. As always, we are one call away. So, contact us at A to Z Electric in case you need additional information on electrical repairs or any repair or maintenance in your household.