Even the smallest electrical issues require immediate attention because they can cause major problems and endanger your safety. If you experience one of these 10 alarming signs, call your electrician to detect the cause and fix the issue on spot.
1 – Frequent Electrical Surges
Frequent power surges are not normal because they usually occur in extreme situations such as big storms. They are dangerous because they can damage household appliances, so make sure to call your electrician to inspect your house, detect the root of the problem and solve it.
2 – Circuit Overload
Are circuit breakers in your household tripping too frequently? This is a sign that you have a problem that requires professional assistance. How to prevent this issue?
- Don’t plug one power strip into another
- Unplug devices you don’t use because they can still waste energy
- Avoid overburdening a single circuit and try to disperse your appliances throughout the house
3 – Sparks and Electric Shocks
Do you notice sparks or experience small electric shocks when you plug in a device? The problem can be faulty wiring or a damaged appliance, and this is a very alarming sign. How to deal with the issue? Call your electrician immediately to inspect your wiring and fix the problem.
4 – Dysfunctional Light Switches
If your light switches are not working properly, the problem is most probably in the wiring, circuit or in the outlet itself. The switch might be too old or badly installed, or it could contain defective parts. Before you call the electrician, you can check whether the lightbulb is working when you put it in a different light fixture. If the problem persists, then seek help from a professional electrician.
5 – Overheated Outlets
If you notice that an outlet is warm when you touch it, call your electrician immediately. This signalises a major problem that can result in a power outage or even fire. What to do before the electrician arrives? Avoid using that outlet and turn off the breaker connected with it.
6 – Dips in Power Supply
If you notice dips and sags in the power supply when you turn on a specific appliance, it is most probably related to a faulty or outdated device. The cause can also be the poor quality of materials your device is made from. How to prevent this problem? Stop using appliances that draw a lot of power when you turn them on. Your electrician can help you check which devices are not working properly and advise you to replace them with new ones.
7 – High Electricity Bills
A sudden surge in electricity bills is one of the important indicators that something is wrong. It could be just a new appliance that wastes a lot of energy, but it could also be a major problem with wiring or damaged circuits that need fixing. What you can do to prevent expensive electricity bills:
- Check if your hot water system works properly and fix or replace it if necessary
- Unplug devices you don’t use
- Investigate which appliances are wasting the most energy and rationalise the usage
- Call a professional electrician to perform a thorough check-up and detect possible problems
8 – Loose Wall Outlets
Did you notice your plugs are falling out of your wall outlets? This happens often in old houses, and the problem requires immediate attention. How to fix the issue? Call your electrician to replace the loose wall outlets and perform safety checks to see if there are any other problems.
9 – Light Bulbs Burn Out Quickly
If you noticed that lightbulbs burn too fast and that you must replace them too often, it is an indication that something is not functioning properly. How to prevent the problem? Make sure that the light bulbs you are using don’t have a higher wattage than your socket allows. What to do if this problem already caused damage? Call a professional to fix the issue.
10 – Lights Around the House are Too Bright or Too Dim
The lights in your household shouldn’t be too bright or too dim. If you are experiencing this issue, it could mean that you haven’t picked the right lightbulbs for specific outlets or that there is a weak connection in the socket. Always make sure that the bulb’s wattage doesn’t exceed the limit of the socket. If the problem persists even when you change the lightbulb, then you need a help of a professional electrician.
At GA Perry, we have professional licensed electricians who can take care of all your needs. We can deal with any electrical issue, and we are available 24/7 for emergencies and regular maintenance works.
