An electrical malfunction in your home wiring can cause a fire. According to Electrical Safety Foundation, over 50,000 houses are affected by electrical fires each year. These accidents are often caused by preventable problems in the home electrical system.
It’s best to be aware of these four, distinct tell-tale signs that your electrical system needs maintenance to keep your home and family safe. Experts recommend that you check your home’s electrical system every 10 years to ensure everything is connected properly. The following are signs that there may be an issue that needs expert attention.
1. There’s a Burning Smell
This sign is most noticeable if your house has electrical trouble. The burning smell often means the wires are getting hot to the point that their protective coating is melting off.
If the smell comes from an outlet, unplug everything connected to it. There are usually recommended DIY steps to take for these instances, but if you’re unsure or feel unsafe, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional. They should be able to determine the problem and correct the issue.
2. Your Lights Flicker Often
Whenever lights flicker, it’s best to see if only one fixture is affected or if all of them are. If only one fixture flickers, it’s likely loose and needs a quick adjustment.
However, if multiple lights flicker, there’s likely an unaddressed connection problem in your wiring. Cases like these may mean that your house’s breaker needs to be checked as soon as possible. An electrician can also let you know if any of your fixtures need replacing.
3. Electric Shock from Improper Grounding
An improperly grounded electrical system can become a hazard for your home and family. If left unchecked, it can cause electrical fires. Additionally, ungrounded currents can be dangerous to your other devices and cause serious malfunctions.
Improper grounding can energize the same fixtures you use to turn on specific devices. These include switches for fans, lamps, and other devices. These energized fixtures can deliver a painful electric shock if left alone and ungrounded.
A professional electrician can check for ungrounded wires and fix the problem for you. Getting an annual inspection is also a good idea to ensure your wires are properly grounded.
4. Your Outlets Are Loose
A common mistake is that a loose outlet is often put off as a lesser issue to deal with. However, if the outlet remains loose, wires can also get loose and be exposed to everything else. This can lead to a short circuit or, at worst, a fire.
If the outlet gets hot from time to time, you’ll need a professional’s help to fix it. This can keep you and your family out of harm’s way from an electrical malfunction.
Hire A Trustworthy Electrician Today
If you experience any of these electrical system problems in your home, you should contact an electrician immediately. If you’re looking for trustworthy electricians, look no further than Kish & Sons Electric in La Crosse, WI. We’ll be more than happy to tackle your house’s electrical issues with you. Call us today for a free estimate.
