5 Signs of Electrical Problems

August 23, 2018

Have you noticed electrical oddities around your home? Sometimes these can actually be small signs of much larger problems that can lead to electrocution or electrical fires.

Particularly in older homes, it is important to check for signs of loose or faulty wiring, incorrectly sized electrical panels, outlet issues, and other electrical issues. At Buzz Electrical, we are familiar with all of the electrical quirks in both older and newer homes. Here are 5 signs of electrical problems you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Electrical Shocks

This might seem like an obvious sign that something is wrong, but have you ever dismissed a tiny electrical shock you felt from plugging in a cord or touching an appliance? No matter how slight the shock, you should always investigate the source of the problem. Electrical shocks could indicate a problem with a ground fault inside your appliance, or faulty electrical wiring near your appliance.

2. Circuit Breaker Problems

If electrical circuits in your home become overloaded, they can trip the circuit breaker. This is designed as a safety feature: when drawing too much electricity is starting to heat up your wires, the circuit breaker cuts off access to the main power source. If a tripping circuit breaker is a common problem in your house, seek help from a professional. There could be problems within your electrical panel that need expert hands, or you might have an electrical panel that is too small for your home. Modern homes are built with 100-200 amp panels, while older homes were often built with 30-60 amp panels.

3. Flickering Lights

Sometimes flickering lights just indicate that it’s time to change your light bulb, an easy fix. But if you change the bulb and the problem persists, it could mean there is a wiring issue within the light fixture. Call an electrician to examine this problem.

4. Defective Outlets or Switches

If your outlets or light switches don’t always work properly, you shouldn’t brush it off. This could be a sign of loosened or faulty wiring, or cracks in the device itself. This can be dangerous because a loose plug dangling in a receptacle can shock someone who touches it unexpectedly. If you notice issues with your switches or outlets, ask a professional to examine them and potentially replace them.

5. Burning Odor

That funny burning smell might not be coming from the kitchen! If you notice any burning odors that are clearly coming from outlets, switches, or fixtures in your home, turn off all power at your electrical panel and call an electrician immediately. Do not use any of the affected receptacles or switches until the problem has been completely resolved.

Have you seen signs of electrical problems at your home?

If you notice any of these things happening with your electrical system, do not wait to seek professional help. For electrical repairs in and around Fayetteville, AR, call Buzz Electrical!

Family owned and operated Buzz Electrical is Fayetteville’s leading electrical company! If you are experiencing signs of electrical problems in your home, we are here to help. Give us a call at (479) 267-2899.