Top 4 Surefire Signs It's Time To Call An Electrician
Imagine what would happen if you didn't have electricity. You wouldn't watch your favorite TV shows, charge your devices, or even use your appliances. But as important as electricity is, it can also be pretty dangerous, especially when mishandled.
The U.S Fire Administration reports that electrical fires were responsible for about 6.3% of all home fires from 2014 to 2016. Most of these fires occurred due to the overloading of electrical outlets and faulty wiring. Thus, it's critical to know when there are electrical issues so you can seek repair services immediately.
To keep you informed, here are four surefire signs it's time to call an electrician.
You Can Smell Something Burning
If a smoky or burning smell fills your house, consider it an urgent situation. The smell could be a sign of electrical fire or burning wires inside the wall. The first thing to do in such a case is to shut off the power.
Then call a licensed electrician immediately to come and inspect your house. Also, resist any temptation to turn the power back on until the electrician has given you the go-ahead to avoid aggravating the situation.
Your Circuit Breakers Are Constantly Tripping
Your circuit breakers may trip when you try to use too much power in your house, and that's normal. But if your circuit breakers are constantly tripping for unexplainable reasons, there's a cause for alarm. It could be a sign your electrical panel isn't suitable for your types of appliances, or you could be incorrectly loading a circuit.
Either way, call a professional electrician to inspect your circuit breakers and fuses. After that, they'll perform the needed electrical repairs or replace the circuit breakers.
Extension Cords Are Overtaking Your House
Do you see extension cords all over your house? If your answer is yes, it means your outlets aren't enough for all your gadgets and appliances.
Extension cords are a serious safety hazard. You or your loved ones could trip on them and sustain severe injuries. They also take electric current from your walls and move it outside or across space. By seeking professional electrician services, you can have more outlets installed in your home to eliminate the need for multiple extension cords.
Too Many 2-Prongs
If most of your home's outlets are two-pronged, chances are your wiring system isn't grounded. This is a common issue, especially among older homes. It could mean your electrical system hasn't been upgraded in a while.
Worse still, your smartphone, computer, or appliances may require three-prong outlets to charge or operate. Attempting to plug them into your two-prong outlets is risky and could cause fires. Therefore, call an electrician to ground your wiring system and install three-prong outlets, so your home can match modern needs.
Contact a company like Etheridge Electric Company Inc for more information.