4 Residential Electrical Issues That Call for Professional Help

When your home is experiencing electrical issues, you will notice several signs. Some issues are easy to fix while others require professional help. Ignoring these signs can lead to further damage to your electrical wiring, devices, outlets, and lighting. If left untreated, faulty wiring can cause a fire or accidental electrocution. If you experience any of these signs in your home, contact the professionals at Jack C. Glass Electric. Since 1970, Glass Electric has been providing quality electrical system diagnostics, protecting their customers from the dangers associated with faulty wiring. Don’t leave your family’s health and safety to chance. Call a trained electrician if you experience any of these symptoms in your home.   ​

 
​Electrical problems actually have a unique smell as well. Some describe it as a metallic smell or a smell similar to burning plastic while others say they can actually feel heat coming off of the source even when it isn’t in use. If you notice this smell in your home, try to locate the source then turn the power off at the circuit breaker. If it’s a light fixture, remove the bulbs carefully. If it’s an outlet, unplug any devices and clear the space around the outlet. Suspend usage until a trained electrician can determine the source of the problem.

Before performing any sort of work in your home around electrical fixtures or outlets, always check the condition of wires and outlet. When the protective rubber sheath around the wire is damaged, revealing the raw wire inside, the risk of electric shock is very high. Exposure can be the result of an accident or dry rot. Exposed electrical wires are a serious safety hazard especially around water sources in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.

Buzzing sounds, sparking outlets, and flickering lights are very obvious signs that something is wrong with your wiring. The problem could be isolated to just one fixture or outlet or they could be an indication of something bigger. If your lights flicker or buzz when you turn them on, stop using them immediately. Avoid using sparking outlets or outlets that have noticeable burn marks on the outside cover. Clear the space around the outlet to avoid a fire and call your electrician as soon as possible.
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If your circuit breaker trips on a regular basis, it’s a sign your system can’t handle your demands. The problem could be faulty wiring, outlet overload, or the breaker itself. The act of tripping is actually a safety mechanism designed to prevent overheating and electrical fires. When your breaker trips, give your system a break. Only use necessary devices to avoid further tripping and call an electrician to evaluate the problem.

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