Homeowners are responsible for keeping their house and family safe by taking care of all the property maintenance needs. One of the most important systems in your home is your electrical wiring. The need for electricity in the average home has increased over the years with the advancement of technology. It’s up to you to make sure that your wiring system is in good shape.
Over 55,000 house fires are caused by electrical problems that happen each year in the U.S. Harm from a house fire can range from smoke damage to the loss of life. A quick check on the internet here can give you more facts about fire risks in your home. Ensuring that your electrical system runs safely and efficiently should be a priority for every homeowner.
Most electrical system problems don’t happen all of a sudden. Many problems start out so small that they aren’t easily detectable. However, over time, there will be some obvious signs that should tell you that it’s time to look at your home’s wiring. Let’s take a closer look at a few signs that will tell you it’s time to hire an electrician to look at your home.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
If you can’t remember the last time that you tested your smoke alarms, or you have recently moved into a new home, it’s important that you bring in an electrician to check them. Most home smoke alarm systems are hard-wired into your home’s electrical system with a battery backup system. You should be changing your smoke alarm batteries every three to four months. However, the hard wiring of your smoke alarm should also be tested to make sure that the main system is working properly.
Circuit Breakers Tripping
Your circuit breakers are designed to automatically turn themselves off or trip when too much current runs through the lines. This protects you from sudden surges of electricity and sparks. If your circuit breakers are tripping all the time, it tells you that there is an overload somewhere in your system. It’s good to bring in an electrician to find the problem. The best solution is to increase the voltage of your breakers so they can handle the load safely.
Light Flickers
When your lights flicker, it isn’t always as simple of a solution as changing out the bulbs. Suppose you notice that your lights dim or flicker when another appliance or electric device is turned on. In that case, it indicates that there is insufficient electricity coming through the system to accommodate the need. Pay attention to when and where your lights are flickering to narrow down where the problem is. You should call in an electrician to test your system and upgrade your fuses or circuit breakers to handle the load.
Warm to the Touch
If your switches and outlets feel warm to the touch, it is an indication that they are overloaded with electricity. This condition can cause a serious electrical shock when you touch them or the device that is plugged in at that spot. You should call in your electrician to rewire the area to more evenly distribute the current coming through and eliminate the possibility of getting a shock.
Proper maintenance of your home’s electrical system should be a priority. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call an electrician to help you mitigate the problem and keep your home safe.
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