5 Common Signs You Need to Hire an Electrician for Your Home 

Did you know that electrical accidents account for 51,000 household fires each year? Faulty electrics are no laughing matter, particularly if you have a family at home. But do you know the signs of a dangerous system?

Luckily, they are often very visible and easy to spot. Read on as we discuss five reasons you may need to hire an electrician.

1. Flickering Lights

There are a number of reasons lights may flicker on and off in your home. The most obvious is that a bulb is about to go. However, this is usually instantaneous.

If a single light continues to flicker, it is probably a wiring problem. When accompanied by a buzzing sound, you have an arc fault problem. Unless you are an adept home electrician, call someone to help deal with this.

The biggest issue is when multiple lights fade and flicker. You may find this is prevalent when an appliance in the home comes on. This is a very dangerous problem and can cause an overload, so you should contact an electrician immediately.

2. Continually Tripping Circuit Breaker

A trip in a circuit breaker is not a major problem, but it is an annoying one. Of course, you can just reset the box, but do you want that tripping to occur right in the middle of cooking lunch or playing your favorite video game? A residential electrician will locate the root of the problem and deal with it, to stop those annoying shortages.

3. You Have a Lot of Extension Cords

As the need for comfort and entertainment has grown in our homes, so has the need for power outlets. You can have a myriad of devices just attached to a television in today’s modern world. The remedy for this is power strips and extension cords, though they can cause problems themselves.

Several extensions can easily overload a circuit. In addition, power strips should never really be used as a permanent addition. Instead, call an electrician to install new outlets that are safer and in places you want them to be.

4. You Have a Fuse Box

A fuse box is a very old and outdated concept. They can be dangerous, especially if they are on an older property. Call an electrician to check it for you, to see if modifications have been made to allow more current to pass through it.

It is likely the electrician will recommend a circuit breaker. These are much safer and less likely to cause a fire.

5. Warm Outlets

A warm or heated power outlet is a sign of an overloaded circuit. You should unplug everything carefully, then reset your breakers. If it does not solve the problem, you have a major fire hazard and should call for assistance.

Hire an Electrician

Now you know the reasons to hire an electrician, you just need to find a good one. Check for reviews of local businesses, or ask friends and family who they use. It is better to call today than wait for an accident tomorrow!

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