In today’s digital world, we are using more electricity than ever before. Whether we’re heating our homes, charging our devices, or sitting down to watch television, there are countless ways we use electricity without particularly thinking about it.
But, with electricity becoming even more interwoven into our daily lives, it’s even more important to know the warning signs that something isn’t working properly. Knowing these warning signs, and when to call in an electrician to fix the problem, is one of the best ways to keep you and your home safe from costly damage and – in extreme cases – dangerous situations like house fires.
1. Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Tripping is not necessarily a cause for concern if it only happens occasionally. However, if your circuits are constantly tripping, this could indicate they’re overloaded, or some of your wiring is faulty. If you notice your circuit breakers are tripping increasingly often, it’s time to call in a professional to prevent a fire risk.
2. You Notice Loss of Power in Other Areas When Appliances are Switched on or off
Ever switched your dishwasher on and noticed the lights flicker? It could mean your electrical system is overloaded, or undersized for your needs. If this power loss is only concentrated in one part of a room, or seems to move between outlets, this could indicate you’ve got failed circuit connections, damaged wiring, or overheated components. It can become a fire hazard quickly, so call in an electrician as soon as you notice it.
3. Your Outlets and/or Switch Plates Feel Hot When in use
Many outlets will be slightly warm when in use, but if your outlets are hot, this could indicate a problem. Whether it’s down to a loose connection, or overheated parts, hot outlets and switch plates could become a fire hazard if not dealt with properly.
4. You’re Constantly Using Extension Cords
Extension cords are perfectly safe to use on occasion, but they aren’t a permanent solution. If you’re using them all the time, it means your home doesn’t have enough outlets. Call in an electrician to install some additional power points for a safer and more convenient solution.
5. You Notice Buzzing or Crackling Sounds From Outlets, Switches, or Electrical Panels
Your electrical system should always be silent. If you notice a constant buzzing when appliances are in use, it could indicate:
- Faulty wiring.
- Loose connections.
- Arcing electricity.
Don’t just ignore buzzing or crackling. Call in an electrician to check it out.
6. You Have old or Damaged Wiring
Unless you live in a newer property, the chances are the electrical wiring in your home wasn’t designed to keep up with modern demands. Take time to check your wiring and make sure it’s still intact; cloth-wrapped cables, ceramic fuses, and any visible wire damage will all need professional replacement.
7. You can Smell Burning or see Smoke
Ever been sitting in your home and noticed an unpleasant smell of burning rubber or plastic? That pungent aroma is unmistakeable and is a clear sign that something isn’t right. Burning smells or smoke could be due to several factors, including melted wire insulation or overheated electrical parts.
If you can smell burning or see smoke in your home, the first thing to do is switch off your main power supply, then contact an emergency electrician. Do not try to investigate the problem yourself as it could be dangerous.
If you have any questions or need to contact an electrician, just reach out to the One Point team today. We’re here for you 24/7.
