Electrical Problems

Electricity is a powerful energy that is used to power mechanical and electrical devices in your household. The only individual that should be handling this energy is a trained and professional electrician. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and, and backing needed to handle all electrical maintenance and repair needs. If your electrical system is exhibiting any signs of electrical decay or malfunction, it is important you recognize the signs and contact an electrical service for urgent electrical repair and maintenance services. Knowing when to contact an electrical professional for electrical system problems, can help you greatly reduce the amount of electrical system damage you could potentially experience. Urgent electrical system repair can also prevent electrical fires and electrical shocks from occurring. If you live in or around the Bedford, TX, area, contact the staff at Tioga Contractors for all of your electrical service needs.

The Importance of Hiring the Right Kind of Electrician

It’s important you hire a professional electrician for all of your electrical service needs for a variety of reasons. The most important reason is safety. Electrical professionals have the expertise and knowledge needed to safely install, repair, or maintain your electrical system. This means you are less likely to experience an electrical fire or some other electrical mishap due to faulty or incorrect wiring. Hiring a professional to handle electrical system issues and maintenance is also important because it can help prevent further electrical system damage from occurring. Last but not least, hiring a professional electrical service gives you some insurance that the job will be done correctly and safely. Professional electrical companies such as Tioga Contractors, in Bedford, TX, have insurance, that covers the cost and liability of any injuries their electricians could receive on the job.

Electrical System: Need To Know

Before you can recognize the signs of electrical system decay, it may be beneficial for you to understand some basics about your electrical system and how it is expected to function on a daily basis. Your home’s electrical system typically doesn’t start at home. The electricity that flows through your electrical system is typically be generated elsewhere. From the powerplant, it must travel along miles and miles of powerlines, until it eventually enters your home. Before the electrical energy can power any of your electrical devices and appliances, it has to go through your main electrical panel, which is also where your circuit breakers happen to be. The electricity is then dispersed into various circuits. There are circuit breakers and other safety measures put in place in order to successfully, keep this system in check.

The wires and features of the electrical system deal with loads of voltage every day. This means that electrical system maintenance and repair will be needed sooner or later when it comes to certain features of the electrical system. Lack of electrical system maintenance can cause and accelerate electrical system decay, which can lead to a plethora of electrical system issues and malfunctions. To prevent this from becoming an issue, it is advised that you hire a professional electrician for reoccurring or preventive maintenance electrical system repairs and service. If you live in or around the Bedford, TX, area, contact the staff at Tioga Contractors to schedule urgent and recurrent electrician services before you have to deal with electrical system decay and other problems.

Signs Your Electrical System Is Old, Decaying, or Faulty

All signs of electrical system decay, may not be actual signs of decay. It could be due to a faulty installation or wiring or some other electrical system issue. Regardless of the reason for an electrical system fault, it is important you hire a competent and licensed electrician to handle any and all electrical system issues to ensure your safety and the safety of your property.

Burning Outlets

Burnt outlets are a clear sign that you need to contact an electrical professional for immediate repair. The presence of burnt outlets indicates that there is a major underlying problem causing this to happen. Burnt outlets could be a foreshadowing for an impending electrical fire as well. In order to prevent an electrical fire from occurring, it is suggested that you immediately cease all use of the afflicted outlet and contact an emergency electrician for emergency electrical repair services.

Burning outlets are typically an issue with improper wiring, however, it could also be due to overloading of electrical voltage. Electrical energy is hot, and this heat can cause damage to the electrical system and property if it is not properly maintained and distributed. If you are using high voltage appliances in an older home, or in a home with a low amp, it can cause your electrical voltage and distribution to malfunction. If you have an older electrical system, you should consult a professional about either upgrading your electrical system or swapping your appliances in order to make it suitable for its recommended electrical load.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are so common, it may not seem like something that needs to be addressed, however, flickering lights is a tell-tell sign of system decay. Flickering lights are more common in older homes with older electrical systems. If your light has always flickered, you should have an electrical professional take a look and make repairs in order to stop this from happening and to replace any old or faulty wiring that could be causing your lights to flicker.

Flickering lights could also be an indication that something is seriously wrong with your electrical system. In which case, it is imperative you contact an electrician for emergency electrical service and repair. Flickering lights could also be an indication of improperly installed or worn-down wiring. Sometimes things like rodents and insects can end up chewing through wires causing dangerous issues in the home electrical system.

Flickering lights accompany by buzzing sounds or hot switches, are also a sign that something is seriously wrong within the electrical system that requires immediate attention. If you notice anything out of whack with your electrical system or if your electrical system isn’t working as it was intended to, contact the staff at the Tioga Contractors for all of your electrical system repair and maintenance needs.

Photo By WichienTep at istock

Electrical problems in your Euless, TX home can be very serious. Not only can an electrical issue leave you in the dark, but it can also put your home at risk for an electrical fire, which can be very damaging. If you have an electrical issue or need an electrical service performed, you should not attempt to do the work yourself. Electricity is nothing to mess with. Every year, there are 1,000 deaths due to electricity-related issues. You should only allow a licensed electrical company to handle the following electrical issues. Electricians go through years of training to perform electrical safely and correctly.

#1 Your Circuit Breakers Trip Often

The breaker box in your home is your electrical system’s brain. It takes the electricity coming into the home and safely redistributes the currents through the circuits to various areas of your home. The breaker box also has a safety feature. If there is too much electric current running to a circuit, it will trip, preventing an electrical overload, resulting in a fire.

If the circuits are frequently tripping, you may need the help of a licensed electrician. Before you make the call, think about what is plugged into the circuit that keeps tripping. If you recently installed an appliance or plugged in something new, it could be too much for the circuit to handle, and unplugging it should solve the problem.

If you haven’t plugged in anything new, you should call an electrical service. You may need to have your breaker box repaired, or you may need a new box that can handle your home’s electrical needs. An electrician will examine the box and determine the best course of action.

#2 Flickering Lights When Using Appliances

Your lights should never flicker when you are using an appliance that requires a good deal of electricity. Even if the flickering lights in your home aren’t affecting your daily life, you should still call a licensed electrical service right away.

You could have an overloaded circuit, or the wiring could be deteriorating. If you don’t call an electrical company to inspect your electrical system right away, you could end up losing power in your entire home. This issue can also cause an electrical fire that can cost you your home and everything inside. It is best to call an electrical company the first time the lights flicker.

#3 Singed Wires Or Heat In the Breaker Box

If your home is like most in Euless, TX, your breaker box is hidden in the basement or a closet. Because the box is out of sight, it is easy to forget all about it. It is a good idea to inspect your breaker box every month.

If there are singed wires in the breaker box, you should call a licensed electrician immediately. The same is true if your breaker box is hot to the touch. These issues can affect your home’s electricity and put your home at great risk for an electrical fire. The best way to protect your home and family is to inspect the breaker box regularly and call an electrical service if you discover an issue.

#4 A Burning Smell In the Air

Nothing is more alarming than smelling a burning smell in your home. If you check the stove and every room in the house, check if the smell is coming from the breaker box. If it is, the first thing you need to do is switch off the main electrical switch to shut off the electricity in the entire home. Next, call a licensed electrical company. This smell is likely coming from burning wires, which is a severe issue. After calling an electrical company, you should leave the house until the electrician says that it is safe to go back inside.

#5 A Buzzing Sound Coming From Behind the Walls

If you hear a buzzing sound behind the walls, near the switches or outlets in your home, the chances that it is a bee infestation are slim to none. The sound is likely due to an electrical issue and would require the assistance of a licensed electrician.

The issue could be something simple like a loose terminal, but it could also be a wiring issue that can result in an electrical fire. An electrical service will inspect your electrical system to figure out what is causing the buzzing sound so that the necessary repairs can be made.

#6 Your Wall Outlets Are Warm To the Touch

If a light switch or an outlet in your Euless, TX home is warm to the touch, you should call a licensed electrician immediately. Smoky smells in the home aren’t the only sign of an electrical fire. Warm switches and outlets are also signs of faulty wiring that can cause a fire in your home. Warm switches and outlets may not seem like a big deal to you, but you will need an electrician to repair the wiring if you want to save your home.

#7 You Have a Light Switch That Does Nothing

If there is a light switch in your home that doesn’t turn on anything, it could be nothing, or it could be a major problem. When the house was built, the company may not have attached any wiring to the switch. However, if the previous owner attempted a DIY electrical repair and did it incorrectly, it is a potential electrical fire hazard. It is best to have an electrical service inspect the switch to ensure there are no faulty wires attached.

#8 You Bought a New Home

Buying a new home is very exciting, but you have no idea what lurks behind the walls. When the papers are signed, and you have the keys, you should call an electrician to inspect the electrical system. If there is faulty wiring or any electrical hazards, you want to know right away so the necessary repairs can be made. The last thing you want is for your new home to be destroyed by an electrical fire.

Why Choose Tioga Contractors?

If you are having electrical issues and want to work with the best electricians in the business, schedule an appointment with Tioga Contractors. We are a family-owned business that has been serving residential and commercial customers in the area since 1953.

We understand that electrical issues are very serious and can put your home at risk. This is why we offer emergency service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To schedule an appointment for electrical service or repair, give us a call today.

Photo By gorica at istock

Photo By herjua at istock

The health and condition of your home’s electrical system are extremely important. Your electrical system can be a wonderful convenience or an old, outdated disaster. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), electrical faults and mishaps are the cause of an average of 48,000 homes in the U.S. These fires have led to the deaths of over 400 people and over 1500 injuries. Maintaining a healthy electrical system is extremely important to prevent your home or property from becoming one of those statistics. Proper installation of your electrical system and appliances is also important for preventing electrical disasters. According to NFPA, 30 percent of electrical fires begin with the ignition of a wire or cable insulation. Hire a professional electrician to ensure your electrical wires, appliances, and components are in good condition and are safe for use.

If you live in or around the Irving, TX, area, contact Tioga Contractors for preventive electrical system maintenance and repairs.

Common Electrical System Malfunctioning Signs You Should Always Be on The Lookout For

Your electrical system can malfunction for a number of reasons. When it does, it can lead to problems of varying degrees, like a high energy bill or something more serious like electrical shock and fire. Addressing the signs of a malfunctioning electrical system can help you prevent and reduce the number of electrical malfunctions you experience. If you notice any of the following electrical system malfunction signs, contact your local and professional electrician, right away.

Are Your Circuit Breakers Tripping?

If your circuit breakers trip, that isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. Circuit breakers are designed to do just that. Circuit breakers are a safety feature installed in each and very professionally installed electrical system. Circuit breakers are a necessary safety measure. Circuit breakers can be tripped automatically or manually. A circuit breaker tripping may be caused by a number of irregularities in your electrical system. The frequency and severity of your circuit breaker trips are what you need to pay attention to. Contact your local electrician if your circuit breaker is acting up more than usual.

Circuit breakers trip when it recognizes an influx or irregularity in voltage. Its automatic tripping feature is there for your safety and to prevent electrical disasters from taking place. Electricity is powerful and hot. It can easily cause an electrical fire or electrical shock. If your electrical circuit breakers are constantly tripping or multiple circuits are tripping at one time, contact a professional. If you live in or around the area, contact Tioga Contractors, for all of your electrical service repair needs.

Is Something Burning?

A healthy electrical system does not smell or look like burning, fire, or smoke. These are all signs of an unhealthy electrical system. If you notice the burn marks or the smell of burning coming from your outlets or light sockets stop using them and contact an emergency electrician right away. This is a clear indication that something isn’t right with your home’s electrical sockets. If you notice this, stop using those outlets immediately. Continuing to use them can and will result in more property damage, and perhaps worse. An urgent repair is required if you want to use your electrical sockets and wiring again.

Outlets and light switches may start to burn for a number of reasons. Your electrical wires that connect that socket may be frayed, improperly installed, old, or broken. The most common reason outlets and light sockets begin to burn are due to it not being grounded. The misdirection of electrical energy will start to heat the surrounding areas. The areas will become so hot that they will begin to burn slowly. The result of this will become apparent when you smell the burning or if you begin to see it around the outlets and on the walls. This means there is extensive damage happening behind your walls, and the longer it is left to persist, the worse it will get. Do not allow this problem to persist, and contact a professional for urgent service as soon as possible. If you live in or around the Irving, TX, area, contact Tioga Contractors for all of your electrical service needs.

Are Your Lights Flickering? Are You Experiencing Frequent Power Surges

Flickering lights may not always be cause for alarm, a power surge may not be either. Flickering lights are quite common in older homes and power surges to happen every so often. However, healthy electrical systems will rarely, if ever experience these issues. Flickering lights and power surges are usually the byproducts of old, worn-out, or poorly maintained systems. If your lights flicker for a millisecond every time you turn on the lights, you should contact a professional, however, there is no reason to make it urgent. If your power surges once every 3 years, this is also no cause for alarm, simply have a professional electrician assess, update, and repair your system at your earliest convenience.

Flickering lights and power surges become an emergency matter when it happens frequently and incessantly. If your light flickers at random intervals or severely, contact a professional emergency electrician. If your power surges when you turn another appliance or surges severely and for a long time, contact an emergency electrician. Power surges and flickering lights may be occurring due to a lack of electrical power, frayed wires, or the use of appliances that require more voltage than your electrical system can handle. Consulting with a professional electrical technician on these matters can prevent further damages and give you an understanding of what your electrical system may need.

Overview

Flickering lights, power surges, burning outlets, and constant circuit breaker trips indicate your electrical system is in need of some serious care. The best way to care for our electrical system is to prevent these electrical malfunctions from taking place with preventive maintenance services. Preventive electricals system maintenance should only be carried out by an experienced and local electrician to ensure your electrical system will be brought up to codes and regulations, as well as ensuring the electrical work that’s done on your home is done accurately and safely. If you live in or around the area, and are in need of a professional or emergency electrician, contact the professionals at Tioga Contractors.

Photo By PIPAT YAPATHANASAP at Shutterstock

Your electrical system is probably one of the single most powerful resources you have in your home. Electricity powers your lights, electrical appliances, sometimes, even your heat and hot water. If your electrical system were to malfunction or stop working for any reason, it would be difficult to start our days or live normally. Proper electrical system care is imperative for the safety, longevity, and efficiency of your electrical system. Preventive electrical maintenance is an excellent way to keep your electrical system in tip-top shape, expand its lifespan, and prevent electrical disasters and malfunctions from occurring. If you live in the area, and are in need of a professional and licensed electrician, contact Tioga Contractors for all of your electrical service needs.

Signs Your Electrical System Could Use Some TLC

It Hasn’t Been Serviced for A While

If you have moved into your home a while ago and have yet to have your electrical system inspected or maintained, that is reason enough to contact your professional, local electrician. Electrical systems are delicate and natural wear and tear are bound to cause electrical malfunctions within your system. If you have never had your electrical system inspected or maintained, these small wear and tear can turn into serious electrical malfunctions in the future. This is because your average homeowner is not skilled in the art of configuring, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. If you don’t see anything happening, you may simply assume everything is fine, when in all actually your electrical system is falling apart.

The recommended preventive maintenance check intervals for your electrical system are at least once a year. Maintaining your electrical systems will help keep your electrical system intact, running efficiently, and safely. If you have yet to schedule a preventive maintenance electrician, do so as soon as possible. If you live in or around the Bedford, TX, area, contact Tioga Contractors for urgent assistance.

Old Outdated Electrical Systems

If your electrical system is old or worn out, this could prove to be a serious issue. If your electrical system is old and worn out, you should have a professional electrician maintain your systems twice a year. There are so many malfunctions that occur if your electrical system is old and the wires have been worn out. Everything has a lifespan. If your electrical system has reached the end of that lifespan, you will experience a series of complications.

Old and outdated electrical systems are a problem due to the lack of safety security and level of energy waste. If your electrical system is worn out, it can easily cause electrical fires or electrical shock to occur. This is because frayed wires and worn-out materials will not be able to function as well as they did when it was brand new and completely intact. Wires will become frayed over time because of the constant flow of electrical power being funneled through the circuits. If a wire is frayed it can no longer contain the full extent of the electrical current flowing through it. This can cause loads of electrical power to be released inside of the electrical system. Uncontained electrical power can lead to electrical shock and fire. To prevent these electrical disasters from occurring, contact your licensed, local electrician for upgrades and updates.

Older electrical systems may prove to be a problem when it comes to reselling or insuring a property. Many homeowners insurance providers refuse to insure a home with poor electrical amp service. An electrical amp is short for ampere -which is a unit of electrical current or a measurement of electricity. Older homes typically have an amp of 60, whereas modern homes have an amp of 100 or higher. This is important because modern electrical appliances require more power to operate. Having a low amp amount could interfere with the home buyer’s ability to use electrical appliances and compromise the safety and integrity of your system when trying to use modern appliances in an old electrical system. If you plan on selling your home in the future or insuring it, you will need to have a professional update and upgrade your system to be compliant with modern electrical system requirements.

Flickering Lights

If the lights in your home flicker you should contact a professional electrician to fix it. Flickering lights may not seem like a huge deal; however, flickering lights could indicate the presence of a larger issue. If your lights flicker it could just be an indication your electrical system is old. Although, that may not seem like a cause for alarm, having an old or worn-out electrical system is dangerous. Contact an electrician to inspect your system and offer solutions to this common occurrence.

Lights that flicker for a few seconds as you turn on the lights is common, and can be fixed fairly easily. If the flickering light only happens in one room, your professional only needs to fix and update that particular circuit, however, if the lights flicker throughout the entire home, something could be happening to all of your circuits. There are many things that can occur within your electrical system that could cause your entire property’s electrical grid to be compromised. If all of your lights are flickering, contact an emergency electrician right away.

Flickering lights may also occur when you are using too many appliances at once. This could also be a byproduct of an old or outdated electrical system. If you are trying to use multiple high voltage appliances at once, it could overload your system and prevent the electricity from fully powering other appliances at once.

Urgent repairs in situations like this could prevent electrical disasters from occurring, and prevent any more damage from taking place. Hiring a professional electrician to inspect and repair the electrical issues will ensure you get to the root of the problem so that you never have to or seldom have to experience that problem again. If you are in need of a professional, in the Bedford, TX, area, contact Tioga Contractors for all of your electrical service and maintenance needs.

Photo By evrymmnt at Shutterstock

It is no secret that the modern world relies very heavily on electricity. Of course, some people may say that electricity is not critical because people have not always needed electricity. However, the truth is that most people nowadays have grown to rely on it, to the point where they would be significantly hindered without it. This is why it can be extremely frustrating and inconveniencing when the electricity goes out. It can also be frustrating when dealing with other types of electrical problems. This is why it is a good idea to have an electrician on hand so that you will have someone to call if there are issues with the electricity. If you are looking for a professional in Irving, TX, you should look into what a company such as Tioga Contractors has to offer.

Common Problems for Which You Might Need an Electrician

When considering electrical repairs, it is very important about your safety first. If you are dealing with damaged appliances, high electric bills, or temperamental lighting, it may be the case that your home circuit is not in good working condition. If this is true, then you might need to bring in a professional to check things out. A very common cause of electrical issues is old circuits that are outdated or perhaps were not designed to power modern electronic equipment that you might have in your home. In some cases, the problem will be obvious, such as multiple plugs and extension cords that are all relying on one single outlet. However, it is also often the case that the electrical repair issue is somewhere that is not in your sight, behind the ceilings or walls. If this is true, then you are likely to only observe the issue when something short circuits in your home. It is a good idea to bring a licensed electrician into your home, so that they will be able to identify safety concerns and potential issues in order to keep your electricity running smoothly and conveniently and keep you safe.

There are a few very common electrical repair problems, for which you might need a professional.

Overloading

This occurs when a light fixture has a bulb that has a higher wattage than the wattage for which the fixture has been designed. This can be very dangerous, because the high heat of the bulb can melt the insulation and the socket. This can end up causing an electrical fire. Even once you take the ball the way, the damage can remain. It is important that you always fit a bulb that is within the wattage if possible.

Flickering Lights When It Is Windy

If your lights are flickering when it is windy outside, the likely cause is a frayed wire that causes some sort of short when the cables are moving. This can be very dangerous and in fact start a fire in your home. If you have this issue, you should call an electrician right away to handle it.

Not Enough Outlets

If you do not have enough outlets in your home, you can end up relying too much on extension cords and power strips. This does not pose an immediate safety risk in your home, but it can be very unsightly and inconvenient. If this is an issue, you can actually add more outlets in your home. This will require the help of an electrician. The professional will have to cut holes into the walls, as well as the ceiling, in order to distribute the wiring that is needed to add the new outlets.

A Non-working Plug-in Appliance

In some cases, you could have a plug-in appliance that is not working properly. If this is a light, you can try changing the bulb. If you have another kind of appliance, what you can try to do is plug them into another socket. If it works, this could mean that the original socket is faulty. If it does not work, you can try plugging it in yet another area in the home. This can help you figure out if you have a faulty appliance or a dead circuit. You can also figure out if you need to bring in a professional for a repair.

Dead Circuit

If a circuit is dead in your home, what you can do is try to turn on each of your appliances individually or switch on each of the lights to figure out which item is causing the fuse to blow or tricking your circuit breaker. If the fault lies in the fixed wiring, this will require the help of an electrician.

Electrical Surges

If you are experiencing electrical surges in your home, these can be because of poor wiring in your home. If you have a lightning strike, it can be because of a faulty appliance or damaged power line. These events can be common and somewhat short-lived. However, if you are experiencing them on a frequent basis, they can lead to damage to the equipment in your home. This will shorten the lifespan of the equipment quite a bit.

Conclusion

One thing that you should keep in mind is that if you need a professional, any repairs that they perform need to be done in accordance with the local building regulations in your area. This is why it is important that you do all of the appropriate research so that you choose an electrician with a great deal of experience. You should also make sure that it is a licensed professional. This way, you can make sure that the job is done with your safety in mind and in a way that follows codes in your city.

You are in need of an electrician in Irving, TX, you should feel free to contact the professionals at Tioga Contractors. These individuals will be able to answer any questions that you might have about electrical problems and perhaps provide you with an electrician who can help you with the problems in your home.

Photo By skhoward at istock

Almost all of us in Euless, TX rely on electricity to some extent. Calling an electrician when a problem arises is normal, but homeowners sometimes overlook preventative maintenance related to a home’s electrical infrastructure. Even a responsible homeowner with a stringent home maintenance routine can overlook electrical systems.

Benefits of Electrical Preventative Maintenance

Electrical preventative maintenance is an integral part of overall home maintenance. Power surges and other electrical irregularities can cause appliance or equipment failures. These failures may be isolated, or they could damage other things around them that are also drawing power at the same time. Poorly maintained components of a home’s electrical system are prone to failure.

Routine maintenance improves efficiency, and efficiency influences cost. Money saved on monthly energy bills is the most obvious financial benefit, but replacing parts before a failure occurs is much cheaper than replacing many parts damaged by the original failed component. Equipment lasts longer when it is regularly inspected and repaired. This applies to the electrical system and appliances in your home as well.

Unplanned power outages can disrupt your daily routine, and they can even lead to time off work. Sometimes electricians need to shut down electricity in a home to perform maintenance checks or repairs, but it’s much easier to plan for a short planned outage than deal with the consequences of random power loss.

Improvements and Upgrades

Routine electrical maintenance offers an opportunity to make beneficial changes to improve energy efficiency. Small changes can also address safety issues, especially in older homes or homes with children.

Motion Sensors

Installing motion sensors can have extensive long=term benefits for your energy bill. Some small changes can improve your home’s energy efficiency. There is usually no need to keep outdoor lighting on all night. Motion sensors let your outdoor lights switch on when someone is outside and remain dark when they aren’t needed. Maintaining your home’s HVAC system is very important for energy efficiency. Well maintained equipment uses less power for heating and cooling.

Safety Features

Electrical maintenance also has a safety component. Older home’s don’t have tamper-resistant outlets unless upgrades have already been done. Uncovered outlets can pose a risk of electrocution for children. A simple outlet cover stays in place until someone removes it to use an outlet.

Sliding receptacles cover unused outlets and easily slide to one side as needed. A tamper-resistant receptacle has spring-loaded covers to block contact openings. Inserting a plug compresses the springs, but both springs must be compressed simultaneously to open. This stops a child from opening the shutters by pushing on only one side or providing uneven pressure.

Modern types of electrical panels became common in homes during the 1960s. Some homes still have their original panels, which is not safe. Electrical panels should generally be replaced every 20 to 30 years. Overloaded or poorly maintained panels can cause fires. An electrician can look at the serial number and other features of your panel to find the manufacturer and learn how old the panel is. If the panel is in poor condition or too old to be safe, your electrician can also install a new panel and upgrade your home’s electrical system.

Malfunctioning Outlets

Plugging something in and discovering that an outlet doesn’t work is a very irritating experience. Try plugging in the appliance or device in a different outlet. If a new outlet works, the previous outlet was probably at fault. Call an electrician to determine whether the malfunctioning outlet is a localized issue or just a symptom of a larger underlying problem.

Tripped Circuits

A tripped circuit breaker is a common reason for malfunctioning outlets. If it is an isolated incident, resetting the circuit should fix the problem. Consistent circuit tripping may be due to an overloaded outlet. This can happen when multiple high-power appliances are on the same circuit.

GFCI

Many recently built homes have ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, around kitchens and bathrooms, garages and basements. GFCIs shut themselves down automatically in response to overheating, a damaged appliance, or contact with water. Homeowners only need to hit the restore switch to turn the circuit back on. If the restore attempt doesn’t work, it may be time to call an electrician for help.

Loose Contacts

Contacts within electrical outlets eventually loosen and go bad. Loose contacts can’t be fixed, so the entire unit must be replaced. Homeowners really shouldn’t replace outlets without assistance. Mistakes could result in electrocution during installation or mild to severe shocks when the outlet is used. Improper installation could even cause a fire. It is much safer to hire an electrician.

Burnt Out Outlets and Sparks

An outlet that doesn’t work could be burnt out. This happens when a spark occurs. Sparks are frequently harmless. Power rapidly diverted when something is first plugged into an outlet can produce a spark around the socket and prongs. Sparks that cause burnouts are more serious.

You may not see the actual spark, but it often leaves blackened areas around the socket and warm spots on the outlet. If you notice these signs, stop using the outlet immediately and call an electrician. Most electric lines in Euless,TX, carry between 115-240 volts. It isn’t surprising that an outlet can spark, and sparks can start fires very quickly.

Short Circuits

Short circuits occur when an outlet overheats to such an extent that it melts the surrounding insulation and melts exposed wiring. Electrons jumping from the exposed wire creates a large, hot spark. Water can also cause shorts and sparks. GCFIs are often installed in bathrooms as a safety feature.

Call Tioga Contractors in Euless, TX, to ask about improving your home’s energy efficiency or routine maintenance. Tioga’s professional electricians can offer advice on energy efficient appliances and help you make changes to simplify daily routines while minimizing energy use.

Photo By rzelich at istock

Electricity is not only a necessity but also a central pillar of modern living. However, despite its utility, electricity has also been the culprit of both major and minor disasters around us. When considering household electric appliances, safety is of paramount importance. Access to qualified electrical contractors within Arlington, TX, who can quickly identify and solve common home electrical problems is a significant step towards promoting safety within your home.

In this post, we highlight ten common electrical problems around the home to look out for:

Frequent Electrical Surges

Electrical surges may result from a damaged power line, poor household wiring, a lightning strike. An electrical surge causes a massive increase in a power line that increases the current to your outlet. Frequent electrical surges may damage electronics and home appliances and diminish their life expectancy.

In this instance, the culprit is often the wiring or an electrical device connected to the home grid, which electrical contractors can quickly rectify.

Circuit Overloading

An overloaded circuit is one of the leading culprits of a circuit breaker that trips often. Homes and apartments that cannot cater to the amount of electricity they require experience circuit overloading. Some simple solutions for this electrical problem include avoiding overburdening one circuit, removing devices that aren’t in use, and mindfully connecting devices around your home.

Power Sags and Dips

Power sags and dips are attributed to the electrical devices connected to your grid that may draw a lot of power, be made with substandard materials, or are faulty. It is experienced as the lights dimming and then getting bright again.

Electrical Shocks

Electrical shocks are a nasty and unfortunate experience. At worst, they are very dangerous, but normally they are a mild shock that reminds you to be cautious when handling electricity. These shocks are caused when an appliance is faulty or the wiring is not correctly done; therefore, it is essential to be careful when turning them on and off. It is advisable to speak to electrical contractors around Arlington, TX, if your appliance has this problem.

Unusually High Electric Bills

High electrical bills are frustrating and pretty expensive. During the summer and winter, higher bills are expected due to the constant use of the HVAC system. However, if your bills are unusually high in the off-season, you need an electrical contractor to check it out. An easy way to handle this would be to:

  • Identify and fix devices causing a power surge.
  • Unplugging devices that aren’t in use.
  • Repairing damaged circuits and wiring.
  • Use surge protectors and GFCI outlets.
  • Using a smart or digital thermostat that can be programmed to regulate temperature appropriately.

Breakers That Trip Often

Circuit breakers provide a means to protect your home. When your breakers trip, it’s a sign that your home is protected. High wattage appliances such as hairdryers and microwaves can trip your circuit breaker, primarily when used from the same source. Identify what led to the circuit trip and use a low setting. Limit the electrical usage on a single circuit, especially when using high-watt devices. Consult electrical contractors if these tips do not help manage the circuit breaker.

Uncovered Junction Boxes

A junction box houses a ton of wires that are interconnected and is usually installed during construction. The box should have a cover, and when left uncovered, it could lead to electrical shocks, which could cause safety issues. You need to contact electrical contractors to cover the junction box to restore safety within your home.

Fewer Outlets

Most houses heavily rely on extension cords and power strips to access power. However, extension cords are designed for temporary use. If you intend to use it for permanent use, try using a UL-listed surge protector or at least a 14-gauge heavy load cord. Avoid daisy-chaining two extensions together, and call electrical contractors if you need more outlets.

Lights That Aren’t Right.

Lights can let you know whether you have a bigger underlying issue. Lights that are brighter or dimmer than others could indicate you have a poor neutral connection, or they simply have different wattage. Flickering lights are a sign of frayed wiring. Some lights have an inbuilt safety feature that automatically turns off when the bulb overheats. Your lights may burn out before they should for different reasons:

  • The insulation is close to the light source
  • The wattage is too high
  • Too much wattage on a dimmer switch
  • Poor wiring on the circuit

If your lights are displaying any of these problems, you need to call electrical contractors to take a look.

Overcircuted Panel

An overcircuted panel is a fire hazard to your home. An electrical panel is designed to accommodate a certain number of circuit breakers. You need to determine the right panel for your home depending on the maximum load capacity. The circuit breakers fit into slots, and you can tell how many yours holds by prying the panel door open and taking a peek. Using a tandem breaker in one slot instead of two single pole breakers is a code violation. To avoid this, contact professional electrical contractors to add a sub-panel or replace the existing one with a bigger model.

While the above electrical problems that could be experienced at home aren’t exhaustive, they are an excellent place to start when ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

Tioga Contractors is your premier provider of electrical contractors in the area. We offer both commercial and residential electrical installation and repair services. With over 60 years in the service industry, we value and greatly prioritize customer satisfaction. Our HomeAdvisor top-rated award portrays our commitment to superior work practices, services, and value. We offer fast on-time services and prompt emergency services 24 hours a day, all year long. Get in touch with us today for more information about our commercial and residential electrical solutions.

 

Photo By KenTannenbaum at istock

Being a homeowner means keeping an eye out for tons of different problems, including things as simple as brown spots on the lawn and as advanced as electrical problems. Knowing how to spot a problem with your electrical system and when to call an electrician is the easiest way to prevent bigger problems in your home. From flickering lights to outlets that don’t work, understanding some common electrical problems is important. If you want to make sure the electrical system in your home is safe and keeping your home powered up, here are some common problems to look out for.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are a common problem for homeowners, especially if you live in an older home. This can be caused by several different things, but it’s always a good idea to have an electrician check things out if your lights are constantly flickering.

In some cases, flickering can be explained by a light bulb that’s simply not all the way screwed in. However, it could also be caused by a problem with the light plug or light switch, both of which are problems you need to get fixed as soon as possible.

If you notice your lights flickering when certain appliances are in use, it could be that you need a little more power from your electrical panel. Fortunately, a professional can take care of that as well.

Frequently Tripping Breakers

Most homeowners know what it’s like to trip a breaker; we’ve all turned on too many large appliances at once and had the entire kitchen shut down simultaneously. However, that shouldn’t be a problem you’re running into often. If you’re having the same breaker trip time and time again from simple daily use, that’s a sign that you’ve got a problem.

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from fire hazards, so malfunctioning breakers are a big problem. Have an electrician take a look at your electrical panel if you’ve got a problem with the circuit breakers frequently tripping.

Power Outages

Most of the time, power outages aren’t something you should worry too much about in terms of electrical problems. While they’re inconvenient, it’s not unusual for the power to go out in your Bedford, TX, home. However, there’s cause for concern if your house is the only one in the neighborhood that loses power during an outage.

Power outages are generally caused by a problem with a transformer or some other major part of the electrical grid. Since this larger electrical equipment affects lots of different homes, these problems lead to power outages in a certain region. A single-home power outage is a sign that you’ve got a problem with your electrical system, and the only way to keep your power on in the future is to have an electrician find and fix that problem.

High Electric Bill

You probably have a general idea of how much your electric bill is going to be each month, so sudden spikes are pretty obvious. While your power bill can change quite a bit during the summer and winter months when you’re using cooling and heating, you shouldn’t notice any sudden jumps if you’re not making any changes.

If your electrical bill is higher than it should be and you aren’t sure why, have an electrician inspect your home for problems. Things like faulty wiring can lead to electricity leakage, which means you’re paying for electricity you’re not even using. Getting professional help is the only way to fix wiring problems that could be contributing to an increase on your bill.

Discolored Outlets

There’s a good reason the electrical outlets in your home are a somewhat light color. Not only does this color go well with the off whites most people use for their walls, they also show discoloration better so you know when there’s something wrong with your electrical system.

If you notice an outlet looks burnt or there’s some other discoloration, call an electrician right away. Burnt outlets could be a sign that the outlets are getting too hot, which is a huge fire hazard that can put you, your family and your home in danger.

Frequent Bulb Burnouts

Every homeowner knows that light bulbs are one of the most commonly replaced things in a home. However, that doesn’t mean you should be putting new bulbs in a lighting fixture weekly or even monthly. If your light bulbs are burning out much faster than they should be, you could have a problem with wiring or wattage that’s overloading the light fixture. It could also be a result of a poor connection. The best thing you can do if you’re having frequent bulb burnouts is have an electrician check the wiring and light socket.

Noises

Sometimes electronics will make a little bit of noise, but that’s generally a result of moving components inside those electronics, not wires or electrical parts. If you hear a noise coming from an electrical outlet, a light fixture or some other electrical fixture, you could have a loose connection somewhere. Since this can be a fire hazard like other electrical problems, you need to call a professional if your outlets or fixtures make any weird noises.

Here to Help

The fact of the matter is, it’s not easy preventing and spotting electrical problems. However, the fire hazard these problems can cause in your home needs to be addressed, so it’s your job as a homeowner to keep your eyes peeled and get help when you need it.

If you’ve got an electrical problem in your Bedford, TX, home that you’re not sure about, an electrician at Tioga Contractors can help. If you have any questions about an electrical problem or need an electrician to take a look at your home, give us a call at (469) 789-1292 today.

Photo By gwmullis at istock

Your home will give you plenty of warning signs when it is time to hire an electrician, in Irving, TX. Here are several clues that will inform you when you have a major electrical problem on your hands. Don’t let these problems below fester and go unattended, as many of these warning signs can lead to fire or further electrical issues. Your home is your most important investment and your electrical system is a vital part of your home, do not skip out on maintenance of your electrical system.

Hot Outlets

While many appliances will generate heat when operating, your outlet should never be hot or warm to the touch. If you should notice an outlet is now suddenly warm or hot to the touch you should unplug any cords connected to it immediately. You should refrain from using that outlet until an electrician has troubleshooting the issue. Switch cover plates are the same story, with the lone exception of dimmer switches which are commonly warm to the touch. Dimmer switches are only warm to the touch as they expel the excess electrical energy. It should be noted however that even dimmer switch plates should never be hot, only warm. If your dimmer switch feels hot to the touch, it can not handle the wattage and will need to be replaced by an electrician.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are not the sign of ghosts or spirits, but of an electrical issue. Usually, flickering lights are caused by a loose electrical connection. If only one light is flickering the fix is pretty easy and straightforward. However, if multiple rooms or lights are affected, then your problem lies farther back in the circuit in most cases. If your whole house is flickering the issue could be in the breaker box or the utility drop outside. If your flickering lights are caused by loose wiring then you want to hire an electrician right away as loose wiring is one of the top causes of home fires. You should never ignore the warning signs given by flickering lights, instead call in a pro to determine what is causing the issue, as it may be more than the minor annoyance you thought it was.

Aluminum Wiring

Only homes built in the late 60s and early 70s tend to have this type of wiring. Copper prices were higher back then and many home builders took the cheap option of running single strand aluminum wire. Lab tests at the time suggested it was safe, so it seemed like a good idea to keep down the costs of a new build. The problem however didn’t show up until these homes aged, as the aluminum wiring oxidizes faster than copper does. This leads to the build-up of heat and leading to fire risks. If your home has this type of wiring today, it is a fire risk. A home with this type of wiring is 55 times more likely to experience a house fire. You can have this issue addressed with specialized connectors or a complete home rewire. It is always best to consult with an electrician, in Irving, TX if you have aluminum wiring.

Burning Smell

This is likely the top warning sign that you need an electrician! If your home’s wiring is heating up enough to melt the plastic sheathing on your wires you are facing the immediate risk of a fire and you need to take action right away. You need to determine the source of the issue whether it is the breaker box or at one fixture. If you cannot figure out what is causing the burning smell then turn off your breaker and call an electrician right away. Many house fires started out with the tell-tale burning wire smell.

Improperly Grounded Flexible Gas Lines

If your home has corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) or flex line to supply gas in your home, you want to ensure that it is properly grounded. An electrical surge such as caused by a lightning strike could rupture the corrugated stainless steel tubing, resulting in a gas leak or worse yet an explosion. If you are unsure whether your gas line is grounded or not you should call a licensed electrician.

Ungrounded outlets

If you happen to touch anything metal connected to your home’s electrical lines and receive a shock, this is a strong sign that you have grounding issues. This means your outlets or wiring is not properly grounded. Not only does this go for fixtures such as lamps and appliances but also water lines and furnace ductwork. I should point out not to confuse normal static shocks with nasty electrical shocks caused by poorly or ungrounded wiring and outlets. Most appliances these days have 3 prongs and if your electrical service is ungrounded your appliances won’t be protected.

Loose Outlets

Loose outlets lead to loose wiring inside of the outlet. You want to get this solved quickly as loose wires in your outlets can lead to shorts, sparks, and even fire hazards. Never tinker with an outlet if you do not understand fully the wiring involved, as you could become electrocuted easily by touching the wrong wire. Luckily this issue is fairly easy and inexpensive to fix.

Rodent Activity

If you have rodents in the walls of your home, chances are they have chewed the wiring. Rodents often will chew a wires protective sheaf bare, exposing live wires. This of course is a severe fire hazard. Your wires once bare can easily spark or overheat, therein lays the fire hazard. If you suspect you have rodents in your walls it is time to not only call an exterminator but also an electrician.

If you have any of the above electrical issues, call the pros at Tioga Contractors today for an estimate! We even have emergency hours in case you have an emergency that cannot wait till normal business hours. We offer prompt, emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are a BBB accredited business.

Photo By MicroStockHub at istock

There are few things more important than electrical safety when it comes to your home and more crucially, your family and yourself. Letting problems with your electrical system go too long without being examined can lead to a hazard that puts both your health and property at risk. Luckily, there are signs you can look out for that can help you see if you need to call electrical services to take a look at the system in your home.

The benefits of watching out for these signs go beyond safety. They also include a lighter monthly bill and a higher property resale value should you ever need to sell. Read on for nine of them.

1. Outlets with Burn Marks

If you start noticing burn marks on your electrical outlets, it means that the problem has been going for a long time. What this points to is a hot, or energized wire that has come in contact with the ground or neutral wire. The cause tends to be rusting, which naturally occurs over time, and the buildup of dirt and dust.

This is a clear sign that you ought to get professionals services on the line, and they’ll inspect all your other outlets as well to make sure that the problem hasn’t spread.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights can flicker or dim every once in a while, and that’s nothing to be worried about for the most part. When it starts to happen very often, though, that’s a pointer that may be a severe problem within your electrical wiring. Electrical services are needed here. The problem might be that your system is experiencing voltage fluctuation. If that’s the case, you’ll notice other signs such as light bulbs glowing too dim or even too bright. They may also burn out faster than the expected rate.

This one too can be a severe problem with hazardous consequences if left unaddressed. Call electrical services as soon as you spot it.

3. The Smell of Smoke

Given that smoke that smells is almost always the forerunner to a fire without a professional getting to the root of the problem and eliminating it, make sure to call electrical services as soon as you catch a whiff of smoke coming from the electrical system in your Hurst, TX home.

The issue here will most likely be a short circuit. If it occurs within the wall, surrounding materials will quite likely catch fire. Before you call electrical services, it’s prudent for you to remove the fuse or switch off your circuit breaker until a professional arrives to investigate the issue more closely.

4. Clicking or Buzzing Noises

If you want to make extra sure that your electrical system isn’t experiencing any issues, pay attention to the sound that comes after flipping a switch. If you flip the switch and there’s silence, that’s a good sign. When there’s a buzzing or clicking noise, though, that’s a sign that there’s faulty wiring somewhere, and electrical services are certainly needed to take a clear look and solve the issue.

5. Damage from Rodents

Having mice in the house, unless they are pets, is a reason to worry for multiple reasons. Among those reasons is the danger they pose to your electrical wiring since they can chew through it and potentially cause major damage or even a fire.

This problem isn’t as widespread as the others it shares this list with, but it’s still certainly one to look out for.

6. Perpetually Tripping Circuit Breaker

Once your circuit breaker has become overloaded, it starts to trip. The more frequently it trips, the heavier the load surplus it’s contending with. Circuit breakers are designed to shut off their current when the load passing through them causes them to overheat, creating the potential for a fire.

A circuit breaker that’s tripping often might be calling your attention to a ground fault, a short circuit or an overloaded circuit.

7. Sparking Outlets

Electrical outlets certainly shouldn’t spark. When that starts to happen, it means you have a short circuit on your hands, which can, unfortunately, be the precursor to a fire. Sparking may also come from appliances. In which case, it’s most likely the appliance itself that’s the problem. You can make sure of this by testing the appliance on different outlets.

Call electrical services as soon as you can after noticing sparks at your outlets. Not only can this cause damage to your Hurst, TX home, but it can result in your appliances suffering irreparable damage. Even worse, it might carry the potential for electrocution.

8. Power Outages

Frequent power outages are perhaps the most disruptive sign that there’s a problem with your electrical wiring. Worse still, they don’t immediately give you an idea of what the exact problem with your system is. The sooner you can call electrical services, the faster you can have this dealt with, while avoiding damage to both your home and the appliances inside it.

One cause may be electro-chemical treeing. It happens when your consultation is poorly put together and starts letting moisture in, weakening the dielectric capacity. Alternative causes could be transformer failures, tree branches crashing onto transmission towers or even contact with animals such as snakes and rodents.

9. Overheating Switch Plates

When switch plates or outlets become hot, it’s a sign that there’s improper wiring. You can be sure of this when the switch plates keep heating up by themselves even if you haven’t plugged anything in.

Call electrical services as soon as you notice this problem. In the meantime, go ahead and remove the outlet’s fuse until a professional arrives to get it back into proper working order.

The nine signs above are handy for giving you added peace of mind through having a clear idea of how well your electrical wiring is functioning. If, when carrying out checks for any of them, you notice something amiss, we’re available to help. Call us at Tioga Contractors and we’ll get your electrical system working at its best.