Our homes depend on electricity, and most Arlington homeowners do not pay attention to it until something breaks. An electrical system that needs repaired is a hazard and could cause a potential fire. Many times, your electrical system gives you subtle clues that something is wrong you should not ignore. If you experience any of the following, it is time to call Arlington, TX electrical contractors.
1. Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are more than just an annoyance. They are a sign that something is wrong with the circuit. This is a sign that you could have bad wiring or a bad light itself. Either way, this is something you should call electrical contractors for repair because it could overheat and catch fire if you allow it to continue.
2. Buzzing Noises
It is normal for some large appliances to make a slight buzzing noise, but you can usually tell which one is responsible for the noise. Refrigerators are notorious for this type of noise. If you notice any new buzzing, or you have buzzing for which you cannot locate the source, it could be due to overloaded wiring, and it is time to call electrical contractors for help. It could also be an overloaded circuit breaker that has not reached the point where it will trip.
3. Continually Blowing Circuit Breakers
If you have a circuit breaker that continually trips, it could be an indication of an electrical problem. When a breaker trips and will not remain reset, it is time to have the electrical system checked or make sure your appliances and electrical devices are not the culprits. One thing you can check is to see if unplugging something will allow it to remain intact. If you have too many items plugged in, you might want to contact electrical experts to install more breakers to take the load off the ones that are tripping.
4. Burning Odor
Burning smells are something you should never ignore. They are always something you should check out immediately. The first thing to do is to determine where it is coming from and the potential cause. For instance, it might be coming from a particular outlet or from the heating vents. The smell could be something as simple as ductwork that needs cleaning. It could also mean a serious problem. If you smell smoke or see scorch marks around an outlet or light switch, it is time to call electrical contractors to take a look.
5. Arcs or Sparks
When plugging in an electrical device, if you see sparks from the outlet, it is best to discontinue using it until you have it checked out by a professional. You might notice tiny sparks when you plug something in, which happens every time electricity begins to flow. These are nothing to worry about, but if the sparks linger for more than a second or shoot from the outlet, it is time to call electrical contractors who can make sure the system is safe.
6. Loose Outlets or Light Switches
Your outlets should feel secure when you plug something in or take the plug out. If the outlet tries to come out or wiggles when you use it, it can cause wires to break. This can cause a fire hazard. Also, if you have to wiggle a light switch or it does not always turn on or off correctly, this is another area of concern. You should have an electrician replace any outlets or light switches that are worn out or old. Some houses still have two-prong outlets. These are no longer considered safe and should be replaced with new ones.
7. Getting Shocked
When plugging things in, it is important to avoid touching the prongs or getting near them. You can get a small shock if you do. If you are sure you are not touching the prongs and still get shocked, then it is a good idea to have a qualified electrician come and do an inspection. Anytime you have a particular outlet that shocks you all the time when plugging something in, it is time to call electrical contractors to inspect or replace it.
Other Reasons to Call an Electrician
Your family’s safety is important, and you should be concerned if you experience any of the signs on this list. There are other times when you should call an Arlington, TX electrician, too. Upgrades, like installing a ceiling fan or getting new appliances should always be done by a qualified TX electrician. A skilled professional has the knowledge to do the job safely.
Another reason why people call an electrician is if they want an outlet moved or a new light switch installed. Maybe it is time to upgrade to dimmable lights or ones that come on automatically when someone enters the room. For those who moved into an older home, you are almost certain to encounter an outlet that is in the wrong place or where you wish you had one. Electrical contractors can make these upgrades for you to make your home more comfortable.
Older homes might have wiring or a system that was not designed for the number of electronics that are part of our world today. An Arlington electrician can upgrade the system and make sure it can handle the load. If you are not sure if your electrical system is made for modern electronics, it is a good time to make sure by having electrical contractors inspect it.
If you experience any of the items on this list or want to upgrade, it is time to contact Tioga Plumbing & Electric for a repair. Our team of Arlington electrical contractors is experienced in a range of electrical system repairs and will have everything working again in a short time. We can do many types of repairs for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Arlington, TX area. Our business is family-owned, and we pride ourselves in the service we deliver.
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