Do you have electrical problems at home? Do you know when you need an electrician and when you are able to DIY? Read on to learn more about electrical work and safely solving any issues.
Did you know that licensed electricians have extensive education and practical experience on diagnosis, safety, and repair? Their training is nearly impossible to replicate in a DIY setting, which is why it is so important to know when you need an electrician. They have the tools and expertise to quickly and safely diagnose and repair potentially dangerous electrical issues in your home.
Some signs that you may need an electrician include:
- Lights flicker or dim
- Feeling warmth
- Sparking
- Older homes
- New projects or upgrades
Lights Flicker or Dim
Do you notice your lights flicker or dim? This potentially means an overloaded capacity for your home wiring system. It is an especially common problem with modern appliances, ones which use a lot of electricity and are plugged into the same outlet or circuit. Unplug all or one of the appliances and see if flickers or dim lights improve.
If that does not work, it is likely you need an electrician. Call a reputable firm with licensed, well-trained technicians. A good electrician comes in and tests your system to determine the cause of dim lights. He or she offers you suggestions for use, upgrades, or repairs.
Do not delay when you notice flickering or dim lights. If you ignore this problem, you risk dangerous consequences.
Warm Electrical Equipment
No part of your electrical equipment should feel warm. This includes outlets, switches, or controls. Overloaded outlets and circuits become warm. First, unplug all items from the outlet. Wait 15 minutes to see if the outlet cools.
If the outlet is still warm, you need an electrician. Any part of your electrical system that is warm or not performing properly may lead to an electrical shock. It is important to call a trusted electrician right away if you notice warmth to prevent fires and injury.
Sparking
Any sparking part of your electrical system requires immediate attention. Turn off any appliances connected to the power and call an electrician. This situation is dangerous for a DIY job and should be left to the professionals.
Older Homes
If you live in an older home, you need to be aware of the signs of problems with older wiring. Depending on the age of your home, the wiring may not be to the current code’s standards. For example, many older homes have a type of wiring called knob-and-tube.
This wiring is not inherently dangerous, however, when the insulation around the wiring is damaged or worn away, this system becomes a fire hazard. This often happens when critters seek warmth in attics or crawlspaces.
First, become familiar with the wiring system in your home. If you do have knob-and-tube wiring, be aware of how it should appear. If you notice drying, cracking, or missing insulation around the wires, you need an electrician.
Your electrician inspects the system and determines whether it poses a fire threat to the home. If it does, re-wiring your home is the safest solution.
In addition, many older homes have outdated electric panels. These panels are often inefficient and in some cases unsafe. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so have it checked out, especially if your home has a panel manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE).
Do you have an elderly relative who lives in a home built between the 1950s and the 1980s? Might want to schedule an electrical inspection for them too.
Other Projects or Upgrades That Need an Electrician
Many families look at alternative energy sources for their homes. Solar panel installation on your property saves money and is a great alternative energy source for the environment. Homeowners also qualify for the tax credit, depending on the system they install. You might also qualify for rebates from your local utility.
A qualified electrician helps you install solar panels or other alternative energy sources in your home. Some homeowners choose to install the panels themselves and hire an electrician to complete the wiring that ties the new system into their current power system.
Plan to sell your house in the next few years? You may find you don’t have enough GFCI outlets or other updated code requirements. Look into it now so it doesn’t slow your momentum when you list.
When You Need an Electrician Call Hoover Electric
Whether you are a seasoned DIY-er or you prefer to hire out all electrical work, Hoover helps anytime you need an electrician! We have served Southeast Michigan since 1980 and have a fantastic team of qualified electricians dedicated to the safety and comfort of your family. Call Hoover today with all your electrical needs in Clinton Township!
