Electrical Repairs

4 Tell-Tale Signs You Need an Electrical Contractor

You should never underestimate the role of an electrical contractor given they play an important role in making sure that all electrical systems are up to part at the end of a job. Not only does an electrician ensure that all systems are functional, but they also make sure that they are safe and these days being environmentally friendly is a big part of that. Electricity-related deaths on worksites occur every year, so it is vital that you have trained electricians on site who can wisely and safely build the electrical system to protect everyone else on site.

While it can be considered a high-risk job, a properly trained electrician knows their way around an electrical unit. A healthy respect for the danger their job poses allows them to be proactive, careful, and efficient while on the worksite. It is because of contractors that the entire world is lit up, and it is very unlikely that any construction project can be completed without an electrical contractor on site somewhere in Florence, SC. in fact, just about the only job that doesn’t require an electrician is roadwork or cement. Outside of that, if you have a big build you probably need an electrician.

However, the field of electricians is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Most electrical contractors have a specialty that can fall into one of two categories: outdoors and indoors. Outdoor jobs usually involve things such as outdoor lighting, signage, and similar tasks while indoor jobs relate to almost everything within your home, office, or worksite. From installation to regular maintenance electricians have to be able to work with wires and electricity in pretty much every situation. The following are just a few of the many reasons why you may need some help from an electrician in your home.

LIGHTS KEEP FLICKERING

A lot of people write off flickering lights as an annoyance or something they grow so used to that they start to ignore. However, flickering lights are actually a warning that something is going on with your electrical circuit or fuse box that needs to be checked out. Most people notice that their lights start to flicker when a major appliance kicks on like the HVAC system or when they turn their oven on. This is fairly common because the appliance draws a large amount of power which can overwhelm an old circuit and lead to the lights flickering.

While this is more common in older homes because the electricity demands are higher than the electrical system was built to accommodate, it can happen in any home that relies on a heavy amount of electricity. Flickering lights can also mean that the wiring in your electrical system is starting to dry rot or deteriorate in which case you may want to call an electrical contractor so they can promptly figure out the issue. The longer you wait the more expensive the electrical repair will likely be, and it may even be dangerous so it’s always better to be proactive.

OUTLETS ARE WARM TO THE TOUCH

One easy way to check the electrical flow in your home is by feeling the outlet covers in several areas around your home. They should be unremarkable, but if you notice that any of them feel warm to the touch this can be a sign that something is wrong with your writing. At any rate, the outlets should never be hot to the touch so if you notice this it is a clear sign that you need to call an electrical contractor to further explore the issue.

You may even be able to spot the problem without touching the outlets if your electrical system has been overheating for a bit of time. Discolored electrical outlets that appear to be burnt or melted are a huge warning sign that there is something wrong with your electrical system. You don’t want to take this lightly, as ignoring it for too long can actually result in a full-fledged electrical fire. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is turn off the circuit that powers any discolored electrical outlets, and the second thing you need to do is call an electrical contractor in Florence, SC to come to inspect your home.

ODD FUSE BOX WIRES

Another visible sign that an electrical fire may be looming in your future is singed fuse box wires. As you might easily guess, your fuse box wires should never look singed. If they are this is a sign that either power surges are occurring or there is damage to a wire that is causing it to spark and burn. Mice can sometimes eat wires which can leave them exposed and able to spark. Either way, you need to call an electrical contractor to come to inspect the singed wires. They will first search for the cause of the problem, and then replace the wires to ensure that your home remains safe.

YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKER KEEPS TRIPPING

A lot of people treat a circuit breaker that trips as an annoyance, but in reality, it could actually be saving your life. Circuit breakers are supposed to trip anytime something is wrong with the electrical flow in your home or there is a power surge to protect your home from an electrical fire. If a circuit is faulty or you are continuing to use too much electricity in one area of your home at once the circuit will continue to trip because it is doing its job. Something is causing it to trip repeatedly, so you need to call an electrical contractor to troubleshoot the problem. Sometimes you will need a new circuit added to your fuse box while other times the circuit may simply need to be replaced, but both options are better than a house fire.

If you are looking for an electrical contractor in Florence, SC, give Mister Sparky® of Florence SC a call. We will be happy to come out and assess your home.