When electrical issues happen, you need the services of an electrician in OKC to avoid any minor or major mishap. Any electrical malfunction may lead to short-circuiting, hot wires, and a house fire, at worst. So, you ought to be prepared before a problem strikes.
Home electrical fires cause well over a billion dollars in property damage across the U.S. each year, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). In order to avoid any costly damages, it’s best to take preventive measures.
Let’s read on how:
Quick Facts About Home Electrical Fires:
- Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of home fires in the U.S., according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
- Arcing, the sparks that jump across damaged or loose wiring, starts thousands of home fires every year.
- Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets and worn-out panels cause most of these fires, and most of them can be prevented.
- Good electrical safety habits, plus an inspection when something seems off, go a long way.
As with any damage, prevention is better (and cheaper!) than paying for repairs. So, you should hire an experienced electrician in OKC when you see any of the following signs.
“Home electrical fires cause well over a billion dollars in property damage every year.”
5 Signs It’s Time to Call an Electrician
1. When Lights Flicker
Flickering lights are an early warning sign that your home needs an electrical inspection. This happens when there’s an overload on the home system due to multiple appliances running at the same time.
For example, an air conditioner or a refrigerator needs a substantial amount of power to run. If both appliances are fixed on a single circuit, it causes an interruption in the lighting systems. As a result, the lights flicker or dim.
Other causes of flickering lights are faulty connections with switches, inclement weather, or a bulb that’s loose in the socket. Whatever the reason, call an electrician to address these issues.
“If you see flickering or dimming lights, the overloaded electrical systems need a change.”
2. Continually Breaking Fuses
A broken fuse here or a tripped circuit breaker there isn’t a danger sign. However, when it happens often, it’s time to take stock of the situation. Fuses that blow regularly are a cause of worry. Even if you try to replace fuses, it won’t help much.
Older homes have faulty circuit breakers more often than new residences. They aren’t equipped to handle the load of electrical devices that we possess now. The overload leads to short-circuiting or starting a fire. You need a professional inspection of the circuit breakers and fuses to avoid such situations.
3. Burning Smell or Charred Outlets
If you notice an outlet smelling like smoke or charred wires, it means your electrical system needs attention. An electrical fire carries an acidic smell, and you should call an electrician in OKC immediately if you notice this odor.
There can be any number of reasons for a burning smell in the wires or outlets, but the most common cause is short-circuiting in the wiring.
Charred or discolored outlets are also potential signs of electrical dangers in your home. Due to faulty wiring, outlets arch and their surface chars from heat build-up. You should replace such devices immediately and call someone to check the circuits as soon as possible.
4. Warm Outlets
No matter how much power you use, the outlets shouldn’t get warm or hot to the touch. If this happens, it indicates overload on your circuits. It’s when they’re running high on demand. The condition can also lead to electrical shocks from touching a loop or switch.
You can’t ignore this situation, as it poses a severe danger to every member of your home. It might not need a complete system upgrade; however, it will need a change of wiring in some areas of your home.
“Always check wattage requirements of your light fixtures before installation.”
5. If Your Home Is More Than 20 Years Old
Homes older than 20 years are susceptible to electrical fires and emergencies more than new constructions. Outdated and old appliances, wires, circuits, and sockets are potential fire hazards. Before they strike, you should replace them.
Even if your kitchen or bathroom hasn’t been upgraded with the latest appliances, you need to watch out for any possible mishaps. In many old homes, wiring isn’t grounded, and they still work on tube wiring. These homes have two-prong plug outlets and maybe using more extension cords than needed.
Remember, such homes aren’t only vulnerable to electrical hazards, but also at risk of higher insurance rates. You need an electrical panel upgrade to minimize risks.
Electrical work can be dangerous, so it's best left to a licensed pro. At the slightest hint of trouble, get in touch with a professional electrician in OKC.
Got an Electrical Problem? Call a Licensed Electrician in OKC
If there is an issue with your home’s electrical systems, Passion Electric is always here to help. We provide a wide range of electrical services in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. Call us at (405) 922-1802 to schedule an appointment.
Bo Johnson
Hello, I’m Bo Johnson and I founded Passion Electric in 2014. After working as a journeyman electrician for over ten years, I decided to start my own company!