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Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of house fires, but many of them can be prevented or repaired before they become serious. Here are the top 5 electrical problems that you’ll want to keep an eye out for, and when you’ll need to call an electrician.
Wiring Shorts
Whether it happens to an outlet or a fixture, wiring shorts are all too common. They’re typically an easy fix but do require an electrician. Some fixtures or appliances that short may need fully replaced if they cannot be repaired.
Power Surges
Power surges, or dimming and brightening of lights, can happen for several reasons. If the weather isn’t a factor and your home seems continually affected, there may be a problem with the circuit panel. It may also be that your devices aren’t compatible with the power wattage, creating an issue with proper electricity conduction.
Circuit Breaker Trips and Overloads
If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping or overloading, you probably have too much power in your home for what the system was designed to handle. Unfortunately, this can get expensive because it might mean that you need to upgrade the entire panel but call an electrician before you do anything to be sure.
Shocks
Even a mild shock is a sign of a problem. You will need to determine the source of the shock. If it comes from the appliance, the problem could be in there. If, however, it comes from the outlet or wiring itself, or if a wall switch shocks you, that’s a sign of a short or wiring problem somewhere in the walls. You need to call an electrician right away.
Excessive Electrical Bills
For those who are paying attention, you may suddenly notice a higher-than-normal electricity bill. This could be the result of a leakage in the system, damaged wiring, or old devices that consume too much power. While upgrading devices and appliances is up to you, you should definitely have the wiring inspected to make sure that’s not the problem.
If you think that your home is facing some kind of electrical issue, call an electrician immediately.
