Welcome to Sparky TV! This is Patrick from Mister Sparky! I have a few questions for you: When you flip a switch, what happens? A light comes on!
When you open your fridge, what do you find? Cold food!
And when you turn down your thermostat, what happens? You air conditioner kicks on!
All of these things, and many more, are thanks to electricity. When you think about it, electricity affects every aspect of your life; yet often, you take it for granted... until it isn't working properly, especially when it's not working in your home.
Your dependence on electricity is a huge reason why you should pay attention to any irregularities that you may have noticed in the past or are experiencing now and have ignored. They can be early signs of a potentially bigger problem.
Here are a few of the most common electrical issues experienced by homeowners... and what typically causes them.
Light bulbs burning out frequently
It could be more than just overuse; you may have a loose connection in the socket or circuit. And recessed lights that go out may do so because they're too hot because of nearby insulation. If operating properly, recessed lights are designed to shut themselves off in those cases, so as not to create a fire hazard.
Flickering and dimming lights
This could be a sign of a poor connection in your circuit and can lead to eventual arching!
Dead outlets
A poor connection could be the culprit again, or it tripped to prevent an excessive heat build-up that could result in the outlet melting.
Warm switches and fixtures
This is definitely a safety concern and should be addressed immediately.
Tripping breakers
Usually a sign that a circuit is drawing too much electricity and you're experiencing an overload. If this happens constantly, it is definitely a potential fire risk. You should add a circuit or even consider upgrading your electrical service.
These are just a few of the many electrical issues that can be seen in a home. And it should also be pointed out that these may not be the exact reasons why these problems are occurring; there may be a host of others that we haven't discussed.
Often, it's not a large issue you're dealing with, but it's really not worth gambling with your health and safety. You don't want to be one of the thousands of people who experience a home fire due to an ignored electrical problem.
That's why it's important to give your home a complete safety inspection at least once a year. Look in your panel for burning or corrosion, tighten the breakers, and test its load and voltage with a voltage meter. Also, evaluate your outlets with a ground fault circuit interrupter device; look over any exposed wiring in your attic, basement, and crawl space; and examine your main disconnect box to see if it's working properly.
If you're not certain how to do these things, don't have the right tools, or would just like a second opinion, feel free to give us a call! 1-800-595-8644
Mister Sparky - Concord has been serving the Alameda and Contra Costa county area for 10 years. We promise prompt and professional service to all of our customers. "We're On Time You'll See, Or The Repair Is Free!®" We look forward to solving all your electrical repair, installation and service needs. Call us now to schedule an appointment.
Locations Served
Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Emeryville, Blackhawk, Alameda, Pleasant Hill, Berkeley, Piedmont, Antioch, Brentwood, Martinez, and Pinole
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