When is the last time you thought about your electrical system? Most homeowners may not pay it much mind unless there is a problem. However, these problems can quickly become severe, like leaving you without power or even starting fires.

Frequent breaker trips:

Circuit Breakers Shouldn’t Trip When Plugging in New Items. Do your circuit breakers trip when plugging in new electronics or appliances? This shouldn’t be the case. The residential electricians of ASP can properly investigate your electrical panel and find the cause. In some cases, the panel may not be strong enough to hold your appliances. Think about the many “smart” electronics in your home. Televisions, computers, gaming systems, new refrigerators, and more may need more electricity than what the electrical system can handle. Instead of giving up your modern appliances, or ignoring the system all together, consider updating the electrical panel. A few other signs that it’s time to update your electrical panel can include:

• It’s over 25 years old
• Lights flicker
• Tripping circuits
• Panel is rusting
• Panel is hot to the touch
• Cracking or other odd sounds coming from the panel

The more often these breakers trip, the better the chance for permanent damage to your electronics and appliances. If your circuit breakers are regularly tripping, make a call to your Local Residential Electrician.

Damaged wires:

Many homeowners may know when wires are faulty or frayed, but it can be difficult to notice in time. Remember that safe wires will not smoke, spark, or smell burnt. Homeowners should never use fraying wires or plug in electronics with exposed wires, either. These could end with shocks, sparks, or fires.

Electrical wires can last over 50 years. It can be easy to just assume that the wiring in your home is safe and functional. We urge you to consider how old your home is, and how long it’s been since you’ve had an electrical inspection. If your home is between 50 and 70 years old, have a professional check over your wires. This will ensure that your home is safe.

If you can smell burning but cannot find a source, feel the walls. If they are warm or hot, there could wires that are burning up or on fire.

Loose outlets:

An easy electrical problem to spot is faulty outlets. Old, discolored, or loose outlets are a recipe for disaster. Loose outlets may end with sparks or shocks when plugging things in. If this occurs, it’s time to switch the outlets as soon as possible. Frequent sparks or shocks can not only start a fire but cause injury to those in the home.

Discoloration on outlets can occur due to various reasons. The most common reasons being improper installation, burning, or short circuits. If your outlets are old or discolored, ASP can help. Our Residential Electrician can properly remove and install new outlets to better protect your home.

Shocking switches:

Sometimes, a damaged or faulty switch will be immediately evident. If the switch's toggle lever or slide mechanism is loose or fails to operate correctly, then it's very likely the mechanical parts within the switch are simply worn out. Similarly, if the switch makes a buzzing sound, is warm to the touch, or shows any signs of scorching or melting, then it's almost certain the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced immediately.

Flickering lights:

Are you dealing with irritating flickering lights in your home or business? An occasional light flicker in your home is normal and may seem harmless. But if you’ve noticed flickering occur more often or has started happening regularly, and/or is severe, then it is time to investigate.

Flickering lights are the result of a reduction or a fluctuation in household voltage that results in the lights dimming for a moment. Abrupt changes in voltage from low to high can damage electronics and in rare cases cause an electrical fire. Understanding some of the most common issues will help you know what to do to solve the problem.

Flickering or blinking lights are usually caused by one of the following:

• Problem with the bulb (not in tight enough, lightbulbs are incompatible with your dimmers)
• Loose light plug
• Faulty switch or dimmer
• Appliances or HVAC units pulling large amounts of current on startup, causing a voltage drop

Many of us are working or spending more time at home in general. Recognizing these basic electrical signs can help you avoid serious electrical issues or injuries.