Knowing when to call an electrician can be tricky if you have never had to call one before. Typically, if you live in a newer home or rent, you may need to call an electrician less often, but on average, people call an electrician 5-10 times over the course of their lifetime. Knowing when to call an electrician can help keep your home safe and free from dangerous and potential fire hazards.
12 Signs You Need to Call an Electrician
Here are some of the most common signs that indicate it’s time to call a licensed electrician:
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it could indicate an overloaded circuit, short circuit, or faulty wiring. Breakers protect your home, and frequent tripping suggests an underlying issue.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker or dim, especially when you turn on appliances, could indicate an overloaded circuit, poor wiring, or a loose connection. If the problem is related to aging fixtures or inefficient lighting, you may also see other signs that you need to upgrade your lighting rather than keep replacing bulbs or individual components.
Warm or Discolored Outlets or Switches
Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch or show discoloration (browning or blackening) could indicate overheating, which is a fire hazard.
Outlet covers can help with childproofing or protecting unused outlets, but they should never be used to conceal heat, discoloration, or other signs of an electrical problem. Learn when it is safe to cover an electrical outlet and which types of covers are designed for safe use.
Burning Smell or Odd Odors
If you notice a burning smell or any odd odors coming from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel, it could indicate faulty wiring, overheating, or burning insulation. This is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. You never want to risk a fire happening, especially if you may not be home.
If you notice a burning smell or any odd odors coming from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel, it could indicate faulty wiring, overheating, or burning insulation. This is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. Learn more about why your outlet smells like it’s burning and the warning signs that may point to an electrical hazard.
Sparks or Electrical Shocks
If you see sparks when plugging in appliances or get small shocks when touching outlets, switches, or appliances, you may have a serious wiring or grounding issue. Electrical shocks are very dangerous.
Electrical outlets require extra attention in homes with young children, even when they appear to be working normally. If you have toddlers or small children at home, review these practical ways to childproof your electrical outlets and reduce access to sockets, plugs, and cords.
Outlets Not Working
If an outlet suddenly stops working, it could signal loose wiring or a damaged outlet that needs repair or replacement by a certified Idaho Falls electrician.
Buzzing or Humming Sounds
Buzzing, humming, or crackling sounds from outlets, switches, or electrical panels could indicate an electrical short or a loose connection. These noises often signal an electrical problem that needs professional attention.
Old or Outdated Wiring
Homes with wiring more than 30 years old may have outdated or deteriorating systems that don’t meet modern electrical codes. If your home hasn’t had a wiring upgrade in decades, it’s time to call an electrician for an inspection.
Appliances Overheating or Failing
If appliances constantly overheat or fail, improper wiring or overloaded circuits may be the cause.
Lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs protect against electrical shock in moisture-prone areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor outlets. If your home lacks GFCI outlets, or if they are malfunctioning, call an electrician to install or replace them.
Electrical Panel Issues
If you have an outdated electrical panel, such as a fuse box, or notice the panel feels warm, makes noises, or shows signs of corrosion, have an electrician inspect it. If your home also has frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or other capacity issues, learn when to upgrade your electrical system and the signs your current setup may no longer meet your needs.
Extension Cords or Power Strips
If you rely heavily on extension cords or power strips because your home lacks enough outlets, have an electrician install additional outlets. Overloading circuits with extension cords can pose a safety risk.
Extension cords and power strips can also see heavier use during the holiday season. If you plan to decorate indoors or outdoors, follow proper Christmas light safety practices to reduce the risk of overloaded circuits, damaged cords, and overheating.
Addressing electrical problems early can help prevent dangerous situations, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call a licensed electrician when in doubt. Arco Electric is here to help you anywhere in the East Idaho region. We specialize in commercial and residential electrical work.