Are your lights and appliances not performing as they should? It may be time to replace your electrical system.
Your home’s electrical system is essential for your comfort and safety. After a few decades, some parts of your electrical system may wear out, degrade, or fail. A malfunctioning electrical system puts your home and your household at risk. To avoid this danger and any potential consequences, there are seven tell-tale signs you can look for which indicate that your electrical system needs to be replaced. If you notice any of the following signs, contact your Maryland electrician at TriStar Electric for an inspection.
Low Capacity
If your electrical panel was installed more than 25 years ago, it is likely that it doesn’t have enough capacity for the electrical demands of a modern lifestyle. Most households include one or more TVs, a route, a large refrigerator, multiple computers, and smartphones that need charging or more power than smaller units did years ago. When you update your electrical system, you can be sure that your panel will support all of your electronics and appliances safely.
A Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell from a fixture or outlet, you should seek an inspection and replacement right away. This smell may indicate that your home’s wiring may be decaying and needs to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid electrical fires.
Tripped Breakers
Breakers should only trip on rare occasions. If you find that you are resetting your breaker every couple of days, your electrical system likely needs a replacement.
Insufficient Outlets
If your home doesn’t have enough outlets, you may find yourself relying on power strips or extension cords. These devices can more easily overload your home’s wiring and are not meant to support large electronics or appliances. They are also a tripping and fire hazard for your household. Updating your electrical system with new outlets can help guarantee safety for your family members and your electronics.
A Hot Outlet or Panel
If you touch an outlet cover while it’s in use and it’s hot to the touch, you likely have an electrical issue. An electrical panel that is hot to the touch also needs to be replaced to ensure safety.
Humming or Buzzing Sounds
Your electrical panel should naturally be quiet. If you hear buzzing or humming coming from the panel, this is a sign that you need a replacement.
Flickering Lights
If your home lights randomly flicker, your wiring may be damaged. If your lights flicker when you plug something in, your electrical panel may need to be replaced.
If you notice any of these signs, it is probably time for an electrical system update. When you update your electrical system, you significantly decrease the risk of electrical fires and improve the performance of your home electronics and appliances.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
Are you looking for a quality electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, Southern Pennsylvania, or Northern Virginia? Take a look at TriStar Electric’s online reviews and ratings on Angie’s List, Yelp, Google, Facebook, Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, and Better Business Bureau Greater Mid-Atlantic. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube!