It is important to know when to call an electrician for possible faulty wiring issues.
Flickering lights, warm outlets, and breakers that trip constantly. These are all signs that something is off, and it is important to know when to call an electrician for possible wiring issues. Electrical problems rarely ever stay small – what seems like a small nuisance could turn into a house fire or serious injuries for your family. Electrical issues are some of the leading causes of residential fires, making electrical home safety a real priority for homeowners. Wiring issues are not limited to old homes. Even newer houses could have hidden hazards that need a trained eye. This is not the place for trial and error or quick fixes. In this blog, we will lay out a few signs that it is time to call for professional electrical services from TriStar Electric. Read on to learn more!
Lights Flickering or Dimming for No Reason
Lights that flicker or dim on their own are an early sign that your electrical system might be overloaded, poorly wired, or breaking down behind your walls. This type of behavior may seem harmless at first, but it is a classic case of an issue that does not stay small for that long. Flickering lights could point to multiple wiring issues, like:
- Loose and damaged wiring connections – a poor connection anywhere in your circuit could cause inconsistent power flow.
- Overloaded circuits – if lights dim when you use the microwave or space heater, your wiring might not be handling the load.
- Faulty switches and light fixtures – it is not always the light bulb. A failing switch or loosened wire inside the fixture could cause flickering.
Don’t brush these signs off as a bulb issue, especially if it happens across multiple rooms or fixtures. Inconsistent lighting is one very dangerous wiring symptom that electricians look for during service calls. Let our team of electricians check it out before the flicker becomes a blackout or electrical fire.
Burning Smells or Scorch Marks Close to Outlets
If you smell something burning and can’t find the source, check each of your outlets. A faint odor of melting plastic or singed wiring is a serious red flag. The same goes for scorch marks, brown streaks around the faceplate, or discoloration. These symptoms mean heat is building up where it shouldn’t, and the risk of fire is real.
Warm Outlets and Buzzing Sounds
An outlet shouldn’t ever feel warm to the touch, and it shouldn’t make any noise. If you notice buzzing, heat, or crackling sounds coming from an outlet or wall, you’ve got a wiring problem that needs attention immediately. Warmth or noise signals that electricity is not flowing the way it should be.
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.