Every year, fires from faulty wiring destroy homes and cause thousands in property damage. Fortunately, keeping an eye out for a few simple signs can lower your risk. If you do suspect you have a wiring problem, call a licensed electrician right away. A quick repair now can mean peace of mind for your family later.

Indications Your Wiring Needs Repair

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

When electrical lights flicker or dim, often we blame the connection to the socket. But light bulbs use very little power themselves. When lighting flickers, it can mean that another, larger appliance is surging. Over time, repeated surging can damage wires, raising your risk of an electrical fire.

2. Hot Outlets

No matter how often you use your hair dryer or toaster, the outlet it is plugged into should never get warm to the touch. If you feel an outlet getting hot, see any sparks when you plug an appliance in, or smell a funny odor, call a residential electrician. The outlet may be poorly wired.

3. The Wrong Outlets

In rooms where water exposure is likely, like the kitchen or bathroom, electrical contractors use shock-resistant outlets called ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Homeowners can recognize them by the two small buttons at the center of the outlet. If you do not see GFCI outlets in your house, it is time to upgrade.

4. Sensitive Circuit Breakers & Blown Fuses

Find yourself checking the breaker box every day? If the circuit breaker is frequently tripping or your home is regularly blowing fuses, have the system looked at. An electrician will likely recommend installing another line or upgrading the existing wiring.

5. Electrical Shocks From Touching Appliances

Does an appliance give you a shock every time you touch it? There may be a problem with the safety grounding mechanism. The device should be inspected to prevent system overload or overheating.

For over 25 years, Philippi Electric has been proudly serving the homes and businesses of Beatrice, NE. These licensed residential and construction electricians bring professional expertise and reliability to every job. Visit their website for further information on their services, follow them on Facebook for other safety tips and to read satisfied customer reviews, or call (402) 520-1757 to arrange a consultation for electrical repair or installation.