Like other major household systems such as HVAC and plumbing, your electrical system warns you when it needs servicing. These signals tell you to contact an experienced electrician as quickly as possible to maintain a safe, functional residence. If your home experiences any of the issues below, it’s time to call trusted electrician.

4 Issues That Require an Electrician

1. Flickering Lights

It’s normal for lights to flicker periodically, such as when the bulbs are not screwed in tightly or there is an unexpected electrical draw like sump pump activation. However, consistent flickering lights signal that something is wrong. It could mean a circuit connection has loosened, resulting in high resistance points. These points or connections produce fire-generating heat, making them dangerous fire hazards. 

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

The breakers within your home’s electrical panel switch off in response to overloaded circuits. When these essential safety features start switching off—or tripping—several times a week, there is a larger problem your electrician needs to address. The circuits are drawing too much current for some reason and need to be updated. 

3. Sparking, Popping Outlets

Functional, damage-free electrical wiring does not cause outlets to spark and pop every time you plug in a microwave, toaster, or any other appliance. Excessive popping and sparking signal serious problems such as frayed wiring or loose connections that need efficient, professional fixes to avoid fire hazards. The outlets may also feel warm to the touch, indicating a wiring issue.

4. Switches & Outlets Stop Working

Tripped circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets both cause dead outlets around the house, as do loose wires that aren’t connecting to the outlet correctly. The outlet may also be older and no longer capable of holding a plug. If light switches won’t work and you know it’s not because of simple fixes such as flipping the circuit breaker, the fixture wiring may be fried due to a circuit path interruption. 

 

Don’t wait to call the electricians at Patnode Electric if your home experiences any of these issues. These professionals have served Connecticut home and business owners in Mansfield, Manchester, Vernon, Stafford, Somers, South Windsor, and Glastonbury since 1988. These factory-trained and certified electricians offer a full suite of solutions, including electrical services, generator repairs, and circuit breaker installation and upgrades. Call (860) 429-3574 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about their services online.