Handling live electricity can be dangerous, which is why all repairs and maintenance work should be left to a trained electrician. Even with a busy schedule, there are some electrical issues you should never put off calling a professional to address. Procrastinating will only make the situation worse and increase the risk of a life-threatening incident. To care for your electrical system and your family, you should consult an electrician right away if the following situations ever arise.  

Burning Smell

The smell of burning plastic indicates a serious problem. You could attribute the stench to a short-circuit or faulty wiring. If the system can’t handle the electrical load, components will overheat and smolder, creating the pungent aroma. Continuing to use electricity could start a fire, which is why an electrician should be called as soon as you notice a peculiar smell. 

Non-Responsive Outlets

If you plug a device into a wall outlet and it fails to pick up a charge or works intermittently, unplug the device immediately. Loose wiring can impact service. If the casings are cracked and corroded or the plug isn’t fully secured to the outlet, there’s a greater likelihood someone walking by will get shocked, too. An electrician will investigate and replace the defective parts.    

Flickering Lights

If you replace a bulb, but the lights continue to flicker, old wiring could be the cause of performance changes. An overloaded circuit, voltage spikes, or issues with the service connection cable could also cause the uncontrollable blinking. When a circuit connection is loose, overheating can occur, which is why fixing the problem should be a top priority. 

If you’re experiencing electrical problems, turn to Doug Mapstone in Manlius, NY, for help. The licensed and insured electricians boast two decades of experience, qualifying them to perform electrical services to get your system up to code and capable of handling daily demands. To schedule an appointment in Onondaga or Madison County, call (315) 682-7181. Visit the residential electricians online to view their services and become a Twitter follower for the latest updates.