From overuse to summer storms, electrical systems see their fair share of damage. While proper maintenance and safety precautions go a long way in preserving your system, it’s still a good idea to keep a weather eye out for these common signs of electrical damage, especially if your home is older.
Horror Movie Lights
If your lights consistently flicker or dim when you switch appliances on and off, it’s not a vengeful ghost descending from the attic– your electrical system is probably experiencing issues. Before you’re left in the dark, have your system inspected for damage or undue wear.
Tripping Circuit Breakers
Does your circuit breaker trip whenever you plug in the toaster or try to charge your cell phone? Your system may be overloaded. Look into a safety inspection and consider updating your system to handle the use you need to get out of it.
Odd Sounds or Smells
If you hear buzzing coming from within an outlet or light switch, things aren’t running the way they should. Needless to say, the smell of burning isn’t a good sign either. If you notice another unidentifiable smell coming from your system or appliances, this could also be a sign your electrical works need a check-up.
Shocks
Receiving shocks from outlets or switches when you plug things in is a bad sign, no matter how small those shocks are. Put safety first and have your electrical system inspected for damage, especially if you have little ones around the house.
Visible Wear
Frayed wiring or visible smoke are clear signs of a faulty electrical system. Never touch bare wiring and always call an electrician to take care of the job safely and efficiently. Any other visible signs of wear or damage to the parts of your system you can see should also be taken seriously.
Water Damage
If your home experiences flooding, do NOT turn your electricity back on until you’ve had the system inspected for damage. If you notice water has reached any visible wiring, stay away and call an electrician immediately; impure water (essentially any water you’ll ever see, unless it’s sitting in a distilled lab beaker) is fully capable of conducting a dangerous electric shock to anyone who touches it.
Need Some Electrical Work?
If you notice any of these signs of electrical damage, contact us through our quick online form here or give us a call at (443) 920-3078 for a free estimate. You can also email us at info@ckelectricllc.com. On the national level, faulty electrical systems and wiring are the third leading cause of structural fires– and simply living with an inefficient system is no picnic either. There’s no need to compromise on safety or comfort– we are fully equipped to take care of outlet repairs, new wiring installation, general electrical troubleshooting and diagnosis, electrical safety inspections, and more.
CK Electric is a veteran-owned and veteran-operated local electrician dedicated to serving Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington County, Cecil County, Hagerstown, and Frederick, MD. We look forward to helping make your home a safer, brighter place!