Do you have electrical problems at home? Do you know when you need an electrician and when you are able to DIY? Today we are going to talk about electrical work and safely solving any issues.

Did you know that a licensed electrician will have extensive education and practical experience on diagnosis, safety, and repair? Their training is nearly impossible to replicate in a do-it-yourself setting, which is why it is so important to know when you need an electrician. They have the tools and expertise to quickly and safely diagnose and repair potentially dangerous electrical issues in your home.

Some signs that you may need an electrician include:

• Lights Flicker or Dim
• Feeling Heat
• Electrical Sparking
• Older Homes
• New Projects or Upgrades

Lights Flicker or Dim

Do you notice your lights flicker or dim? This could mean there is an overloaded circuit in your home. It is an especially common problem with modern appliances which may use a lot of electricity and are plugged into the same outlet or circuit. Unplug all or one of the appliances and see if flickers or dim lights improve.

If that does not work, it is likely you need an electrician. Call a reputable company with licensed, well-trained technicians and good reviews. A good electrician will test your system to determine the cause of dim lights and then offer suggestions for use, upgrades, or repairs.

Do not delay when you notice flickering or dim lights. If you ignore this problem it could possibly lead to major problems down the road.

Warm Electrical Equipment

No part of your electrical equipment should feel warm. This includes outlets, switches, or controls. Overloaded outlets and circuits become warm. First, unplug all items from the outlet. Wait 15 minutes to see if the outlet cools.

If the outlet is still warm, you need an electrician. Any part of your electrical system that is warm or not performing properly may lead to an electrical shock. It is important to call a trusted electrician right away if you notice warmth to prevent fires and injury.

Electrical Sparking

Any sparking part of your electrical system requires immediate attention. Turn off any appliances connected to the power and call an electrician. This situation is dangerous for a DIY job and should be left to the professionals.

Older Homes

If you live in an older home, you need to be aware of the signs of problems with older wiring. Depending on the age of your home, the wiring may not be to the current code’s standards. For example, many older homes have a type of wiring called knob-and-tube.

This wiring is not inherently dangerous, however, when the insulation around the wiring is damaged or worn away, this system becomes a fire hazard. This often happens when critters seek warmth in attics or crawlspaces.

First, become familiar with the wiring system in your home. If you do have knob-and-tube wiring, be aware of how it should appear. If you notice drying, cracking, or missing insulation around the wires, you need an electrician.

Your electrician inspects the system and determines whether it poses a fire threat to the home. If it does, re-wiring your home is the safest solution.

In addition, many older homes have outdated electric panels. These panels are often inefficient and in some cases unsafe. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so have it checked out, especially if your home has a panel manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE).

Do you have an elderly relative who lives in a home built between the 1950s and the 1980s? Might want to schedule an electrical inspection for them too.

Other Projects or Upgrades that Need an Electrician

Many families look at alternative energy sources for their home. Solar panel installation on your property saves money and is a great alternative energy source for the environment. Homeowners also qualify for tax credit, depending on the system they install. You might also qualify for rebates from your local utility.

A qualified electrician helps you install solar panels or other alternative energy sources in your home. Some homeowners choose to install the panels themselves and hire an electrician to complete the wiring that ties the new system into their current power system.

Plan to sell your house in the next few years? You may find you don’t have enough GFCI outlets or other updated code requirement. Look into it now so it doesn’t slow your momentum when you list.

Experts you Can Trust

Price is important, but when choosing an electrician judge the entire picture an electrician is showing you character, expertise, the ease of working with him or her, and overall value. A large part of an electrician’s value is that he/she gets the job done right and safely without taking too much of your time and inconveniencing you. A very competent electrician can save you money by suggesting more efficient ways to do a job or to save on electricity. When you enjoy a good relationship with your electrician, it can save you both time and money. Give us a call about your next electrical project and we will be happy to help.