6 Electrical Problems You Should Definitely Leave To The Pros

Homeowners juggle a variety of maintenance tasks to keep their homes secure, comfortable, and functional. One of these tasks is ensuring that their home’s electrical system is always in good working order. Unfortunately, electrical issues are likely to occur occasionally, ranging from minor problems like light flickering to major ones like a power surge. While basic troubleshooting is usually enough to deal with minor electrical problems, some require the skills and experience of professionals. Deciding to deal with such issues on your own can be a risky move and can bring about further damage to your home.

Remember that inappropriate handling of electrical issues might result in fatalities. As such, if you’re planning on hiring a professional, you first need to read more about the skills of a level 2 electrician. To give you a better insight, here are six electrical problems you should definitely leave to the pros:

1. Upgrading Or Replacing The Panels

Over time, the electrical panel in your home will inevitably require replacement, particularly if you live in an older residence. With regular maintenance, an electrical panel can last for an average of 40 years or more. However, it may be time for a replacement if you experience issues arising from the panel, such as lights flickering or frequent tripping. To ensure proper installation and safety, hiring a professional electrician to handle the job is crucial. The electrician will thoroughly examine your home’s electrical panel and wiring to determine the best course of action.

2. Old Electrical Installations That Require Replacement

An old home likely has electrical installations that are worn out, particularly the conductors. It’s crucial to know that the usual lifespan of these conductors is 25 years, and after that point, they may become unsafe and unreliable. The constant use over the years can cause the plastic sheath encasing the wires where electricity flows to deteriorate. In some cases, pests such as rodents wreak havoc on the wiring. Replacing the old electrical components in your home requires the skills and experience of a professional electrician. Doing so ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.

3. Burning Odor From The Outlets

A burning odor emanating from an outlet is a serious issue that should never be ignored. It’s often a result of frayed wiring or an overloaded circuit, which can cause a fire. In such cases, it’s essential to immediately call a licensed electrician who can handle the issue properly. Delaying the repair can put your home and family at risk. The electrician will thoroughly inspect the affected outlet and the surrounding wiring to identify the root cause of the problem. They may recommend replacing the outlet, rewiring, or upgrading the circuit as necessary to ensure the safety of your home and prevent future issues.

4. Buzzing Noise

A well-functioning electrical system shouldn’t generate any sound. If you notice a constant buzz-like sound, you must confirm if it originates from the electrical system, not an appliance such as the refrigerator or the HVAC system. Call an electrician immediately if the sound is coming from the electrical system. Most of the time, buzzing sounds are caused by various problems, such as improper loads, grounded wiring, and inadequately sized breaker boxes, to name a few. A professional can readily identify the source of the sound and take the necessary actions to stop it.

5. Grounding Issues

Grounding involves properly linking wires that connect to the ground around your property. Its main purpose is to prevent hazardous voltage formation in case of electrical installation failure. Generally, it’s a task that only a professional can tackle efficiently.

6. Loose Switches Or Outlets

When you plug something into an outlet, it should be able to hold it securely. If not, it indicates that the outlet’s interior is moving around, which requires further assessment. Although most homeowners can manage this task, it may be best to leave it to the professionals if you’re uncertain about what to do with a possibly defective switch or outlet. While waiting for the electrician, avoid using the outlet or switch until it’s completely fixed.

Final Thoughts  

Electricity plays a key role in keeping your home functional and comfortable. Sadly, it’s also a dangerous force if not handled properly. Once you start to notice issues with the electrical system, such as persistent tripping, burning odor, unusual buzzing sound, or loose outlets, getting in touch with a professional electrician would be the best decision to ensure the safety of your home. Only a professional can safely and efficiently conduct electrical testing and repairs to keep your home safe.