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We understand that electricity can be like gravity: you know it’s there, but you don’t know how it works. Here are some of the most common questions that we are asked within our industry.
There are signs to look for if your electrical outlet is no longer safe to use. Cords should not fall out of the outlet and the outlet should not move when you are plugging or unplugging electrical appliances. Electrical outlets should never be warm or hot to the touch.
GFCIs should be installed in any area that could be exposed to water. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements and garages should always have GFCIs. ALL outdoor outlets should be GFCI outlets.
You should have routine annual wiring inspections by a qualified electrician and always have your home evaluated after the removal of pests or following any weather or fire damages. The age of your home should be considered, but should not be a determining factor in deciding to re-wire.
There can be a few reasons why your lights are flickering. This can be due to the type of light bulb you have. LED light bulbs tend to have a longer lifespan of usage compared to regular bulbs. Depending on your home, you may have a circuit overleaf happening, which causes energy to be dispersed into different areas of your home, leaving your bulbs flickering. Lastly, you could just have a loose bulb that needs to be screwed in tighter.
If you have an outlet that is no longer working, there could be a few underlying issues that need to be addressed. The problem could be as simple as a loose connection. However, if not appropriately diagnosed by a professional, your outlet could have damaged wires or need an entirely new circuit which can cause a safety issue. It’s essential to have this inspected by a professional to avoid more unexpected problems in the future.
If your light switch is hot to the touch, there’s probable cause for a more grave problem happening behind your walls. Like other electrical issues, there could be many reasons your light switch is hot to the touch. One of those reasons is that your light switch may have an improper wire installation causing a bad connection that can spark or generate heat. Your light switch could be overloaded. Similar to wall outlets, switches are limited in how much power they can handle. Over time, your light switch may wear out, meaning your electricity is less likely to flow freely, which can cause heat and a fire hazard.
If you’re not familiar with smart bulbs, now is the time to switch. LED bulbs use less energy while lasting longer than regular bulbs, saving more energy for your utility bill. Like smart bulbs, there are smart plugs that allow you to turn your electronics on and off while you’re away or not using them.
It’s important to know when your electrical panel was first installed. We recommend replacing your electrical panel if installed more than 20 years ago. However, your electrical panel may be outdated if you’ve been in your home that long or if you moved into your current home and that home is over 20 years old. If you notice scorch marks, hear humming or popping or smell burnt plastic around or inside the electrical panel, you should have a qualified professional check your panel as soon as possible.
Your breaker can trip due to common issues found in your circuit breaker. A circuit overload or short circuit is usually the first commonality of your breaker tripping. Another reason your breaker could be tripping is a ground fault happening when an active wire comes in contact with a ground wire, resulting in your electricity current going through your circuit breaker, causing a trip.
Whether you have just a few questions about your electrical system or have issues you need to resolve, it’s always a good time to call an electrician. If you’re experiencing rust or corrosion around your electrical panel, experiencing tripped breakers, flickering lights, the need for too many extension cords or know your electrical system is outdated, call Professional Electric. We’re here to help keep you connected.
your #1 choice
in electrical services since 1997
We are highly skilled and trained to service our residential and commercial customers to ensure your business is up to code. We ensure your electrical system functions properly by troubleshooting, updating and repairing any hazards. We are dedicated to quality service. We will work to eliminate any issues with your electrical system that may be hazardous or negatively impact your business.
Licensed in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Kentucky