3 Signs Of A Major Electrical Issue

When using your electricity, you really only notice if everything’s working when you flip the lights on and off. It seems simple enough to understand if your electrical systems are up to par and functioning how they’re supposed to. Everything turning on and off when you want is a good sign. However, some systems end up working but suffering in silence, leading you to have to get an electrical panel replacement Philadelphia and other repairs if you wait too long. There are some signs, though, to be on the lookout for. Here are three common occurrences in electrical systems that may mean there’s a larger issue at hand. 

1. Your outlets are hot to the touch. 

A lot of power circulates through an electrical outlet, and that’s good because it means they’re working. However, if the outlet is hot for any reason, it’s a major issue. If an outlet is hot to the touch, you need to immediately remove what’s plugged in and figure out what the underlying problem is. Something could be wrong with the wiring, or maybe the volts needed for the products you’re using at that outlet are too much, forcing it to overheat. You want your electricity to burn bright but never actually burn up when touching it. 

2. Your lights flicker sometimes. 

During a storm or windy night, sometimes lights end up flickering. This usually isn’t a concern, but if there really isn’t a reason why it’s happening, you should look into it. Flickering lights usually means there’s a loose connection in the wiring. You’ll have to figure out if the flickering is affecting one light, one room or the whole house. The more areas it’s affecting, the harder it’ll be to fix the problem. Certified electricians are your best resources when in-depth electric updates need to be addressed. They know the right safety precautions and how to get the job done quickly, efficiently and safely for everyone involved. 

3. You have aluminum wiring. 

This one’s a little trickier to find out, but this type of wiring is dangerous to have in your home. It was marketed as a cheaper alternative to copper but is a lot less safe because of its combustible properties. Aluminum wiring is no longer allowed in home development, but if you live in an older home, you may want to get your wires inspected. This type of wire was used regularly in the 60s and 70s. 

Sometimes, the silent killers are the deadliest, and that rings true with electricity. Making sure your electric system is up to par by addressing small inconsistencies is important for continued safety at home.