Electricial Contractor Wilmington De: When It Is Time To Call
10 Signs It Is Time to call an Electrical Contractor
The occasional power outage is normal, especially if you live in an area frequented by storms, but if you frequently find yourself in the dark or having problems with your appliances you may need a repair or upgrade to your electrical service panel. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a vast majority of household property damage is caused by problems within the electrical system. So how do you know when it is really time to call in your electrical contractors?
You Are Using Adapters
Many older homes were built with electrical outlets with two-prong adapters. Many of todays high-tech gadgets require the use of three-prongs. As such, you may be plugging two-to-three prong adapters into your outlets in order to force compatibility. Your independent electrical contractor can easily upgrade your outlets to the right type of adapter.
You Are Using Multiple Power Strips
Over-burdening your electrical outlets with multiple power strips can be dangerous, especially in rooms where you are running computer or home theater systems. You many need to have your electrician come in to add extra outlets or to upgrade your circuit breakers.
You Are Using Extension Cords
Over-using extension cords can be just as dangerous as overloading your outlets with power strips. This problem can be solved with an extra or upgraded electrical outlet as well. It is not only safer from an electrical standpoint but will reduce your trip-and-fall risks from the extra exposed cords as well.
You Want to Add an Addition
Most older homes were built with 100 amp service panels. Newer homes are built with 200 amp electrical service panels that connect to a wide variety of circuit breakers sending smaller amounts of electricity to each area of your home. Upgrading to a more efficient service panel will allow your wiring system to more effectively handle your energy needs. Your township will likely require you to make the upgrade when you add your addition.
You Consistently Reset Your Circuit Breakers
Do you lose power in your kitchen every time you try to run the microwave and toaster at the same time? Outages caused by appliance use indicate that your circuits are being overloaded. Your electrical contractors can easily upgrade and replace them.
You Smell Burning Electricity
Call an independent electrical contractor immediately if you smell burning electricity. This type of smell is a red flag indicating that your wires are not connecting properly. Arcing, or a buildup of heat, is occurring and could cause a fire.
Your Lights Flicker
Do the lights in your home flicker when you turn on your dryer, air conditioner, dishwasher or any other major appliance? This usually happens when the voltage powering your appliances drops. It is as if they are all fighting to share the same energy. An upgrade to your service panel can solve this problem.
You Have Old Wiring
Take the cover off of one of your outlets or light switches. Do you see wires with cloth coverings or strange pieces of rubber? If so, you have an incredibly antiquated electrical system and need upgrades. Todays wires are insulated in plastic and other materials that have been designed to prevent corrosion and electrical hazards. Ask your electrical contractors to check all of the wiring in your house for problems.
You Feel Warmth
It sounds silly, but it is true. Outlets, light switches, power strips, or anything else electrical in nature should not feel warm to the touch. Warmth is a sign that your circuits are overloaded but could indicate problems that are more serious as well, especially if accompanied by darkening of your outlet covers or switch plates. Call your independent electrical contractor right away for help identifying the problem.
You Notice Rust Near the Electrical Service Panel
Take note of the condition of your electrical service panel. A corroding or rusting box is a sign that there is some sort of moisture affecting your home. If it is causing the deterioration of the box itself it is likely causing deterioration within the electrical system as well.
Ask your electrical contractors to come out and survey your home to determine if you have the most up-to-date wiring system available. If not, it may be time to consider an upgrade in order to ensure the safety of both you and your home!
by: Geoffrey Dominion
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