subject: Knowing When To Call An Electrician [print this page] A homeowner will need the services of skilled and highly experienced electricians throughout their lifetime, and often several times in a single year. Electricity can be dangerous, and only a skilled electrician should ever mess with it. It seems as though knowing when to call the electrician would be something easy to figure out, or automatic knowledge, but it is always good to know it for certain.
Most of the time people call an electrician when the lights go out and it has nothing to do with the electrical supply provider. This can be a matter of concern, because the cause may not be immediately apparent to you. Calling in an electrician can set you at ease; it might have even been a life threatening possibility that only an electrician or team can handle. This, however, is a worst case scenario. Often electrical problems come up in small, subtle ways, and may be overlooked for a short time until they become serious issues.
If you attempt to use your hair dryer and someone else starts using the toaster, and a breaker trips, it is definitely time to call an electrician. When the breakers at the box flip, there is a problem somewhere in the electrical lines. If breakers trip often, this is a clear sign that an electrician needs to be called.
The smell of smoke that has an electrical smell to it means the fire department should be considered and service of an electrician is vital. Often this smell signifies something electrical burning. It may be something minor, but it may also be wires in the walls or at an outlet where it cannot be seen. The smell of electrical smoke should never be ignored, and should be attended to immediately.
Sparking, smoking, and repetitive flipping breakers are also a serious issue. It is best not to try to fix any problem yourself at a breaker box junction, because you may only receive a warning shock that can be at the very least painful, but it is not unheard of for a homeowner to get a lethal shock. Breaker boxes are generally safe as long as they are regularly serviced by an electrician. If any signs of problems are observed here, call a professional immediately.
Overloading an electrical outlet is a commonly made mistake. There is a limit to the electrical load for an outlet and having too many cords plugged into extension cords and the like can cause overheating, and ultimately a fire. If a homeowner is very lucky, this may only short out the outlet itself, but even that is not a good sign. It is better to consider having extra outlets, or to consult an electrician about what constitutes a safe load for your outlet.
There are many more reasons to call an electrician, and these are only a few of them. Ignoring signs of electrical problems such as dimming lights or sparking lines is dangerous at best, and deadly at worst. Always call an electrician to handle your electrical work and problems.
