Electrical Services in West Lafayette, Indiana

If someone is dealing with a faulty electrical system, they likely understand it can lead to several issues. For example, a faulty electrical system may cause fire hazards, or it can cause your expensive electrical equipment to short circuit. Also, if a homeowner’s electrical system is not functioning properly, it can be an embarrassment when guests come over and may even reduce the value of the house.

Even worse, wiring issues with a West Lafayette, Indiana home can be dangerous for everyone in the house. For anyone having issues with their home’s electrical system, they should call an electrical contractor right away for help.

Before calling for professional electrical services, it is important to learn the signs that a house has electrical issues. Some of the top signs a professional’s help is needed can be found below.

Flickering Lights

Several issues can cause a home’s lights to flicker. For example, one light flickering could be the sign of a wiring issue in the fixture itself. However, if the light fixtures flicker and buzz at the same time, it may indicate an arc fault in the wiring that is present.

If a homeowner notices several lights in their home or if they begin to dim when a large appliance is turned on, it is a sign that the circuit breaker needs additional electrical service. In most situations, this means the appliance turning on is pulling excessive power and taking power away from smaller fixtures, like the lighting.

If the problem persists, it could be very dangerous. It is an issue that is common in older homes that have older electrical panels. At some point, it may be necessary to upgrade to an electrical panel that has up to 200-amp service. An electrician can make a more precise recommendation.

Circuit Breakers That Trip Frequently

A circuit breaker will trip when there are electrical devices inside the home that are pulling excessive power through the wires all at once. Usually, a house will trip the circuit breakers if there are too many high-power devices plugged in and turned on. However, this only happens from time to time.

If someone notices that their circuit breaker trips regularly, it could be an indication that the house is not getting enough power. An upgrade may be necessary. It is best to speak with an electrician to find out if this would be effective and solve the problem.

Countless Extension Cords Being Used

When plugging in multiple extension cords into a single outlet, it is easy to overload the circuit. For homeowners who are using more than one extension cord in a room, or if they have plugged extension cords into power strips, it could be a sign that additional outlets are needed. An electrician can quickly install new outlets and help a homeowner eliminate the use of extension cords.

Outlets Feel Warm to the Touch

An outlet that is hot on the outside is an indication that the wire on the other side of the outlet plate is starting to heat up. This is a sign that a circuit is overloading. If the outlet is always or usually warm when it has an appliance plugged into it, it is a good idea to contact an electrician to have it evaluated. If the outlet only feels too warm when there is a certain device plugged into it, then the device likely needs to have a dedicated circuit. An electrician can help someone determine what is necessary for this particular situation.

The Circuit Breaker is Still a Fuse Box

A long time ago, fuse boxes were the go-to option for electricity. However, improper or no maintenance and old age make fuse boxes quite dangerous. Also, fuse boxes were commonly rigged by people who owned the home many years ago to offer more power to specific circuits. However, when larger fuses were put into circuits where more power was required, it creates a dangerous situation that is also a modern fire hazard.

It is a good idea to have an electrician inspect the fuse boxes to determine if there is a problem. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the fuse box with a circuit breaker.

Don’t Wait to Make Needed Electrical Repairs

When it comes to electrical repairs, it is essential that a homeowner not wait to make the needed updates. By doing this, a homeowner can feel confident that everything is going to work properly and that no serious issues arise. Being informed is the best way to handle any electrical problem.