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8 Most Common Types of Electrical Repairs You May Need.
Your home’s electrical system is essential to providing you with the power you need. However, this system also poses risks, including fire. According NFPA About 46,700 electrical fires occur each year, such as outlets, switches, and light fixtures, are the leading causes of these fires, but most are avoidable.
It is always a good idea to complete any necessary electrical repairs sooner rather than later. Maintaining your electrical system is one way to reduce the risk of fire in your home. It also helps to get any electrical repairs you need.
So, if you are ready to improve the safety and functionality of your electrical system? Here are the 8 most common types of electrical repairs you may need.
Common Types of Electrical Repairs
Breaker Trips
Breakers in your electrical panel box may occasionally trip, which is normal. However, if your breakers trip frequently, it may indicate underlying electrical issues that require attention. Breakers trip primarily due to power overloads in the circuit.
When electricians wire a house, they distribute power across multiple breakers. This design ensures that each breaker controls a limited number of outlets or switches, preventing overload of the entire electrical system. If your breakers frequently trip, it suggests that the circuit is handling more electrical load than it can safely manage.
An experienced electrician can diagnose the cause of frequent breaker trips. Solutions may include adding new circuits to distribute power more evenly across multiple breakers. This approach not only resolves the immediate issue but also enhances the overall safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Promptly addressing breaker trips helps prevent potential electrical hazards and ensures uninterrupted power supply in your home.
Adding Electrical Outlets
Older properties have fewer electrical outlets than newer homes. This is because people today have more electrical appliances to connect to than in the past. As your home ages, the need for more outlets increases.
Consequently, you may resort to using extension cords to connect multiple devices to one outlet, which is not the safest approach. Hiring an electrician to add outlets to your electrical system is recommended. This may also involve adding additional breakers to accommodate the increased electrical load.
Flickering Lights
Have you noticed flickering lights in your home, especially when your appliances are running? Regardless of the cause, flickering lights are a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention. Consistent and stable lighting is essential for safety and comfort in your home. Typically, lights flicker due to the same reasons that cause circuit breakers to trip—often because of power overloads.
An electrician can diagnose the problem and implement electrical repairs such as adding a new circuit or redistributing power across multiple circuits. Addressing flickering lights promptly not only improves your home’s electrical reliability but also ensures a safer environment for you and your family.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Your home’s electrical panel controls all power. However, panels will require replacement over time. In most cases, the lifespan is at least 25 years. There are several signs you may notice when this panel needs to be replaced. For example, you may notice lights flashing more and circuit breakers tripping. Another sign is a burning smell coming from electrical outlets or devices.
You can also watch for electric shock when you touch an appliance. Replacing your electrical panel may only be necessary once in your lifetime, but it is a very important task. Your electrical company can determine if you need to replace it and take care of the job.
Fixing Buzzing Sounds
If you are hearing buzzing noises coming from your electrical system, it may be wise to hire an electrician. For example, do you hear a buzzing noise coming from an outlet or light switch? So, when does that happen? You shouldn’t ignore these sounds. If you hear a humming sound in your electrical system, it usually means there is arcing in the wires. Arcs can disrupt the movement of electrical current and pose a hazard to your home.
Electrical Repairs for Light Switches and Outlets
It is not unusual to occasionally feel a brief electric shock when you turn on a light switch. However, you shouldn’t feel much of a shock, and it shouldn’t happen all the time. If you do, there is a problem. The main reason this happens is because of worn switches.
The wiring in switches and outlets can break down over time. Therefore, the most common electrical repair for this issue is to replace the outlet and switch that is causing the shock.
Generator Installation
Some homeowners hire an electrician when they want a generator. A backup generator is a device that kicks in when there is no power to your home.When connected by cable, it turns on automatically. With the help of an expert electrician, you will be able to choose the right type and size of generator for your home or business.
Using a generator means you don’t have to be without electricity at all. Instead, the backup unit turns on when needed, providing electricity to your home during a power outage.
Electrical Rewiring
After replacing your electrical panel, some parts of your home may require electrical rewiring. This update is often necessary because old and outdated wiring can lead to circuit overloads, which are a significant cause of electrical home fires.
By updating your wiring system after replacing the electrical panel, you ensure that your home meets modern safety standards and can handle the electrical demands of today’s appliances and devices more efficiently.
This proactive approach not only enhances the safety of your home but also improves the reliability and performance of your electrical system, reducing the risk of unexpected power outages and potential damage to your electronics.
Get Help With Common Types of Electrical Repairs From Licensed Electrician
Maintaining and upgrading your home’s electrical system is important for safety and efficiency. Addressing any electrical issues from the start like outdated wiring, frequent breaker trips, and electrical shocks not only reduces fire hazards but also ensures reliable power for your daily needs.
Consulting with a professional electrician like Power Pro Electric for electrical repairs, maintenance, upgrades or installation can greatly enhance your home’s safety and functionality, providing peace of mind during power outages and protecting your valuable electronics.
Contact us if you need electrical repairs, maintenance, upgrades, or installations. We can assist with any electric-related issue you have, serving Greater Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas.
