With Valentine’s Day next month, sparks may be flying – but make sure they’re the right ones! The last thing you need is an electrical emergency to ruin that spark. Know when it’s time to call an electrician – here’s how.
1. Flickering Lights
Dimming the lights to set the mood is one thing… but flickering lights is another! If you’re noticing your lights are flickering, it could be an indication that you have a significant wiring problem you need to address.
2. Frequently Tripped Breakers
When your circuit breaker regularly trips, it’s usually a sign that you’re making excessive demands on the circuit that it’s not equipped to handle. At times, this can be as simple as moving appliances around to other circuits. However, it can also be an indication hat your house doesn’t have enough circuits and you need to call an electrician for an upgrade.
3. Overusing Extension Cords
If you’re using too many extension cords because you don’t have enough outlets for all your appliances and devices, then it’s time to call an electrician. You shouldn’t rely on extension cords to power up your small and regularly used appliances. Extension cords are meant to be a shower-term power option – not a long-term solution. Using them long-term can cause overheating to occur, which can lead to a potential electrical fire risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing around 50 people and injuring about 270 more.
4. Old Wiring
Is your home over 20 years old? It’s possible it’s time for an electrical upgrade if that’s the case. Over the last 20+ years, residential electrical consumption has increased dramatically. Just think about how far we’ve come with technology. Your home must be wired sufficiently to keep up with the times. If your home is still equipped with old wiring, contact an electrician. A professional electrician can make sure your home is wired sufficiently and can handle your day-to-day electrical consumption without issue.
5. No GFCIs Installed
GFCIs, also known as ground-fault circuit interrupters, are designed to protect you from electrocution in the event that water comes in contact with electricity. If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in your water-prone areas, such as your kitchen or your bathroom, then it’s time for an upgrade. Not only do GFCI outlets work to keep you safe, but many states also require them.
Need An Electrician? Roman Electric In Milwaukee, WI Is Here For All Your Electrical Needs!
At Roman Electric, your safety is our top priority. Our electricians are all trained and highly skilled to catch problems early before they become much larger issues. Whether you want to install GFCI outlets, schedule an electrical safety inspection, or you have an electrical emergency, we are here for all your electrical needs. Call us today at 414-369-3798. Visit us online to see what other services we offer.
