Electrical fires can be extremely damaging and dangerous, which is why homeowners should take precautions to protect their homes from these common types of fire. In addition to being sure not to overload your outlets or circuits and making sure you're using the proper wattage light bulbs in your home's lighting fixtures, there are also some "red flags" to be on the lookout for. If one or more of these applies to your home, then it may be time to call an electrician.
Buzzing Noises Coming From Outlets or Switches
Your home's outlets and light switches should not be warm to the touch, nor should they emit any noises. If you hear a buzzing or humming noise coming from any of the outlets or switches in your home, shut off the breaker until you're able to bring an electrician in. The only exception to this is with dimmer switches, as these will make a dull humming noise when the dimmer feature is being used.
Constant Tripping of Electrical Circuits
If you're finding that one circuit or breaker in your home seems to be constantly tripping, then you may also want to call an electrician to come out and take a look. There's a chance that you're overloading the circuit with an appliance that draws too many amps; if this is the case, an electrician may be able to upgrade the circuit to handle a larger electrical load and resolve the problem.
Frequently Dimming or Flickering Lights
While you may notice flickering or dimming lights during times of storms or high winds, this should not be a recurring issue. If it is, you could be dealing with a dangerous wiring issue that will not go away on its own. Call an electrician to take a look, as the sources of dimming or flickering lights can be traced back to a number of issues.
Heat Radiating From Ceiling Fixtures
Take the time to place your hand near your home's ceiling fixtures to check for excessive heat output. Not all light fixtures are insulated well, which could make your home more prone to an electrical fire. The solution could be as simple as changing out a light bulb to a lower wattage or having an electrician install a new fixture for you.
By taking these precautions and being on the lookout for "red flags" of electrical problems in your home, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones. For more advice, talk to professionals like Narducci Electric.
