May 30, 2022"

Electrical Wiring Problems: Signs and Symptoms

Have Electrical Wiring problems? After you read this they could be solved in a Jiffy!

1. Flickering or Dimming lights. 

The light fixture itself is rarely the cause of dimming or flickering since it draws so little power.
More likely, the problem lies with energy hogs like major appliances and space heaters.
Dimming may be caused by a washing machine drawing current to heat water. Make sure
lighting is moved to a different circuit, or dedicated lines are installed for major appliances, by
consulting an electrician.

2. Strange Odors. 

When a new appliance is powered up for the first time, it may produce an off-odor. However, if
you detect an unusual odor emanating from an outlet, please turn it off and unplug any devices
connected to it. Consult a qualified DFW electrician before using it again. Call an Dallas electrician right
away if you smell something strange coming from your fuse box or breaker panel.

3. Sparking.

It’s never good to see this. Depending on where it comes from, you’ll have to handle it
differently. Get an Arlington electrician in if your breaker panel, fuse box, electrical wiring or outlet is sparking. It’s possible
that a sparking appliance is caused by a damaged fixture, so call an appliance repair person. It’s
usually possible for him to test the appliance and the outlet too.

4. Outlets or Switch plates that are hot. 

You may feel a switch plate warm, but if it’s unbearably hot, unplug it and try it in another outlet. There may be a problem with the wiring if the outlet becomes hot even when there is nothing plugged into it. Until your system
can be repaired, contact an DFW electrician, who may suggest flipping the breaker or removing the
fuse for that outlet.

5. Frequent Blowing of Fuses or Tripping of Breakers. 

A circuit breaker or fuse is designed to fail if it is overloaded in order to protect the circuit from
damage. Vacuum cleaners or hair dryers that trip breaker regardless of where they’re plugged in
are likely to be the culprit. However, if you repeatedly blow the same fuse while using a single
outlet, the circuit may be overloaded. Get in touch with a pro to discuss upgrading the circuit or
adding another line.

6. A Buzzing Sound. 

In general, electricity flows smoothly and quietly between connections. However, loose prongs,
outlets, or fraying wire can result in a buzzing sound when the current jumps. The sound you
hear could be coming from an outlet, so stop using it and call an Fort Worth electrician if you are certain it is
coming from there.