For many people, home electrical security is a must. If any electrical issues occur, you can rest easy knowing that your life and property are protected.
Some of the most common electrical problems in the home include:
1. Problems with circuit breaker
A circuit breaker prevents damage as a result of short circuits or overloads. It functions by stopping current flow when a fault is happening. That way, you know when an electrical problem is about to come.
Circuit breaker issues can cause fires or overheating, but if it fails frequently, then you could run into irreparable electrical problems in your home.
2. No GFCI installed
Poor grounding entails having no GFCI installed and ungrounded connections. With GFCI, there is an off-balance between incoming and outgoing current; thus, overheating can occur and put you at risk of fires or injuries.
Ungrounded connections have no grounding system or failsafe options. It creates a pathway for too much current to build if a short circuit occurs.
3. Electricity Surges
Electricity surges are a result of poor electrical wiring in faulty appliances and non-functioning power lines. They are one of the most common electrical issues, and they can create problems for your home equipment and shorten its lifespan.
4. Outlet issues
If there aren’t many electrical outlets in your home, you could experience tripping circuits. Since fewer outlets mean that you’ll have to use more extension cords, you may experience habitual surges.
When you have outlets that no longer function (dead outlets), they are likely burnt out or have faulty wiring. In essence, a dead outlet is undesirable as it could create damage through fires or by ruining the electrical framework.
Why You Should Hire An Electrician
Solving electrical issues at home on your own can be dangerous. It is much safer to hire a professional electrician to tackle any tasks you need, like rewiring a house or other common electrical issues.
If you start working on electrical problems around the home without an inspection from an expert first, you could create fire hazards, become gravely injured through electrical shock, or experience inspection issues.
Electrical Shock
Working around electricity when you don’t have the experience increases the likelihood of electrical shock. This type of shock is lethal at virtually any voltage level, the most significant risk being at higher voltages.
Fire Hazards
If you are working with faulty wiring but don’t know what you’re doing, the risk of fires can increase. If just one wire is in the wrong place, there is a high likelihood of fire hazards. The scary thing about electrical fire hazards is that they can remain dormant for a few months and come out of nowhere later. Hiring a qualified electrician is necessary to avoid any dangers to your home.
Inspection Issues
When you work on electrical components in your home, they must pass an inspection that most DIYers aren’t qualified to perform. By not having a proper assessment, you risk expensive fines and won’t pass an inspection when selling your home. A professional electrician has the expertise and knowledge, will take safety precautions, and can perform the job correctly.
Tips For Hiring An Electrician For Your Home
Now that you know the benefits of hiring an experienced and licensed electrician, your electrical issues at home can be easily solved. However, it would be best if you found a qualified electrician who will get the job done properly. Here is what you should look for in an electrician:
Insurance
A qualified electrician will have the proper insurance. By having insurance, you can rest easy knowing that your home will be more secure and save on potential costs in case there is any damage.
Licensed Electricians
When hiring an electrician, they must have a license and have the credentials, training and knowledge. A licensed electrician will be familiar with safety codes and how to handle the most complicated wirings. Before they even begin working, they will take all the necessary safety precautions to put you at ease.
Do Research About The Electrician
A little research goes a long way – be sure to look into the electrician’s reputation or find out about past jobs they have completed. You can find online reviews or receive recommendations from friends or family. A qualified electrician will have their experience, knowledge and background available on their website, so take the time to find a qualified professional.
Work History
Look into an electrician’s work history and see if they have performed high calibre work and completed it to satisfaction. Again, customer reviews will come in handy when uncovering an electrician’s past work history.
How To Prepare Your House For Electrical Repair
Before an electrician comes to your home, you’ll want to prepare your house so that they won’t have any obstacles while they’re doing their job.
First, make sure that your house is free from water leaks. Then, take note of any future electric works that you need. Here are other ways to prepare your home before an expert electrician comes:
- Make a list of electrical services you need
- Clear any obstacles that could get in the way of an electrician’s job
- Leave the house since your electricity will be turned off, and it will be challenging to perform your daily tasks.
- Be prepared to provide the electrician with the necessary information about your issue, and be sure to answer their questions as clearly as possible.
There’s no doubt about it – hiring a professional technician is vital for assured security. A licensed electrician is best suited for carrying out any repair or installation works in homes that are too tricky for the regular individual to tackle themselves.
If you perform the electrical job wrong yourself, you can compromise your household’s safety because of potential exposure to electrical shocks and fires. Plus, you won’t get coverage from your insurance company for damages, which can end up being expensive and difficult to repair. By working with a qualified and licensed electrician, you won’t have to worry about any hazards in your home.
Author Bio
Stephanie Alexander is a blogger in Toronto. She is currently working as a Community Manager for several small businesses. She has graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.