Electrical Repairs That Could Lead to Dangerous Situations

Each year, more and more common tasks are accomplished by household electronic appliances and daily life is not the same without these conveniences. The increase in electrical use can create one problem, but these electrical repairs may manifest itself in several symptoms.

Electricity flows in a circuit through a network of wires, but the network is very organized. The organization happens because wires of the network cannot carry an unlimited amount of electrical power. The network is divided into smaller loops called circuits, to evenly distribute the flow of electricity throughout the house.

At the beginning of each circuit is a switch, a circuit breaker, which is designed to close (or trip) if the circuit exceeds the designed electrical flow. Several of the most common electrical repairs that elicit a call for an electrician are caused by overloaded circuits.  Some of those problematic electrical repairs include:

1. Repeated Circuit Breaker Trips. Circuit breakers are designed to break the flow of electricity when too much electricity flows through the breakers. The cause of the increase in flow might vary—a lightning strike, a short or fault, or a malfunctioning breaker. But when too many devices call for more power than the circuit is designed to handle, the circuit will trip.
2. Warm (Hot) Outlets and Switches. Switches and outlets attached to an overloaded circuit can be hot to the touch. The heat might be sufficient to distort or discolor the shape of the cover plate, although this can also be caused by a short or fault. An overloaded circuit may also cause a burning smell or the odor of melting plastic. Warm outlets and switches are clear indications of a serious problem since wiring inside the walls can get hot enough to start a fire. Do not ignore this problem.
3. Hot Extension Cords or Appliances. The heat of an overloaded circuit may also be detected when an extension cord or appliance is hot to the touch. Remember that extension cords should be a temporary solution, not a permanent fixture. Appliances should not give off abnormally high heat.
4. An Outlet or Switch Ceases to Function. An overloaded switch or outlet may cease to function. While this might be inconvenient, consider this a good safety factor.
5. Flickering Lights. Often a light will flicker just before it fails, but if the lights flicker—brighten, then dim in quick sequence—it may indicate an overloaded circuit. The flickering might be intermittent, or it might happen whenever a particular appliance is switched on. If the kitchen lights and the oven are on the same circuit, the lights may flicker each time the oven element heats up.
6. Loud Buzzing. Some devices are designed to buzz. Devices that are not designed to buzz should not buzz. Electrical panels, switches, and lighting should not buzz.

If you experience any of these electrical repair problems associated with overloading circuits, take the following steps:

• Identify the boundaries of the problem circuit
• If lights flicker every time a particular device is turned on, explore and identify the problem
• Move some of the devices to other circuits if possible
• If an appliance is hot and is not supposed to be hot, stop using it
• If an outlet or switch is hot, stop using it (if possible)
• Call a licensed electrician to explore solutions that will reduce the risk of injury or fire

Call the Electrical Repairs Experts To Address These Common Issues

With our four decades of experience in Electrical Repairs, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help replace any faulty outlets or switches in your home.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, electrical safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.