Electricity is vital to economic development and growth as well as daily living needs. Nearly no home or business can operate successfully without power. Appliances such as phones, computers, ovens, TVs, washers and dryers, and refrigerators all need electricity for you to use them. However, electricians in Florence, SC, and beyond advise homeowners to use electricity safely and efficiently. If improperly handled, electricity can cause extensive damages to the entire house.

According to recent reports, home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. To avoid electricity-related catastrophes, your home’s electrical system should be thoroughly inspected by a qualified electrician. They will ensure that all the components meet the safety provisions in the National Electrical Code. If the electrical safety in your home is below the expected safety standards, here are some of the commonly identified issues you’re bound to face.

Frequent Electrical Surges

Damaged and exposed wiring can result in frequent electrical surges. Similarly, household pests such as mice may also chew on the wiring in your house, causing it to wear out and eventually fail. An actual surge is only experienced for a microsecond while a frequent surge can last longer and cause damage to the electrical components in your home, thereby significantly reducing their lifespan. Besides that, faulty electrical devices can create electrical surges. In such scenarios, you should immediately contact a trained professional to fix the problem.

Sags and Dips in Power

Sags and surges involve momentary changes in the main power supply’s voltage. A sag is a dip below the nominal voltage, while a surge is an increase in voltage above the standard level. Both of them may generally last for some rotations.

A voltage sag or dip can be caused by an overloaded or short circuit during the starting of electric motors. They’re attributed to devices linked to your power grid made with defective materials, consequently drawing a lot of power when they are turned on. This can result in equipment failure, which is why homeowners in Florence, SC should seek assistance from a well-versed electrician to prevent such incidents.

Light Switches Not Working Properly

Poor quality workmanship during electrical installations and the use of defective products may result in dimmer switches that don’t adjust light properly. If you find switches that don’t function as expected, it could mean that they may have been replaced and the fixtures removed or there could be a fault in the circuit, outlet, or wiring. Contact a trusted professional to help you in troubleshooting and fixing the problem.

Frequently Tripping Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is an operable electrical switch designed to safeguard an electrical circuit from any damage that may result from excess current flow from an overloaded or short circuit. Its primary purpose is to interrupt current flow after a fault is discovered.

High-current items like hairdryers and microwaves can trip circuit breakers, especially when other power-consuming items are used on the same source. You should limit the electrical usage on a single circuit while using high-watt devices. If the circuit breaker trips, you should seek help from a proficient electrician.

Circuit Overload

The overloading of power boards can also cause circuit breakers to trip. Some homes and apartments may lack enough power points to cater to the entire household’s electrical needs. As an alternative, you can spread your electrical needs around so that you don’t overburden a single circuit. If that doesn’t help, consult a trained electrician in Florence, SC for more options.

Electrical Shocks

Electric current passing through your body can burn both your internal and external tissues and result in organ damage. You can be electrocuted through exposure to lightning, naked power lines, or faulty electric machinery.

Additionally, electrical appliance problems and faulty wiring systems can result in catastrophic electric shocks. If frequent electrical shocks have been the norm at your home, reach out to a professional for help.

High Electrical Bills

The more electricity you use, the more you pay per unit of electricity. If you’re always paying astronomical energy utility bills with each passing month, your home’s electric furnace could be the culprit. You can help reduce your heating energy bill by changing the furnace’s air filters regularly.

Reducing your home’s energy expenditure may also involve identifying electrical devices that may be causing power surges or unplugging certain appliances and chargers when they’re not in use. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with an electrician to help identify the cause of the problem.

Light Bulbs Burning Out Too Often

Loose bulbs or high power transmission voltage may cause the light bulbs in your residence to burn out quickly. Some other causes may include the wattage of the bulb being too low, poor wiring in the circuits and power mains, or the insulation being too close to the light. If light bulb issues are left unchecked for too long, it can be dangerous to homeowners. In that regard, a well-trained professional should be contacted for timely solutions.

Recessed Light 'Going Out' and Coming Back On

When you install a recessed light, it appears to be shining from a hole in the ceiling. These lights are equipped with safety devices that cut out power to the lighting fixture when it gets hot.

If they constantly switch on and off, you could be either using too high wattage on the bulb or the insulation in the ceiling may be too close to the bulb. Overheated lighting can be a fire risk and an electrician should be contacted for regular overhead lights inspections.

Lights Too Bright or Dim

Some of the main reasons why the lights in your home may be too bright or dim include a bad neutral connection or the use of different types of lights with varying wattage. You should speak to an electrician to help you in finding the right bulb that suits all your lighting needs.

Mister Sparky of Florence a Reliable Electrical Service Company

Mister Sparky of Florence is a locally-owned and operated electrical company dedicated to serving all your electrical needs, from installation to repairs. Apart from rewiring the entire home, our trained electricians can handle both small and large-scale electrical projects.

We can also upgrade your home’s electrical connections and fix faulty circuits as well as provide clean-up services. Our technicians also respond to emergencies, you just have to give us a call and we’ll be there in no time.