The most common electrical issues typically involve flickering or dimming lights, electrical shocks, and power outages. Certain electrical issues like improper wiring can flip your circuit breaker, shutting off the power. Our electrical services resolve these issues safely by identifying the problem and making repairs and replacements. Here are a few electrical problems that require a professional electrician:
Light Switch Shocks
Electrical services include solving problems that may appear minor in nature, like flickering or dimming lights after turning the switch or feeling a slight shock. If this happens to you, we recommend not touching the light switch and contacting a professional. This symptom could be caused by faulty wiring or an improperly grounded metal box. Grounding gives an electrical current an efficient pathway to the ground. When an electrical current is improperly grounded, the current will jump to the next available pathway, causing shocks.
Handling ungrounded electrical currents yourself can result in more serious shocks and potential home damage, which is why only a professional electrician should repair electrical switches. They will turn off your home’s breaker and safely fix the wiring issue. Certain municipalities also require a licensed electrician to attend to electrical problems to comply with local safety regulations.
Burning Smell
If you smell burning plastic or a pungent, fishy smell, this could be a sign of an electrical fire. Other signs include a buzzing sound, visible scorch marks, and circuit breaker trips. Buzzing noises typically occur from electrical panels. Charred outlets or scorch marks around electrical panels indicate a serious electrical problem. Circuit breakers act as an emergency shut-off switch that will automatically cut the power if it rises above specified safe levels.
Never use water on an electrical fire or char marks; it will only cause the electrical current to spread. If there is an active flame, turn off your circuit breaker immediately and use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires. You can also use baking soda to smother small fires. Our professional electricians will diagnose and repair the issue to prevent future electrical fires.
Lighting Issues
If you experience flickering or dimming lights or lights that burn out quickly, you may have a lighting issue. Other symptoms include poor color rendering, which is when a lightbulb casts a yellow or green hue instead of its intended ambient color. This can cause the lightbulbs to overheat, making them burn out quicker.
To fully diagnose your lighting issue, our electricians will use meters and various tools to determine how the current in your home is distributed. The tools allow them to see current voltages, even through walls. Tube and knob wiring may overload easily, causing shock hazards and electrical fires. We can replace this outdated system with newer, safer wiring methods.
Learn More About Our Electrical Services
At Loveland Home Solutions, we offer free on-site estimates for both large and small projects for residents in St. Charles, St. Louis, and surrounding areas. Large projects like full wiring replacements and remodels help to keep your home or property safe and functional. Small electrical projects include moving light switches or adding a power outlet, which improves convenience. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.