Solving an Electrical Problem

When homeowners notice unusual occurrences in the building's electrical system, they should contact a company that provides residential electrical services. An electrician will inspect the equipment and resolve problems that could be safety hazards. Some of the wiring or other features may need to be replaced or upgraded.

Dimming Lights

A common problem with an older system is light bulbs dimming when an appliance turns on. This might be the refrigerator or the washing machine, for example. The appliance uses so much voltage that the smaller electrical features lose some. The home's wiring may need an upgrade.

Another issue could be the neutral wire. Standard residential electrical systems have two main 120-volt wires, referred to as hot wires, and one neutral. Hot wires carry power from the panel to features like lamps and appliances. The neutral brings unused electricity back to the panel. If the neutral is loose or has become corroded, it may cause an imbalance between the two 120-volt wires.

Flickering Lights

Flickering might indicate a problem that an electrician should fix. Flickering can be caused by occasional variations in the current. It also can result from old wiring that has corroded or come loose. Corrosion may have developed on the connectors. A fixture might be loose or a socket corroded. People usually know when a socket has corroded because unscrewing the bulb becomes difficult.

First, someone in the household should make sure a flickering bulb is screwed in tightly. If so, the electrical system should be evaluated.

Malfunctioning Switches

Another indication of loose and corroded wiring is when a switch only works sporadically. Sometimes, the light bulb or other device turns on, and sometimes it does not. Considering the amount of use these devices generally receive over the years, eventual failure should be expected. An electrician replaces the wiring behind the panel so the switch works as it should. Sometimes the device may require replacement if the switch itself is worn out.

Being Proactive

These issues can become a fire hazard. Electrical flow always creates heat, but malfunctioning equipment raises that heat to a hazardous level. Electricians sometimes find wiring that actually has become charred because of the heat. 

For this reason, having a residential electrician inspect the system and diagnose the problem is essential. The household residents will feel safer after repair work has been completed and they no longer experience any unusual occurrences associated with their home's electrical power.