Solving an Electrical Problem

Virtually every homeowner knows to call an electrician for jobs like replacing old wiring, fixing outlets, and installing new light fixtures. However, these basic projects do not begin to cover all the ways that a professional electrician can benefit your home. Here is an overview of four residential electrical services that you should know.

1. Safety Inspection

According to a 2019 report from the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures and malfunctions were responsible for 13 percent of home fires between 2012 and 2016. Routine safety inspections by a professional electrician can give you peace of mind that there are no hidden fire hazards in your home. Many contractors even offer maintenance and inspection plans so that you don't have to keep track of scheduling inspections yourself.

During an electrical safety inspection, your electrician will ensure that all wiring, fixtures, and appliances in your home comply with National Electrical Code standards. Risk factors that your contractor will look for include oversized fuses and breakers, appliances and fixtures with overloaded power supply lines, functioning arc fault interruptors, and more.

2. Specialty Wiring

Different electrical applications in your home will have drastically different cabling demands. You can rely on an experienced electrician to handle wiring projects of all types. This includes phone, cable TV, and internet cabling, fiber-optic cables, pool and hot tub wiring, and even wiring for smart thermostats and other connected home devices.

Specialty wiring also comes into play for several systems that are essential to keep your home safe. Home security systems need specialized wiring for cameras, motion sensors, noise detectors, and keyless access points. You should also rely on an electrician to install and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

3. Generator Repair and Maintenance

Homeowners who live in areas with bitterly cold winters are keenly aware of the importance of backup power. In addition to servicing the wires and fixtures in your home, professional electricians can perform installation, maintenance, and repairs on backup generators. If you are looking to add a generator for the first time, your electrical contractor will help you locate the perfect generator to give you peace of mind that your home will have power when it is needed most.

During a routine generator maintenance check, your electrician will perform a test run of the generator and look for common problems. Much like the engine in a car, your contractor will tune up your generator by checking the fuel lines, spark plugs, oil, and air filter. Some contractors will have a dedicated team of generator electricians, while others will train all of their workers on the essentials of generator maintenance.

4. Electrical Panel Upgrades

As the energy demands of your home evolve with the addition of new appliances, fixtures, and room add-ons, your electrical panel may need an upgrade to keep up. Your electrician can assess your home's electrical needs to recommend the right panel upgrade. Your upgrade options will vary in amperage capacity and the number of breakers they can support.

There are a few signs to look out for that could indicate it's time to call an electrician for a panel upgrade. Flickering lights, appliance shutdowns, and other symptoms of poor power delivery throughout your home could be the result of a failing electrical panel. You should also schedule an upgrade if you notice rust on your electrical panel or if your home is still using an outdated fuse box.

Electricians are some of the most versatile residential contractors because their work touches so many different parts of your home. No matter what electrical issues you are facing, you will likely find a local electrician with the right knowledge, skills, and experience to take on the project!

Contact a residential electrical contractor to learn more.