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How To Tell if You Need an Electrician: 11 Unmistakable Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Coming home to buzzing sounds, smelling something burning, or having a breaker trip can not only be annoying but also dangerous. 

Your home is trying to alert you to an electrical issue, and electrical problems rarely fix themselves. You may be wondering how to tell if you need an electrician. 

In this guide, you will learn the clear red flags that signal it is time to call a licensed professional and how to find the right electrician. With this knowledge, you’ll be prepared if a small issue turns into a safety risk.

Table of Contents

Understanding Electrical Basics

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, it is important to have a basic understanding of your electrical system and to familiarize yourself with how it works in your home.

Some basic electrical knowledge includes knowing that:

Additionally, knowing where essential electrical elements are located throughout the home is important so you can quickly turn off power or reset breakers in an emergency. These elements include:

  • Circuit breakers
  • Electrical panels, and which breaker controls which area
  • Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI and arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI outlets

Additionally, knowing your home’s maximum electrical load and the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore can help keep your home running safely and smoothly. Without a good understanding of electrical basics, you could be unknowingly ignoring a dangerous problem or putting yourself in unsafe situations. Don’t take on any electrical project alone. PDX Electric is here to help keep you and your home safe! Contact us today to see how we can help with our professional electrical services.

When an Issue Is DIY-Safe vs. When To Call a Professional

With a solid understanding of general electrical basics, some electrical tasks may be safe to do yourself, such as:

  • Replacing bulbs
  • Fixtures
  • Installing dimmers
  • Adding GFCI outlets

Always make sure the power is off before doing any DIY work.

When it comes to anything involving wiring, panels, or outlets, it should always be handled by a licensed electrician.
If you do not properly handle an electrical issue or do not consult an electrician before moving forward, there can be seriously dangerous results, such as:

  • Fire
  • Electrocution
  • Shock
  • Code violations
  • Insurance and liability issues
  • Permit and inspection issues

How Do You Know If You Need an Electrician?

When faced with an electrical problem, you may be wondering if you need an electrician. It is important to contact an electrician right away if you are experiencing:

  • Warning signs such as burning smells, buzzing, sparks, flickering lights, etc 
  • Safety hazards
  • Performance issues
  • Outdated capacity problems

11 Signs You Need an Electrician

#1: Flickering or Unstable Lighting

Flickering lights can indicate there is a breaker or wiring issue. It could be a simple fix or something more complex, but an electrician should definitely be consulted if you are experiencing these problems. 

#2: Repeated Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses

A breaker that trips often is a sign that a circuit is drawing more than it can handle or is failing. If this is becoming a persistent issue or the fuse is blown completely, a licensed electrician can help get your system back on track.

#3: Discolored or Scorched Outlets

Black marks around the outlets and panel covers can indicate scorching. It is important to switch the breaker off immediately and contact a licensed electrician, such as PDX Electric, to ensure your outlets are repaired safely.

#4: Electrical Components Feel Warm or Shock When Touched

Warm surfaces or buzzing sounds can indicate loose terminals or overloaded wires. Electricians can tighten loose electrical components and replace any components to ensure they are working safely.

#5: Outlets or Switches Not Working

If your outlets or switches are not working and you cannot reset them, this is a telltale sign that it’s time to bring in a professional to fix them or install new ones. Some reasons why these are not working could be:

  • A tripped GFCI
  • Loose connection
  • A break in the wiring

#6: Buzzing Sound or Burning Smell Coming from Panels or Switches

Burning smells and buzzing sounds are red flags for electrical safety. Some common causes include:

  • Loose wires
  • Failing breakers
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Damaged wires
  • Improper breaker fits 

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call an electrician right away. If you suspect an active fire, call 911 and leave the home immediately.

#7: Outdated or Overloaded Electrical System

If your home’s electrical system is old or struggling to keep up, calling an electrician can be the best and safest option to get it up to date. Upgrading your panels and adding circuits can be exactly what your home needs. An overloaded system can cause:

  • Overheated wires
  • Electrical fires
  • Equipment damage
  • Insurance complications
  • Failed home inspections
  • And more

#8: Heavy Reliance on Extension Cords or Power Strips

Extension cords can be great for temporary use, but prolonged use can be dangerous and create trip hazards. If you are relying on extension cords for daily use, consult an electrician to see if there is a better way to distribute power in your home without overloading one plug.

#9: Moisture or Rust Near Electrical Components

Seeing moisture or rust near an electrical panel can be very dangerous and it is important never to open a wet panel. 

Rust can prevent breakers from tripping, create resistance, and damage grounding paths. If you are dealing with any of these issues, contact an electrician and discontinue using electricity in your home.

#10: Sparking Outlets or Panels

A small, blue spark when plugging in a device may be normal. Large, frequent yellow sparks accompanied by smoke, burning smells, or warmth warrant calling an electrician immediately. Sparks can indicate:

  • Poor grounding
  • Hidden arc faults
  • Worn contacts 

#11: Unusually High Electricity Bills

High electricity bills can be a good indicator that something isn’t right. If there are no other dangerous signs, contacting an electrician can be a great place to start to ensure your home is running safely and smoothly.

Choosing the Right Electrician for the Job

Not all electricians are the same, and hiring the wrong one can cost you in safety, time, and money. Look for an electrician who:

  • Is licensed and insured
  • Secures permits
  • Provides clear estimates
  • Has strong reviews
  • Is highly experienced
  • Provides strong warranties

PDX Electric covers all these bases and more. As a locally owned and family-run business, our team is dedicated to providing quality electrical services to the Portland community and beyond. Whether it is a job for a new property or an electrical emergency, we can support your needs. Contact us for a free estimate today.

PDX Electric: The Trusted Choice for Electrical Services in Portland

PDX Electric provides trained, licensed electricians to handle any electrical problems you may be experiencing. We offer:

  • Lighting installation
  • EV charger installation
  • Portable generator connections
  • Electrical panel repair
  • Hot tub electrical installation
  • Switch and outlet installation
  • Home electrical inspection
  • Remodeling electric work
  • And more

At PDX Electric, we understand the importance of maintaining your home’s electrical systems. We prioritize safety on electrical projects and ensure compliance with current codes. If you need electrical work done on your home, you can count on us to get it done safely and efficiently. Contact us today to get started.

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