7 Signs That You Should Call a Residential Electrician

1. Strange Sounds

Listen to the sounds throughout your home. If you start hearing a strange buzzing noise, you might want to hire an electrician.

Try to determine where the sound is coming from. Sometimes, this sound means you have loose screw terminals throughout your home. In other cases, the noise could indicate a wiring issue.

Take a moment to check your breaker box. Do you hear any humming or buzzing sounds? Make sure to check for any singed wires.

If you can't pinpoint the source of the sound, call an electric company right away. They can determine the source of the sound for you.

Don't try to make any repairs on your own. Otherwise, you could get injured. Instead, call a professional for help.



They'll take the necessary precautions when assessing the wiring and electricity throughout your home. 

2. Dim or Flickering Lights

Electricity production has grown almost continuously worldwide since 1974. We rely on electricity every single day. Despite our growing reliance on electricity, not many people know when to call an electrician.

For example, you might notice your lights flicker each time you lose an appliance. Maybe they begin to dim. Some people only consider this a minor inconvenience, especially if the lights return to normal after a moment.

In some cases, however, this minor inconvenience could indicate a bigger issue.

For example, flickering lights might mean there's deteriorating wiring throughout your home. Sometimes, rats can chew at the wires. The deterioration could impact the electricity throughout your property. 

Flickering and dimming lights could mean you have an overloaded circuit, too. 

Don't shrug off the problem. What seems like an inconvenience might become a potential hazard. Instead, call a residential electrician to take a look.

If you neglect to pinpoint the problem, you might lose power throughout your entire home.

Make a note of the problem when it happens. For example, does only one light flicker, or do you notice a change to multiple lights? Does it only occur when you use a specific appliance or outlet?

Even if you're not experiencing electrical problems, consider checking your fuse box. You can check for singed wires before the problem progresses. An experienced electrician can replace the wires for you.



Otherwise, singed wires can cause additional problems. They might even pose a fire hazard.

3. A Tripping Circuit Breaker

A constantly tripping circuit breaker can become an annoyance, especially over time. Not many people realize it's a reason to call for an electrician service, though.

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, call the best residential electrician around.

It shouldn't happen regularly. If it does, you might have a wiring issue. In some cases, a tripping circuit breaker can mean the circuit is overloaded.



Otherwise, your electrician might determine you need fuse box repairs.

4. A Burning Smell

Is there a strange odor throughout your home that you can't quite pinpoint? If something smells like it's burning (and no one's cooking), call for help right away. Don't wait.

A strange burning smell around an outlet or appliance might mean it's overheating. If you wait to call an electrician, a fire could spark.

First, unplug the appliance or turn off the outlet. Shut off any power boards, too.

Keep an eye out for smoke, discolored switches, or black marks against power points.



If these issues sound familiar, call an electrician right away. They'll complete a walkthrough and determine the source of the problem. 

5. You're Moving

Moving should feel like a fun, momentous occasion. Before you sign on the dotted line, however, consider calling an electrician. An electrician can complete a thorough inspection before you move in.

Otherwise, you might not recognize signs of faulty wiring or other electrical issues until it's too late.



Your residential electrician can help you recognize electrical hazards before they pose a threat to you and your family. You can make the necessary repairs before moving day, saving you stress in the long run. 

6. Visible Sparks

Has one of your power points ever sparked up? A fire could start. If you're noticing visible sparks, call an electrician right away.

Otherwise, electrical problems could put your family's health and safety at risk.



Turn that power point off right away. Then, call for your local electrician. They'll determine what's causing the problem. 

7. Small Shocks

Have you ever singed your fingers or received an electrical shock when plugging in an appliance? It might seem like a small problem at first. Unfortunately, this issue can mean electricity is escaping from the power point.

You might have faulty wiring throughout your home.

Don't wait to call your local electric company. They can help reduce your risk of injuries. Reviewing your wiring can ensure an electrical fire doesn't start, either.



First, make sure to turn off the outlet that caused the shock and unplug any appliances in the room. If the wall outlet is warm, make sure to call for help right away, too.

Hit the Lights: 7 Signs to Call a Residential Electrician ASAP

If these seven issues sound familiar, don't wait to call for help! Calling a residential electrician can keep an electrical fire from starting. You can protect your home and your family by fixing any electrical issues as soon as possible.

Otherwise, these small problems could have major consequences. 

Do any of these issues sound familiar? Buell Electric can help.

Get a free estimate from our team today to get started.