Older homes have an incredible amount of charm and nostalgia. While some of that charm stems from the old-world construction practices of ornate stonework and interesting woodworking, there are also negative aspects of living in a dated home, namely the electrical system. We bought our first older home a few years ago, and it has been interesting to see just how much of a problem the electrical system has been. We knew that we needed to update a large portion of the space, so we started going through and having sections replaced. This website is here to help other people to know when to work with electricians.
Fixing electrical outlets is a fairly straightforward job in most situations. Although it may seem like a fairly daunting job to some, it's one of those tasks that many people have actually learned to handle on their own. However, despite how easy this job sometimes is, people have a tendency to delay repairs when they're needed.
Whether it's because they don't have the time or because they don't have the tools, delaying repairs of your electrical outlet can be costly in many situations. When should you get your electrical outlets fixed?
No Power Coming from the Outlet
It's always a good idea to ensure that any electrical outlet is functioning. An electrical outlet with no power can force you to overload other nearby outlets. This can easily lead to two damaged outlets. Using certain appliances inside the house, such as vacuum cleaners, can also become inconvenient, forcing you to use extension cables. This isn't always ideal.
Visible or Audible Sparking
If you hear sparking when something is connected to an electrical outlet, you should have an electrician look at it. Sparking is usually a sign that there is a loose connection in the outlet. Sparking makes the outlet a fire hazard, and it can also cause the outlet itself or the appliance plugs to degrade. This is one of the reasons behind the scorch marks you may see around the outlet. It would be a good reason to get emergency electrician services because you don't want to leave faulty wiring live in your home; it is a threat to your personal safety.
Physical Damage
Electrical outlets are designed to be hardy but they can still be broken. Even moving around furniture while cleaning can lead to a broken outlet. While the outlet may still be working in this condition, it's a good idea to have it repaired immediately. The damage may expose the inside of the outlet and make it a risk to you or anyone else in the house.
The Outlet Works Intermittently
This is yet another sign that there is a loose wire within the outlet. Although you may be able to use the outlet at times, it can quickly become an annoyance if the power keeps going off.
Tingling Sensation
Have you noticed a tingling sensation when you touch certain appliances or when you use specific electrical outlets? This is not uncommon if the plug you're using is ungrounded. However, it could also indicate that the earth wire in the outlet is loose or disconnected. You should have a professional check the outlet to correct the issue.
For more information about how electrical services can benefit your outlets, call an electrical contractor, such as Conway Electric, in your area today.