Key Takeaways:
- Don’t ignore electrical problems. They can indicate damage to electrical components and put you at risk of electrical fires or shocks.
- Common signs of electrical emergencies include Flickering lights, burning smells, tripped breakers, and more.
- If any of these signs are familiar, Airstream can help with emergency electrical repairs!
Flickering lights, unusual smells, and tripped breakers: Is your house trying to tell you something?
Don’t ignore these signs. Electrical issues often start small and can quickly escalate into costly (potentially dangerous) problems.
Let’s review some common signs of electrical issues and discuss when to call an electrician in Murfreesboro, TN.
Flickering Lights or Frequent Power Surges
What’s happening when your lights flicker? There are two possible explanations:
- The electricity isn’t reaching its destination (the light bulb) because of damaged or loose wiring.
- The light bulb isn’t getting enough electricity because other elements are drawing too much.
Both situations are dangerous. Damaged wires are a major hazard that can cause electrical shock and fires. And if your lights aren’t getting enough power, your circuits are overloaded, so your home needs electrical safety upgrades.
Flickering lights can also indicate a power surge, which happens when the flow of electricity stops and resumes at a higher voltage. This won’t just affect your lights; you might hear a buzzing sound or notice a burnt smell or warm outlets.
Power surges can happen:
- When lightning strikes.
- If you draw too much power from an outlet.
- Due to bad wiring.
- After a power outage.
Power surges are particularly dangerous—there is a high risk of shocks, they can worsen damage to frayed wires, and they are a key factor in the more than 51,000 electrical fires that happen every year.
Call an emergency electrician if you suspect a power surge or notice your lights flickering regularly.
Burning Smells or Warm Outlets
Warmth is never a good sign in electrical systems. Temperature increases when a circuit is overloaded, indicating damage or improper usage (Be mindful not to overload your outlets with several appliances, electronic devices, and power strips!).
A burning or fishy smell means the plastic conduit protecting wires is melting due to excessive heat. It’s NOT a good sign: It means the wire is hot enough to start a fire.
Short circuits are a common cause of hot wires. A short circuit happens when electricity exits its intended path and goes through a nearby conductive surface instead. Because this surface has a lower resistance, the voltage goes way up. This is a serious shock and fire risk!
If your electrical system is up to code, breakers or fuses should interrupt the current flow to prevent overloading. If your breaker box isn’t doing its job and is letting wires get warm instead, it’s probably time for an electrical panel upgrade.
Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses Happening Too Often
Circuit breakers are switches that trip and stop the flow of electricity if something is wrong. If you have a home built before the mid-60s, your panel uses fuses instead. Instead of flipping a switch, fuses use a thin wire that melts when the current gets too high.
Replacing a fuse or flipping a circuit breaker occasionally is no big deal. It means your panel is working as intended, preventing overloading when you run too many appliances simultaneously.
However, if tripped breakers and blown fuses are happening often, it’s time to look into emergency electrical services. You might be dealing with:
- Old and damaged circuits with frayed wires.
- Malfunctioning appliances drawing too much power.
- Ground fault somewhere in your electrical system.
- A faulty panel in need of electrical repair.
Don’t ignore tripped breakers and blown fuses! A bad panel is a serious problem since this equipment is here to protect you from electrical issues. Have local electricians fix or replace it so it can continue protecting you.
Buzzing Sounds from Switches or Panels
Hearing a faint hum from an appliance or your electrical panel is no cause for worry. Electricity causes small vibrations, and you might be able to hear them. Some people are more sensitive to it than others!
However, this hum can get considerably louder due to overloaded circuits or faulty appliances. You might also hear unusual noises if there is arcing in one of your circuits as high-voltage current exits the wires.
If you hear any noise that sounds louder than usual, it’s a sign that your home needs electrical work: It’s time to call an emergency electrician.
Old or Outdated Wiring
Did you know the median age of homes in Murfreesboro is around 20 years? Rewiring (replacing all of your home’s electrical wires) is something you should do every 25 to 40 years.
Depending on the age of your home, it might be time to look into it, or at least schedule regular electrical inspections to monitor its aging electrical system.
You should think about rewiring if:
- Your home still has old aluminum wiring (this is common in homes built 40 to 50 years ago).
- The wiring isn’t up to code. The National Electrical Code is updated every three years, and the older your home is, the more likely it is that it does not follow the latest recommendations from the NEC and local codes.
- You’re dealing with frequently tripped breakers or blown fuses.
- You’re noticing any issues discussed here (flickering lights, power surges, unusual smells, etc.)
- Your house has no outlets (upgrade it instead of overloading circuits and creating safety hazards).
- Your house has a lot of two-prong outlets.
Are you unsure how old your home’s wiring is? Don’t wait for issues to pop up. Have a Murfreesboro electrician inspect your electrical infrastructure so you can discuss the best course of action.
Need an Electrician in Murfreesboro, TN?
Don’t let electrical problems turn into an electrical emergency! Flickering lights, burning smells, and tripping breakers are all unusual signs that you need to call a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
If you’re in the Murfreesboro area and are looking for an electrical contractor near me, Airstream is here to help.
Airstream has been serving the Murfreesboro community since 2012. As a local and family-owned business, we’re proud to offer five-star electrical services and go above and beyond to keep your family and home safe from electrical issues.
Noticing anything weird with your electricity? Book your electrical inspection or emergency repair now!
FAQ
What is the best way to find an electrician?
Ask around. Friends and neighbors probably have some contractors to recommend. Checking online reviews is also a great way to find experienced electricians.
How much do electricians charge in Middle Tennessee?
Rates can range from $30 to $100 an hour, depending on the type of electrical services provided.
How often should I schedule a routine electrical inspection?
Professional electricians should often inspect your home every three to five years or more if you have an older home.
Will my homeowners’ insurance cover electrical issues?
It depends on your coverage and on what caused the damage. Your policy probably won’t cover regular wear and tear, but it would cover damage caused by lightning.
How do I know if my electrical issue is an emergency?
Any signs of damage to your electrical systems could be an emergency. When in doubt, call an electrician.
