7 Times You Need To Call For Backup From Professional Electrical Services | Myrtle Beach, SC

7/15/2021

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Modern DIY culture is huge these days, so it is not surprising that most homeowners attempt to tackle home renovations on their own. However, while there are a lot of great projects you can do on your own such as installing your own backsplash or taking some vinyl flooring, there are some things you should not do on your own. In general, anything that is related to electrical services falls under that umbrella because there is a high risk of harm, and it’s just not worth it in the end.

The problem with attempting to handle your own electrical services in Myrtle Beach, SC is that there is a very low threshold for a mistake, and a mistake can be costly. Electrical repairs carry an inherent risk of electrocution if you don’t know what you are doing. This risk doesn’t go away once the project is complete, because if you mistakenly make a repair and then walk away someone else may walk up to the hot outlet or fixture and get electrocuted because of your miswiring.

Even worse, if an electrical connection is frayed or stripped and you don’t notice you may leave an exposed wire before while attempting to handle your own electrical services. At first, this may not pose much of an issue, but when it starts to burn and sets your home on fire it will become apparent that the $100 you saved on that outlet replacement wasn’t worth it. The simple truth of the matter is that electrical repairs are not for people who are not trained electricians.

There is a reason why electrical technicians have to be certified, trained, and complete apprenticeships before they can operate in the field on their own. For the safety of your family, you need to learn to respect those boundaries. Here are a few times when you need to call for backup from professional electrical services. These are certainly not tasks for the average homeowner and they are not tasks you should attempt on your own either.

A Breaker Keeps Tripping

Every so once in a while, you will likely trip a breaker in your home. The good news is you can walk down to the box and simply reset it. This is more likely to happen in older homes, but in reality, can happen in any home that is heavily dependent on electronics (which is most families these days). However, when you keep tripping the same breaker this is a sign that you have a major electrical issue that needs to be addressed. The circuit box is designed to trip when there is a power surge so if there are continual power surges in your home this is a clear sign something potentially dangerous is going on in your home and you need to contact professional electrical services in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Dead Sockets or Lights in Your Home

If you go to use a socket and realize that it isn’t working or flip a light that doesn’t work regardless of how many times you change the lightbulb, then it’s time to contract with a company for help with your electrical services. There are dozens of reasons why this may be happening, but an electrician can narrow it down and find a solution quickly. Sometimes it is because the entire installation is wrong and needs to be replaced, other times old light fittings may have been disconnected by previous homeowners, or a fuse may need to be replaced. These are just a few of the many things to look for.

Before Buying a New Home

If you are thinking about buying a new home that is actually an older home, it may be a good idea to take an electrician along with you to the inspection. Older homes tend to have older electrical systems and require a great deal of updating. Before you get stuck footing the entire bill, it can be helpful to have someone eyeball the condition of the system and recommend what electrical services you should be bargaining with the seller over. If you are the seller an electrical inspection is also a good idea as it will give you a good idea of what to expect during the inspection stage of escrow.

You Smell Electrical Smells

You should never smell electricity, but if you do, this is a clear sign that your home is in need of electrical services. While it is hard to explain electrical smells, you will know if you do. People often describe it as a smoky, burnt, or sulphuric smell, and some people report tasting metal in their mouth at the same time that they are smelling it. If you recognize the smell of anything like this it is a sign that a write or electrical socket somewhere in your house is smoldering. You do not want to wait on this one, and it is best to call for emergency electrical services if possible.

Lights Flicker

There is only one reason that lights flicker, and it’s not because there are ghosts in the room. Lights flicker because the electrical circuits are getting overwhelmed and the current quickly shuts off while trying to accommodate current flowing elsewhere. Constant light flickering indicates that you are on your way to an electrical short or a power surge- both situations you don’t want to find yourself in. With this in mind, it is a good idea to get help immediately if you know the light flicker in your home.

If you recognize any of these signs in your Myrtle Beach, SC home, Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach can help. Give us a call today and we will schedule an appointment with one of our electricians.