9 Signs That You Should Call For Electrical Services Immediately | Myrtle Beach, SC

3/30/2021

Photo By Bill Oxford at istock

The electrical system in your Myrtle Beach, SC home is very complex. If your electrical system isn’t functioning properly, disaster can occur. According to The Electrical Safety Foundation International, there are over 50,000 electrical fires in the United States every year. This damage accounts for $1.3billion in property damages. The best way to keep your home and family safe is to be able to recognize the signs that you need electrical services so you can call a professional immediately. Each of the issues below is serious and would require the immediate assistance of an electrician.

#1 Circuit Breaker Issues

The circuit breaker box is your electrical system’s brain. You have too many things plugged in; the circuit breaker will trip to prevent a dangerous overload, which can cause an electrical fire. If a fuse is frequently tripping, you should try unplugging some of the electrical devices plugged into that circuit. If this solves the problem, you have nothing to worry about. If it doesn’t solve the problem, you should call for electrical services. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of an electrical fire. An electrician will inspect the breaker box to find the cause of the problem.

#2 Flickering Lights

If your lights flicker when you use an appliance, you should call for electrical services. This could mean that you have an issue with the breaker box. It could also mean that your system is overloaded, and your breaker box needs to be upgraded. This is a big job and should only be handled by a licensed electrician.

#3 A Switch Plate Or Outlet Is Hot To the Touch

If you touch a light switch plate or an outlet cover and it is hot to the touch, you should call an electrician right away. The heat is a sign that the wiring is getting overheated, which, if it goes ignored, will result in an electrical fire. Many homeowners will try to fix the problem themselves, which can result in disastrous consequences. You should call an electrician as soon as you discover the problem.

#4 A Light Switch Doesn’t Turn Anything On, Or An Outlet Doesn’t Work

If you recently moved into your home and one of your light switches doesn’t work, or an outlet doesn’t power anything, you should call for electrical services. It is possible that there is no problem at all. The builder could have installed the outlet or light switch for future use, and in the end, the outlet or switch wasn’t necessary. It could also be an issue where the previous homeowner tried a DIY repair or installation that failed. To be on the safe side, you should call for electrical services. A licensed electrician will inspect the switch or outlet to make sure that it is safe.

#5 You Receive a Shock When Touching a Light Switch Or Appliance

It is not uncommon to get a mild shock if you rub your feet over the carpet and touch an electrical appliance. However, if you touch this appliance and are always getting shocked, you should call for electrical service. There is a good chance that the wiring is faulty and can cause an electrical fire if it goes ignored. There could be no problem at all, but it is not worth taking the risk. You should call for electrical services as soon as you notice the problem.

#6 Rust Or Moisture Around An Outlet

Everyone knows that water and electricity are very dangerous together. If you notice moisture or rust around an electrical outlet, you should call for electrical services immediately. This is a sign that the electrical system has been exposed to water, which is very dangerous. This issue can result in electrocution or an electrical fire. The best way to keep your home and family safe is to call for an electrician as soon as you discover the problem.

#7 Buzzing Sounds Coming From Behind the Walls

If you hear a faint buzzing sound coming from behind the walls in your Myrtle Beach, SC home, it is unlikely that there is a bees’ nest in the wall. The buzzing sound is likely a sign that there is an issue with your home’s wiring. This is an emergency, and you should call for an electrician immediately. Allowing the problem to persist can result in an electrical fire behind the wall, which will quickly cause the entire house to become engulfed in flames.

#8 You Don’t Have Enough Three-Prong Outlets

Most major appliances require a three-prong outlet. Modern appliances need to be grounded, which is what the third prong does. Many homeowners who don’t have enough two-prong outlets in their homes will try to handle the issue on their own. Some will use extension cords, which isn’t the safest option. Others will pop off the third prong, which can be extremely dangerous.

If you don’t have enough three-prong outlets in your home, you should call an electrician. A licensed electrician can switch out your two-prong outlets for three-prong, which can prevent a disaster from occurring.

#9 You Are Using Too Many Extension Cords

Older homes aren’t designed with as many electrical outlets as newer homes. If you live in an older home and find yourself running extension cords to power all of your appliances, you should call for electrical services. Running too many extension cords can cause trip and fall accidents and can result in an electrical fire. When you schedule an appointment for electrical services, a licensed electrician can install additional outlets in your home so you won’t need to use extension cords.

Why Choose Mister Sparky Of Myrtle Beach?

Mister Sparky is a national franchise that was founded in 1996. Tony Zack has been in the electrical field since 1995, and in 2010, he opened the Myrtle Beach office.

All of the electricians who work for Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach are licensed, insured, and highly trained. We require our electricians to take continuing education classes so they can stay up-to-date with the latest technology. They are also required to pass a drug test and a background test before they are hired.

We understand that electrical issues can arise at any time of the day or night. Because of this, we offer 24/7 emergency service.

We understand that your time is precious; therefore, you can be sure that we will arrive on time, with the equipment to make the necessary repairs.

To schedule an appointment, give us at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach a call today.