When Should You Call For An Electrician?
Homeownership can be a chore and extremely troublesome to keep up with. There always seem to have endless problems to fix –– from maintenance costs, mortgage fees, yard works, electrical wiring… the list goes on and on. As such, many people opt to find quick short-term solutions to these problems –– be it ignoring those flickering lights in your living room, or utilizing multiple extension cords to power new electrical devices. Learn more about sp power electricity rate to save on your electricity bill.
However, we’re here to advise you that fixing your own electrical inconveniences is highly non-advisable, as even the smallest mistake could result in a fire hazard or frayed wires. There’s no shortage of electricians in Singapore to call should you encounter any electrical issues.
Here are the top ten warning signs that should warrant the professional services of a licensed electrician:
You Live In An Old House
If you live in a house more than 40 years old, and you’ve never overhauled your electrical service professionally, chances are you’re living with an inadequate and hazardous wiring system. With such an outdated structure, the outlets and wiring are bound to way past the expiration date –– such as having two-pronged outlets instead of three, having cloth-covered wires, etc. Plus, the evidence of rust could get into the wiring system and cause electrical shortages. For your family’s safety, it is recommended that you seek out an electrician’s professional help, and implement the necessary changes.
There Are Flickering Lights
Lights are only supposed to flicker or dim if you adjust the dimmer switch. If your lights aren’t providing consistent lighting throughout the day, this could be a potential indicator of a serious electrical wiring problem. Flickering or dimming lights are common symptoms of a power surge –– this occurs when there is a strain on the power system, which is often caused by the overuse of a large electrical appliance, such as an air conditioner. Whilst flickering lights may appear to be a minor problem, dismissing it could escalate into a potential fire hazard.
Your Outlets Give You Minor Shocks
Have you ever experienced receiving minor shocks when lightly touching a switch, outlet, or electrical surface? You might first want to consider whether you’ve passed by a carpeted surface, as it might be the result of a static electricity build-up. If this does not apply, you should call an electrician as soon as possible. This could be a sign of an internal wiring issue, electrical overload, or a ground fault. It might be good to do an internal ‘touch test’ on your outlets every month to detect this problem early.
Your Wires Are Damaged
If your house contains damaged or faulty wires, it’s probably the work of haphazard, amateur electrical work. Though there’s nothing wrong with do-it-yourself (DIY) home repairs, electrical wiring should not be tampered with if you are not professionally trained. Instead, we encourage you to notify an electrician as can be found here, immediately to replace your damaged wires and correct the errors.
Overcompensation With Extension Wires
Another telltale sign of inadequate electrical wiring is if there is an over-abundance of extension cords. If you are relying heavily on extension cords to power your small to everyday electrical appliances, it might be time to call an electrician to install new power outlets. This is especially prevalent in older houses, which often do not have enough power outlets installed. Though extension cords are a convenient short-term solution, using them in the long-term may trigger overheating or an electrical fire. Plus, cords lying around are unsightly and can be a physical hindrance for everyday mobility.
You Have Modern Appliances
It can be tricky to buy modern appliances whilst living in an old house, especially if your electrical system has not been upgraded for a long time. When purchasing new appliances, you must be sure to check the compatibility between your electrical system and the new equipment. This is to prevent any voltage or wiring inconsistencies, which could potentially damage your wires in the long run.
Working in Water-Prone Areas
When installing electrical appliances near areas with plumbing, such as the bathroom, basement, or kitchen, requires you to be doubly cautious when handling the electrical wiring. Water is a good conductor of electricity, hence electricity can travel through it well and cause electrocution unknowingly –– resulting in permanent injury or the worst-case scenario, death. Purchasing ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) can help protect you from electrocution should water come into contact with the electrical outlet. If you do not have any preventative measures in water-prone areas, you might want to consider purchasing an upgrade.
Looking to Install Outdoor Lighting
Regardless if you’re looking to install aesthetically-pleasing electrical lighting, or to keep burglars away, you should refrain from doing-it-yourself and consult the help of a professional electrician. A handy electrician would aid to install the right lighting in the most suitable places –– such as the driveway, front and back yard, as well as other key areas to highlight decorative arrangements.
Selling Your Property
Part of being a responsible and trustworthy seller is to ensure that your property has a functioning, well maintained electrical system –– you won’t want your future buyers to spend a fortune on overhauling your whole electrical wiring! Hence, you should always consult an electrical specialist before buying or selling a property; that way, you’re able to properly inspect the property before moving forward with your purchase.
Your Property is Being Constructed
Property construction requires a contractor’s license and an inspection by the municipality or city where it is located –– this is to ensure that the regulations that it is under are abided to minimize fire or electrical hazards. As such, hiring a trustworthy electrician company is necessary to set up your property’s electrical wiring so that your current and future electrical needs are properly taken care of.
Conclusion
To protect your family’s and property’s safety, we recommend consulting a professional electrician to ensure that your existing electrical system is in tip-top condition. Do remember this rule of thumb: if in doubt, check it out! Too many people waste valuable time and money trying to fix their electrical problems themselves. Rather than dabbling (and risking making matters worse), consult a professional instead.
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