Electrical Repairs in Winter Haven
Some electrical issues are minor headaches, while others are major safety hazards. For example, you should not ignore overhead lights in the kitchen dimming when you turn on the toaster. The same applies to appliances turning off when others are switched on. What may seem like an inconvenience now could later turn into major headaches in terms of costly repairs, property damage, and household risk.
There are some signs that let you know repairs are needed for your electrical panel, circuit, or wiring.
- Sparks flying from outlets
- Warm switches
- Burning smells
- Buzzing or crackling
- Circuit breaker interruptions
- Dimming lights
A small, brief spark from an outlet when plugging in a device is mostly normal. This is caused by the gap between prongs and contacts, and it indicates the completion of the circuit. The problem is when sparks continue to fly afterward because of loose connections, degraded wiring, overloading, or shorting.
Switches and outlets that are warm to the touch are often caused by heat building up because of increased resistance. The heat suggests that the wiring is not making proper contact somewhere along the circuit. This could be caused by poor wire insulation or corrosion.
When there is overloading by appliances drawing more power than the circuit can handle, the excessive heat may generate a burning smell, which indicates a fire hazard that should not be ignored. The same can be said about buzzing and crackling noises, which are often caused by arcing. This happens when electricity jumps across gaps in the wires or connectors. Residential circuits are designed to allow the smooth flow of electricity through solid connections. Arcing goes beyond buzzing and crackling; it can also generate enough heat to spark fires.
Circuit breakers protect circuits from overloading and shorting. When the current flow exceeds an established capacity, the breaker trips as a protective measure. Occasional tripping can be caused by voltage surges during thunderstorms; however, constant breaker interruptions indicate issues such as faulty appliances or shorting. If you see the lights dimming before the breaker trips, the circuit may be overloading.
Any of these issues call for repairs that should only be performed by a qualified and licensed electrician. Our electricians have the training, knowledge, and tools to accurately diagnose and repair these and other electrical problems. When we conduct repairs, we check for potential hazards to prevent future issues.
