A well-functioning electrical system offers convenience and reduces the risk of deadly hazards like electrocution and fires. If you’re having electrical problems at your Panama City, FL, house, don’t wait to schedule repairs. Problems like flickering lights and circuit breakers that trip frequently might not seem like a big deal, but they could be signs of serious electrical problems. If you notice any of these common problems found in Florida homes, call for electrical repairs right away:
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Have you noticed some of your kitchen lights dim when you use the microwave? Are flickering lights an issue when the air conditioner turns on? These kinds of lighting issues are common and signal a problem with your home’s electrical system.
Several issues could be causing the lighting issues. In older homes, outdated wiring or ill-fitted connections often cause lighting problems. Yet, homes of any age experience lighting issues when the circuit is overloaded, electrical voltage fluctuations occur or there’s a problem at the meter box. You need to call an electrician to inspect the wiring to get to the root of the problem.
Circuits breakers are electrical safety devices. When you flip a switch or use a wall outlet, the electrical current begins flowing. If the current’s flow exceeds the circuit breaker’s limit, it trips the circuit and cuts power to the outlet or switch.
Sometimes circuit breakers trip when there’s a singular event like a power surge. Resetting the switch restores electricity to the affected receptacle. Other times, the breaker keeps tripping and won’t function properly. When this happens, call an electrician to inspect the breaker. Faulty breakers cause frequent tripping, but so do short circuits, ground faults, arc faults and other potentially dangerous electrical issues.
Loose outlets are common problems in Florida homes, but power outlets should always fit well and never shift from side to side. Poor connections in older homes or a poorly installed outlet box often cause this issue.
A loose power outlet is an electrical hazard. They not only cause electrical shock when touched, but the constant shifting causes the wires inside the outlet box to rub together and fray. The exposed wires inside a loose electrical box can cause an arc fault, spark a fire instantly and lead to serious property damage.
GFCI outlets have been required since 1971 for exterior outlets and swimming pool equipment, but those rules have changed over the years. GFCI outlets are now required in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages and other rooms where there’s water. These outlets protect you from being electrocuted. If the outlet’s sensors detect moisture or abnormal electrical flow, the outlet trips within milliseconds.
All GFCI outlets have test and reset buttons. You should test the outlet monthly to make sure it’s working properly. If the outlet’s test/reset buttons don’t work, there’s either an issue with the outlet or a severe electrical problem affecting the circuit. Stop using the outlet and call an electrician right away.
Electrical bills fluctuate throughout the year depending on air conditioning usage, running the swimming pool pump more often, and even during times when more people are home using electronic devices and appliances. That said, if you notice your electrical bill has skyrocketed and your electrical usage has stayed the same, you should call an electrician to check the system. You might have one of the following problems:
If you’re experiencing any of the above electrical problems, schedule electrical repairs immediately. Call Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning to get a qualified electrician to your Florida home today to protect your home and family from electrical hazards.
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Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
