5 Signs Your Home Needs Switch and Outlet Repair
- Electrical
Switches, plugs, and outlets are all ways you can interact with your electrical system. Because they’ll get a lot of use, they’re prone to wearing down. Not only are these inconvenient when they wear down, but they’re also a danger. You should never ignore something that increases your risk of electrocution or house fire. When your home needs outlet and switch repair, you should call on the professional electricians at Ryan Gath. However, getting the help you need requires you to know when you need help.
Here are five warning signs that you should call to get outlet and switch repair:
Heated/burnt plastic
You should be very concerned when a switch cover feels warm or looks/smells burnt. Behind the cover, worn internal contacts or wire terminals can become dangerously hot. These worn components can shock you, melt more of the cover, or even start a house fire. If you see these signs, turn off that switch/outlet/plug’s circuit breaker and call a professional as soon as possible!
Lighting delays
You can tell when a light switch is getting old when there’s a delay between flicking the switch and the light turning on. The delay happens because the electrical contacts can get worn from years of use. This is unlikely to cause a fire, but it’s still a sign of a dying light switch. Give us a call so we can replace the switch before it dies completely.
Noisy switches
When light switches don’t work properly, they can make a wide variety of buzzing noises. Sometimes it’s just a loose wire connection, but the problem might be that the switch is worn or defective. Either way, you should call one of our electricians. Keep in mind that dimmer switches can also cause certain light bulbs buzz as the filament structure vibrates. Before you do anything major, try experimenting with different types and brands of light bulbs.
Damaged faceplates
The faceplate on outlets and switches can face wear and tear as you use them. Eventually, the damage can expose the wiring behind the plate. Even tiny cracks can expose you to dangerous electrical arcing. Also, cracks make it easier for dust and other contaminants to get into the wires and cause more damage.
Ungrounded outlets
Any outlet that only has two holes for prongs doesn’t have any grounding. Three-holed outlets have a grounding wire that protects your home from power surges. Continuing to use outdated outlets can jeopardize you and your home’s electrical systems. If you still have ungrounded outlets, give us a call so we can modernize your outlets.
What makes Ryan Gath my best choice for keeping my electrical system safe?
Ryan Gath Electric is focused on providing the best possible electrical services to the people of Massachusetts. We are composed of master electricians, with years of professional experience under their belts. No matter what kind of electrical needs you have, we can take care of it for you. So much of our modern lifestyles are reliant on the electricity that courses through our homes and offices. As important as that power is, however, it can also be quite dangerous. When you have a problem with your electrical grid, the very last thing you want to do is try and fix it yourself. You don’t want to put yourself at risk by dealing with that much voltage without the proper knowledge or tools. Call Ryan Gath today to learn more about our electrical repair services!
