Electrical problems can be relatively difficult to understand. Most of your electrical system is behind your walls and without proper training, it’s hard to know what’s going on. Sometimes it’s also hard to know what small projects you can handle yourself and what really requires professional attention.
So, call a licensed electrician if…
Your house is older than 25 years.
It’s likely your electrical system is outdated in some big ways. In order for your home to support the large electrical draw modern life has, you need your wiring to be up to code!
Lights Dim on Their Own.
Do your lights flicker or dim when the heating or cooling comes on? You might not have enough circuits.
You Don’t Have GFCIs in the Kitchen or Bathroom.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GCFIs, are now required by electrical code in wet areas like kitchens, baths and utility rooms. Retrofit installation is relatively painless and will make your home both safe and code-compliant. If you already have GCFIs in your home, check their reset buttons to make sure they’re working properly.
You Overload Outlets.
Maybe you just don’t have enough in the room to power everything you need. But, it isn’t safe to pull so much power out of just one outlet — the wiring can’t handle it. You can melt the plastic and cause fires.