Expert Electrical Systems Maintenance by Weisman Electric
Have you ever turned on the lights and wondered how the electricity was supplied to them? Whether you are looking for an electrician near Annapolis or are just curious, it can be beneficial to understand how your electrical system works. The easier it is for you to diagnose a problem, the faster you can have it repaired. Taking that into consideration, let’s take a look at how residential electric services function and how power is supplied to your home. If you’re experiencing any difficulties with your electrical system, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Weisman Electric.
How Do Residential Electrical Systems Work?
Getting on the Grid
Electrical lines typically run from your street to the meter box on the outside of your home. The meter box is the unit that helps the power company to determine how much electricity you are using. From here, the wires are run to an electric panel board somewhere within your home. These panel boards are also colloquially known as breaker boxes, and they are usually your first stop when diagnosing any electrical problem.
The Heart of Your Home
In many ways, the electric panel board is like the electrical heart of your home. From this location, you can control how much power is supplied to each room in your house, and even turn it off if necessary. The electrical system in your home is made up of wires running along the inner walls that supply power to various outlets, and the breaker box provides electricity to those wires. Although it may be used to turn off the electrical supply, the primary function of the electric panel board is to control the flow of electricity around your home.
Building Safety Codes
No matter where you live, chances are that the electrician who wired your home was held to the standards of a reasonably strong building code. Residential electrical services often require the installation of circuit breakers or interrupters that can cut off the electrical supply in case of wire shortages or potential electric shock. Most building codes also require smoke detectors to be placed in each room and in hallways to ensure the safety of residents.
Diagnosing Residential Electrical Issues
Electricity is an important component of every home. When your home’s electrical supply is experiencing issues, you may notice problems in your lighting and other areas of your electrical system. If you are wondering about what issues are troubling your indoor or outdoor lights, you can use a voltage detector to determine if there is a problem with the electrical supply. A voltage detector can also help you determine whether one of your electrical outlets has lost power. When you notice electrical problems in your home, you should be sure to schedule professional residential electrical services. An electrician near Annapolis will be able to fully diagnose and repair all of your home’s electrical issues.
What Are Some Common Home Electrical Issues?
Power Surges
Since your home requires a great deal of electricity to power its outlets and appliances, your electrical system must also be equipped with a series of safety features. One of the most important electrical safety features is the circuit breaker. In the event of a power surge, your circuit breaker will automatically shut off power to the affected area. If your power suddenly goes out, chances are, you may need to flip the breaker switch.
Sparking Electrical Outlets
Occasionally, you may notice that your electrical outlets spark when you plug in an appliance. A sparking electrical outlet could point to several different issues. For example, a short circuit can cause an outlet to spark significantly. Additionally, an outlet may spark when it comes into contact with water. To ensure that you are safe around your electrical supply, you should contact your electrician when you notice that your outlets are sparking.
Flickering Light Bulbs
When your lighting is in proper working condition, your lights should remain steadily on. If you notice that your light bulbs are constantly flickering, this could indicate an issue in your electrical system. When a light socket has a weak connection to the electrical supply, it may not be able to provide steady power to the bulb. Your electrician can address any lighting issues that are troubling your home.
What Are Potential Electrical Dangers in Older Homes?
Damaged Electrical Appliances
Older homes typically have older electrical appliances, and older electrical appliances are more likely to have frayed or damaged cords. It might not seem like a big deal, but frayed appliance cords can cause an arc fault that releases electricity and causes surrounding material to catch fire. If you have an old refrigerator or electric stove to match your home’s retro look, check the electrical cord and call an electrician if it looks damaged.
Outdated Electric Panel
Old, outdated electric panels aren’t just found on homes that were built pre-1950. In fact, some homes that are just a decade old have outdated breakers. The last couple of years have seen a huge increase in the prevalence of high-voltage appliances and consumer electronics inside the home. Unfortunately, old breakers weren’t designed to handle these huge power loads. As a result, it’s not uncommon for old panels to overload and spark when electrical demands in the home surge. A residential electrical contractor in Annapolis can inspect your home’s electric panel and recommend a replacement to meet your household’s power needs.
Old Electrical Outlets
It’s not so much the fact that old electrical outlets are inherently dangerous themselves as it is the fact that new outlets are so much safer, specifically Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These special outlets have saved countless lives and prevented many more injuries over the last three years. GFCIs are designed to trip before a deadly electrical shock can occur. In fact, some studies suggest that if GFCIs were installed in older homes, 70 percent of the approximately 400 electrocutions that occur each year in the U.S. could be prevented.
Call Weisman Electric for Your Electrical System Repair Needs
When it comes to your home’s lighting and electrical system, it is critical to trust your residential electric services to a highly trained and reputable electrician. A full-service electrical contractor can install or repair a variety of electrical systems throughout your home, including outdoor lighting, LED lights, and more. If you are seeking a great way to spruce up your home for the summer months, you may want to contact your electrician about installing new outdoor lighting. With a quality outdoor lighting setup, you can enhance the comfort and safety of your outdoor space. Along with sprucing up your lighting outdoors and around your pool, an electrician near Annapolis can also help you with home projects, such as automation or security systems. Whether you are interested in creating a smart home or are seeking a state-of-the-art security system, your electrician can provide you with the services you need to create the home of your dreams.
