Easy access to electricity is a convenience that homeowners are proud to have, but such a convenience comes with a few risks. Due to electrical wires being installed throughout the walls and ceilings in a home, it can be difficult to spot problems. The reason is that the wires are hidden behind drywall, but there are ways to spot electrical problems without directly seeing the wires. It is a good idea to keep a watch out for electrical problems in your home, as failing to do so could lead to your house catching fire. This article explains a few of the signs that your home has electrical problems and needs the immediate attention of an electrician.

1. Lights Flicker Without a Known Cause 

Do you believe in paranormal activity and believe that your home has ghosts because the lights flicker? Although paranormal activity could be scary for some people, flickering due to an electrical problem could be scarier. The reason is that flicker lights could mean there are damaged electrical wires in your home that are connected to the fixture in question. If there are multiple lights flickering in your home, there might be a widespread electrical problem that is an imminent fire risk. You might need to hire an electrician to install new wires in the walls, ceilings, or your entire home.

2. Warm Outlets and Light Fixtures

Although it is normal for certain electronics to feel warm after they have been used for a while, warm electrical items should always be a concern. For instance, if you notice that an electrical outlet is warm, there might be wires burning behind the cover. The burning might also affect the cover and cause it to melt or become discolored. You should also be concerned if there are any warm light fixtures in your house, especially if they are making popping noises. An electrician might need to install new wires, but the fixtures and outlets might need to be replaced as well.

3. The Odor of Something Burning Is Present

If you smell something burning in your home and do not know what it is, hidden electrical wires might be the cause. It is wiser to hire an electrician to diagnose the problem than to push the concern aside. The odor of burning is a sign that your home could catch fire at any given moment. The wires might be overheating due to a problematic electrical panel or an array of other problems.

Contact a local residential electrical installer to learn more.