Essential to modern life as it might be, electricity can also be a source of damage and physical danger around your home, especially when something goes wrong. While buzzing sounds or a tripped breaker might seem like minor annoyances, they could be signs of serious electrical problems. Anytime you encounter one, it’s vital that you take immediate corrective action.

Here are 8 obvious signs you should pick up the phone and call Excel Electrical Technologies – aka Sparky – right away:

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s doing its job—preventing overloads or shorts. But frequent tripping isn’t normal. It could mean your system is overloaded or that there’s a fault in your wiring.

2. Burning Smell or Discolored Outlets

A burning smell near outlets or switches – or signs of scorching – can indicate overheating or a fire hazard behind the walls. If that happens in your home, cut power to the area and call an electrician immediately.

3. Electrical Shocks

If you feel a mild shock or tingling sensation when touching an appliance, outlet, or switch, it could indicate a grounding issue or faulty wiring. Again, not to be ignored or even postponed.

4. Outlets or Switches That Feel Hot

Outlets and switches should never feel hot to the touch. Excessive heat can be a sign of an overloaded circuit, damaged wiring, or even an impending fire.

5. You Over-Rely on Extension Cords

If you’re constantly using extension cords to power devices, your home doesn’t have enough outlets for your needs. This is more than inconvenient—it can be unsafe. Instead, let Sparky install new outlets in areas where traffic is heavier than you originally intended.

6. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

Electricity should be silent. If you hear buzzing, popping, or crackling from outlets, switches, or your panel, it’s a sign of arcing or other potentially dangerous issues behind the walls.

7. Old Wiring or Electrical Panels

Homes over 30 years old often have outdated wiring (like knob-and-tube) or panels that aren’t up to code. These systems aren’t equipped to handle today’s energy demands and may pose fire risks.

8. An Outlet Isn’t Working

When an outlet randomly stops working, it might not just mean you have a bad plug on your hands. It could indicate a loose wire, tripped GFCI, or an underlying circuit issue that needs professional attention.

Here at Excel Electrical Technologies, it’s never our intent to scare you or leave you quaking beneath your covers. We simply want you to know about some of the things that can go wrong with your electrical wiring and devices to help keep you and your family safe and sound. So have a look around your home and if you see or hear anything that concerns you, don’t just set the matter aside…contact us so we can answer your questions, come out and diagnose the problem area, and do whatever else it takes for the good of your home and family.