When Should You Call an Electrician?

Expert Tips from Benchmark Electrical

Your home or business’s electrical system is essential for powering your day-to-day activities, but it can also be dangerous if something goes wrong. While many electrical issues may seem minor, trying to fix them yourself can lead to more significant problems, serious safety risks, and costly repairs. Knowing when to call a professional electrician is critical to keeping your electrical system running safely and efficiently. At Benchmark Electrical, we’re here to help you recognise the signs that it’s time to call an electrician to avoid further damage or danger.

Common Situations That Require a Professional Electrician

Not all electrical problems are easy to spot, but sure warning signs indicate you should call an electrician immediately. Here are some common situations where a professional is needed:

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering or dimming lights can be more than just an annoyance. While it may be tempting to dismiss the issue as a bad bulb, it could point to a more serious electrical problem, such as:

• Loose wiring: Loose connections in your electrical wiring can cause lights to flicker and pose a fire risk if not addressed promptly.
• Overloaded circuits: If your lights flicker when you turn on a high-powered appliance (like a microwave or air conditioner), it may be a sign that your circuit is overloaded.
• Faulty light fixtures or switches: Flickering lights can also result from worn or faulty fixtures and switches that need replacing.

If flickering or dimming lights persist, call an electrician to assess the situation and prevent potential hazards.

Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect an overload or fault, cutting off the flow of electricity to protect your system from damage. However, if your circuit breakers are frequently tripping, this could signal an underlying issue, such as:

• Overloaded circuits: If too many devices or appliances draw power from the same circuit, the breaker can trip repeatedly.
• Short circuits or ground faults: Occur when the flow of electricity takes an unintended path, such as through damaged wiring, leading to dangerous conditions and circuit breaker trips.
• Faulty appliances: A malfunctioning appliance, especially one that draws too much power, may cause your breaker to trip.

If your breakers trip frequently or resetting them doesn’t fix the issue, it’s important to call an electrician to investigate the cause and make any necessary repairs.

Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Around Outlets

A burning smell or scorch marks around outlets or switches indicate an electrical problem that needs immediate attention. These signs can mean that your wiring is overheating, which could lead to an electrical fire. If you notice any of the following, turn off the power to the affected area and call an electrician right away:

• Overheating wiring or outlets
• Loose connections that generate heat
• Faulty or damaged wiring

Electrical fires can spread quickly, so addressing these issues as soon as they arise is critical.

Electrical Shocks

Experiencing an electric shock when plugging in or unplugging an appliance or touching an outlet or switch is a serious safety concern. Even mild shocks indicate faulty wiring, grounding issues, or a problem with the outlet or appliance. If you feel a shock, stop using the outlet or device and call an electrician immediately to prevent further risk of injury or damage.

Hot Outlets or Switches

Outlets and switches should never feel hot to the touch. If you notice that an outlet or switch feels warm or hot, this could indicate:

• Overloaded circuits: Too much power from the outlet can cause overheating.
• Loose or damaged wiring: Faulty wiring inside the outlet or switch can generate heat and create a fire hazard.
• Faulty devices: A malfunctioning appliance or device may cause the outlet or switch to overheat.

A licensed electrician should immediately inspect hot outlets or switches to prevent overheating and the risk of fire.

Old or Faulty Wiring

If your home or business is over 25 years old and hasn’t had an electrical inspection or upgrade recently, the wiring may be outdated or unsafe. Common signs of old or faulty wiring include:

• Frayed, exposed, or damaged wires: Cause short circuits, sparks, and electrical fires.
• Aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring: Older types of wiring, such as aluminium or knob-and-tube wiring, are less safe and should be replaced with modern, grounded wiring systems.
• Frequent electrical issues: Recurring electrical problems, such as flickering lights, tripping breakers, or buzzing sounds, may indicate that your wiring is worn or insufficient for modern power needs.

If you suspect your wiring is old or faulty, an electrician can inspect the system and recommend upgrades to ensure your home or business is safe and up to code.

Too Few Outlets or Excessive Use of Extension Cords

If you rely on power strips or extension cords to meet your electrical needs, it may be a sign that your home or business doesn’t have enough outlets. While using an extension cord occasionally is fine, overloading your electrical system with multiple devices plugged into a single outlet increases the risk of overheating, tripping circuits, and electrical fires. An electrician can add new outlets to meet your needs safely and efficiently.

Buzzing Sounds

Electricity itself should be silent, so if you hear buzzing or humming noises from outlets, switches, or your circuit breaker panel, it’s a sign that something is wrong. These sounds could indicate:

• Loose connections: Loose wiring or connections inside outlets or switches can create a buzzing sound as electricity flows through.
• Overloaded circuits: It may generate a humming sound if your circuit draws too much power.
• Faulty breakers: A buzzing sound from your circuit breaker panel may mean one of the breakers is malfunctioning and not tripping as it should.

If you hear buzzing sounds, contact an electrician to inspect the system and identify the cause before it becomes a more severe issue.

Outdated or Overloaded Electrical Panels

As homes and businesses rely on more electrical devices than ever, older electrical panels may not have the capacity to handle the increased demand. If you have an outdated fuse box or an older electrical panel, or if your panel frequently trips breakers, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that your system can safely support your current power needs and meet modern electrical standards.

Planning Renovations or Installing Major Appliances

If you’re planning a renovation, adding a new room, or installing major appliances (such as an air conditioner, oven, or electric vehicle charger), it’s essential to consult an electrician. Renovations often involve reconfiguring or adding to your electrical system, and new appliances may require additional circuits or an upgraded panel to accommodate the increased power demand.

An electrician can assess your current system, recommend any necessary upgrades, and ensure that your electrical work is completed safely and complies with local building codes.

Why Choose Benchmark Electrical?

At Benchmark Electrical, we understand the importance of a safe and reliable electrical system. Our licensed and experienced electricians are ready to help with any electrical issue, whether a minor repair or a major system upgrade. Here’s why customers in Canberra trust us for their electrical needs:

• Licensed & Certified Electricians: Our team is fully licensed and certified, ensuring that every job is completed to the highest safety and quality standards.
• Prompt & Reliable Service: We know that electrical problems can be stressful, and we pride ourselves on providing fast, reliable service to get your system back up and running quickly.
• Transparent Pricing: We offer competitive, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
• Customer Satisfaction: We are committed to delivering excellent customer service and ensuring every client is satisfied with our work.