Electricity is one of the major causes of fire damage in the home. Generally, the damage results when small electrical faults are ignored for a long time because they seem minor. When electrical fires occur, it can lead to thousands of dollars in damages that could have been prevented by hiring an electrician for much less. Here are three common indicators of trouble with the electrical system in your home and how you can deal with them to avert disaster.

Problems with Sockets - One of the most common sources of electrical issues in the home is the sockets or power outlets. First, if you touch your sockets and it feels overheated, it could be an indication that it is carrying more electrical load than it should be. Second, sparks coming from your socket are a clear indication that there is faulty wiring within the system. Another common issue with sockets is when they stop working. A non-operational socket indicates that the current is not passing through the system, which also means that some wiring might have been severed or the fuse got burned. Note that ignoring problems with your sockets could ruin your appliances, lead to electrical shock or even cause a fire in the home.

Problems with the Lighting - Another source of electrical issues in the home is problems with the lighting fixtures. If you notice that you are often changing bulbs before they have served you the recommended hours, it could be an indication of a problem with the holders or issues with the electrical circuit. Other signs of trouble with the electrical circuit include blinking lights and dimming lights.

Problems with the Appliances - Another common indication that the electrical wiring in your home is faulty is when your electrical appliances start getting ruined. Excessively high voltage, power surges and power dips are often responsible for ruined electrical appliances. However, short-circuiting and lack of proper grounding can also lead to damaged electrical appliances. Poor-quality fuses will fail to protect your appliances from damage when there is a surge.

These are the common electrical issues you can find in the home and their causes. Note that one mistake homeowners make is thinking that electrical repairs are a job they can handle on their own and thus refusing to engage a competent electrician in the repair process, which can lead to fire damage and other losses.

To learn more, contact an electrician about electrical repairs.