Home DIY can be a great way to save money and it could even be enjoyable and satisfying. However, when it comes to electrical repairs and upgrades, it is often safer to leave it to the professionals. Knowing when to have a go yourself and when to call an electrician is important: here’s what you need to know.
Trip switch going regularly
If your trip switch regularly goes, it is most likely that a circuit is overloaded or that you have a faulty appliance or wiring. Before you call an electrician, think about any patterns: does your fuse box trip when you put a specific appliance on? You can start by unplugging every appliance before resetting the trip switch and plugging them back in and switching them on one by one. If a specific appliance causes the circuit to trip again, you may have your culprit. Double check it by plugging it into a different circuit. If the appliance trips that circuit, too, you have definitely identified the problem. If the appliance doesn’t trip the different circuit, it is likely that the original one is overloaded or faulty and it is time to call an electrician.
Flickering lights or bulbs burning out
If your bulbs burn out regularly or you notice lights flickering, it could be a sign of power surges or loose wiring. It isn’t a good idea to try to deal with the problem yourself; call an electrician for advice.
Warm or hot switches
Warm or hot switches are another warning sign that could also be the result of loose wiring or too much being plugged into a single circuit. If you notice that switches are warm, or if you notice scorch marks, slightly melted casings, or smell burning, call an emergency electrician immediately.
High energy bills
If you notice a spike in your energy consumption without changing anything at home, you could have a fault in your equipment or wiring. Call an electrician to do some diagnostic tests to save you from spending money on wasted energy.
At Trust A Trader we are committed to helping our customers to find local tradespeople that they know they can trust. Our directory of vetted electricians have been rated and reviewed by customers so that you can call an electrician with complete peace of mind. If you are in any doubt at all as to the safety of your electrical systems or a specific appliance, switch everything off and call an electrician for advice. They will be able to advise you as to whether or not your situation is an emergency and will tell you what you need to do to keep you and others in your home safe.
To find a trusted electrician near you, take a look at our directory. For more advice, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or X.