If you notice that your lights are flickering more frequently than usual or have become noticeably dimmer than they should be, it could indicate a serious electrical problem. This is often caused by loose wiring, which can become a fire hazard. If you see any signs of flickering or dimming, call an electrician right away. In the time before they arrive to assess the situation, do not use any switches, outlets, or appliances in the vicinity. They may cause the fixture to spark.

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when there's an electrical problem, which is why they're often referred to as safety switches. If your circuit breaker is tripping more frequently than normal, it could be a sign of a wiring issue. That said, it could also indicate that your electrical system is overloaded. Either way, it's best to have a professional take a look.

There are a few reasons why an outlet might stop working, but the most common is a loose connection. If you plug something in and it doesn't work, check to see if the problem is with the appliance first, then the outlet. If it's the latter, call an electrician. Do not attempt to fix it yourself, as you could accidentally electrocute yourself. Again, it's important to remember that, according to The National Fire Protection Association, about 48% of home electrical fires are caused by electrical distribution equipment. This includes outlets, so this occurrence is not one to ignore.

If you see sparks or smoke coming from an electrical outlet, appliance, or light fixture, call an electrician immediately. Sparks and smoke are serious issues and significant home dangers. This is also usually caused by loose wiring and it presents a very real fire hazard. If you see either of these dangers, refer to your family's escape plan, meet outside, and wait for the professionals to arrive.

While it's normal for outlets and switches to feel slightly warm to the touch, they should never be hot. If you notice an outlet or switch is unusually hot, it signifies an electrical problem. This could be caused by loose wiring or a faulty connection. In rare cases, a fire could have started within the walls of your home. Regardless, it needs to be assessed by professionals as soon as possible.

It's important to be aware of the signs that could indicate electrical problems in your home. If you notice any of the issues mentioned above, call an electrician just to be safe. While some electrical problems are relatively minor, others can be very dangerous. That said, don't take any chances. We're here to help. Contact Corona Lighting & Electric, Inc today.