Sensing a spark this Valentine’s Day?

Romantically speaking, this is a good thing. When it comes to your electric, well that’s another story. See why you may be experiencing sparks with your home’s electricity.

Electricity is pulsing through your home’s wiring quickly, conveniently to power what you need, when you need to use it. Here in Maryland, we are experiencing colder temperatures, which require space heaters, possibly electric blankets, and other convenient appliances to help us weather the cold temperatures.

But sometimes, when you are plugging in and unplugging, you may get a spark. Sometimes small, sometimes large and even shocking. What should be a concern?

Here are some signs you may have a serious problem and need to hire an electrical contractor:

  1. Heat around an outlet—outlet and or appliance always “runs hot”. The outlet or wiring may need to get replaced. Heat may damage the insulation around the wiring, which can be dangerous.
  2. Short circuit when something is plugged in. When you plug in your hairdryer, do you frequently trip a circuit breaker or gfci type outlet? Either your outlet needs replaced or you possibly need a larger or dedicated circuit. Either one should resolve your electrical issue.
  3. Water near an outlet. Water and electricity do not mix well. Installing GCFI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) will cause a circuit to shut down and avoid a fire or possible electrocution.
  4. Old electrical aluminum wiring, or faulty outlets – can cause shocks and sparks because the wiring is not always capable of safely transferring the electrical current. In this event, hiring an electrical contractor is a safe bet.

If you are in need of reducing some electrical “sparks” within your home, contact Walter Electric at 410-590-5959.