Summer Residential Electrical Problems For Homeowners in Baltimore
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Homeowners frequently experience electrical problems during the summer. This is likely due to increased electricity use for fans and air conditioners - leading to circuit breakers tripping, potentially endangering your family's safety.
Overloaded Circuits
Circuit breakers (also called fuses) regulate how much power can pass through the wiring in your home and direct it through circuits that provide power to various outlets and devices throughout your home. When an overloaded circuit reaches overload status, its respective breaker trips immediately to prevent an electrical fire from starting.
If your breaker keeps tripping, mapping out your circuits can help identify which are providing power to what devices. Begin by switching off the main panel breaker before going around your home testing outlets, flipping switches, and plugging in a tester - discovering which general-purpose outlets they power and how many receptacles each has before adding up their total wattage usage compared to each individual circuit's safe load rating - should this total come close or surpass it, move some appliances onto other circuits until everything works as intended!
Power Surges
Power surges occur when electricity is interrupted and then returned into the system, creating voltage spikes that can damage electronics and appliances. They may be caused by anything from lightning strikes to utility company issues; or within your own home by large appliances drawing too much power from smaller devices such as hair dryers or space heaters; they may even result from poor electrical wiring (particularly older homes with outdated aluminum wiring), where these wires don't accommodate higher-capacity refrigerators, entertainment systems and other devices that draw power.
As wires get hot from overuse, they may send too much current through the circuit breaker and cause it to trip, effectively shutting off all devices connected to that same circuit - including air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, televisions and laptops - that are connected. In most cases, once reset by resetting of the breaker these devices should work normally again but if sparks emerge at plugs or plastic smells start burning or you notice overheated outlets you should
call an electrician immediately.
Electrical Fires
Homeowners often increase electricity use in summer, putting extra strain on systems and causing overloaded circuits, power outages, or other issues.
Overheated plugs, burning smells, and flickering lights may signal potential electrical fires. If you notice these signs, call Able Electrical Services at 410-761-2253 immediately. Electrical fires are dangerous and can be sparked by worn appliances, loose outlets, or power surges from storms.
Never use water to put out an electrical fire—it can worsen the situation. Instead, evacuate, call the fire department, and shut off power if it’s safe. Once the fire is out, hire an electrician to inspect and repair damaged wiring or appliances.
Contact Able Electric For All Your Electrical Needs In Baltimore, MD, and surrounding areas.
While summer can be a season of fun and relaxation, it’s important to not forget about the potential electrical hazards that come with it. By following preventative measures, you can ensure your safety and avoid any electrical issues that may come up.
Able Electric serves the Metropolitan Baltimore Area as well as Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, and the surrounding areas. For all your home electrical needs, no matter how big or small, contact the pros at Able Electric today by calling
253-336-7978 or
scheduling a free estimate online. We offer many different electrical services for home and commercial businesses.