Electrical Wiring: DIY or Professional?

01 Aug Electrical Wiring: DIY or Professional?

Kingsport, TN

Did you know that, according to FEMA. outdated electrical wiring is the fourth-leading cause of house fires in America? If you have an older home that has been updated in recent years, chances are that the electrical wiring was not updated along with it. The rubber coatings on older wires begin to deteriorate over time, exposing the copper wiring underneath. That’s how fires happen.

Also, if your circuit breaker often trips, outdated wiring can be the reason, as the older wires cannot handle the voltage load. If you have faulty or outdated electrical wiring, even if you are the most avid of do-it-yourself homeowners, stand down and get this taken care of the right way with a licensed electrician. Electrical work is intricate and sensitive, and needs to be done correctly in order to avoid potential disasters to you or your family.

Watch for these warning signs of outdated wiring

Flickering or dimming lights – Ever notice a flickering when using appliances like your washing machine or microwave? This is a likely indication that your home’s circuit wiring is outdated and is struggling to handle the voltage load.

Scorch marks, odd smells, and smoke – You can tell your outlets are sparking if there are scorch marks or burns around them. Smoke, outlets being warm to the touch, or the smell of burnt plastic are also indicators that it’s time to call a professional.

Crackling and popping sounds – Hearing a sizzling, cracking or popping sound from your outlet is a major warning sign. Noisy outlets of any kind are evidence that there is an underlying electrical issue that needs to be addressed immediately, as it’s a fire hazard. Issues like this tend to happen in older homes. Never try fixing issues like this on your own, unless you are a licensed electrician.

Home insulation is damaged – Moisture, pests and the passage of time can cause the erosion of your home’s insulation and leave some of your wiring unprotected. These insulation issues can further expose your wires to rodents and corrosion, making the potential dangers even bigger.

Electricians Serving Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee

Thompson Electrical Service is proud to provide comprehensive, thorough and fully up-to-date electrician services to both residential and commercial customers.

Mistakes happen in all areas of life. However, the risks of mistakes when working with electricity are just too great for someone that isn’t licensed. Not only are our electricians fully licensed and insured, but they are expertly trained and eager to tackle your wiring issues, so that your home remains a safe space for you and your family. The professionals at Thompson Electrical Service can assist with much more than just wiring or outlet fixes. They can also easily assist with your sound system, home theater, smart wiring and programming, or the setup of your outdoor audio/visual system.

We offer commercial service agreements and contracts for regular maintenance, as well as 24-hour emergency service in the event of electrical breakdowns. Call our office at (423) 343-5726 to schedule an on-site estimate with one of our licensed electricians.