Maybe the electrical wiring in your home is old. Or maybe it wasn’t installed properly when your home was first built. Whatever the case, it can cause serious problems and even lead to a home fire if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, there are signs you can look out for in the event of faulty wiring in your home. Call an electrician serving San Jose if you notice any of these problems.

Your Circuit Breaker Trips Often

Circuit breakers are designed to shut off your power whenever you are using too much electric at one time. That is their job, and they can actually help you prevent problems by doing it. However, if your circuit breaker shuts off your power all the time and you are constantly tripping it, your electrical wiring very well may be outdated and need to be replaced by an electrician.

Your Lights Flicker, Buzz, or Dim When You Use Them

While a circuit breaker that trips often is a pretty obvious sign that you have an electrical issue, there are some signs that are more subtle. For example, if your lights flicker, buzz, or dim when you are using them, this likely means that your electrical wiring is having trouble providing enough power to them. It’s time to upgrade your electric.

Your Walls Are Warm Near Outlets

Go around to several outlets in your home and feel the walls surrounding them when they are in use. Do they feel warm to the touch? Or do you feel the walls vibrating? These are both signs that your electrical wiring is going bad. The heat that is being generated can cause wires to melt, which can result in sparking and eventually a fire.

Your Home Smells Like Smoke

This is the most obvious sign, but if you ever smell even the slightest hint of smoke in your home, it’s time to call an electrician to let him or her investigate your electrical wiring. There’s a very good chance it is not safe and is on the brink of causing a catastrophe.

When you are preparing to update the landscaping around your home, you may want to consider an outdoor lighting installation . With the help of a residential electrician in San Jose, you will be able to create a beautiful and functional outdoor lighting design for your property. Outdoor lighting can enhance the curb appeal of your property when you work with a professional electrician. In addition, you can use carefully placed outdoor lights to illuminate your landscaping features during the nighttime hours. For example, you can use your outdoor lighting to shed light on trees, water features, or special hardscaping elements around your yard. Outdoor lighting can also enhance the security of your property at night. With spotlights and motion sensor lights, you can deter criminals from targeting your home. When you are coming home after dark, outdoor lights can also provide you with a safe, well lit path to your front door. Your electrician can provide you with more information about the great reasons to embark on an outdoor lighting installation for your yard.

Whether you are moving into an older home or have lived in the same residence for a few decades, it is important to be on the lookout for the signs of outdated electrical wiring. When your wiring and grounding become too old, your home could be at risk of surges or electrical fires. Fortunately, with the help of an electrician serving San Jose , you can make sure that all of the components of your electrical system are up to date and in proper working order. Read on for a closer look at some of the top signs of outdated electrical wiring.

Frayed Wires

Your wires are among the most essential components of your electrical system. Without wires, your circuit breaker would not be able to send electricity to the outlets and light fixtures throughout your home. If you ever notice frayed wires around your property, this could be a sign of outdated wiring. Wires can fray due to many different factors, including corrosion, excessive heat, or other forms of damage.

Scorch Marks

Scorch marks are a sign that you may want to contact your electrician right away. When an outlet or switch develops scorch marks, it is commonly a sign that the wiring underneath is damaged or otherwise compromised. Scorch marks are caused when wires overheat, leading to damage to the outlet, plate, and even surrounding drywall. Since scorch marks can point to an underlying safety issue, you should be sure to contact your electrician if you notice these symptoms around your house.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

Your circuit breakers are designed to prevent the electrical circuits around your house from becoming overloaded with voltage. If your wiring is properly installed and up to date, you will not have to worry about tripped circuit breakers on a frequent basis. When you notice that your appliances or outlets are frequently causing your circuit breakers to trip, you may want to consider scheduling electrical services.

Your home’s circuit breaker is among its most important electrical safety features. This essential electrical system is designed to prevent excessive voltage from flowing into your electrical panel. Without a working circuit breaker, your electrical system could be at risk of becoming overloaded and causing serious damage to your house. In the event that you suspect issues with your circuit breaker or fuse box, you should be sure to contact an electrician serving San Jose. Here is a look at some of the warning signs that your electrician may be looking out for when checking for a bad connection in your electrical circuit.

Visible Signs of Damage

When your electrician is checking your circuit box for signs of a bad connection, he may be looking for visible signs of damage to the system. For example, some of the common signs of a bad connection include wire nuts that are charred or melted. Other visible signs include discoloration on the face of the circuit, as well as any symptoms of melting or bubbling.

Excessive Heat

Excessive heat can also be a sign of a poor connection in an electrical circuit. When a circuit box feels hot to the touch, this could indicate that its wiring is loose or otherwise damaged. Since a hot circuit box could lead to significant damage to your electrical system, it is important to schedule electrical services at the first sign of this issue. Your electrician will be able to mend the loose connection and ensure that your circuit box is safe for use.

Rust and Corrosion

The wiring that connects a circuit box to an electrical system contains coated metal that should be highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and other types of damage. When a connection becomes loose, however, these metal components could start to corrode. In the event that you notice rust or corrosion near your circuit breaker, do not hesitate to call your electrician. A qualified electrician will be able to solve your loose connection and restore the safety of your electrical wiring.

If you’re like most people, your electrician doesn’t come to mind when you think about strategies to increase the value of your home. However, with a few simple improvements, an electrician can add significant value to your property for much less than other home renovation projects. For instance, consider swapping out some of your light fixtures for ceiling fan and lighting combos. Not only do fans look great, but they can also help reduce your energy costs. Changing out an outdated electrical panel or adding dimmer light switches can also help. Find out more ways your electrician can add value to your home in this infographic from Delta Electric . Contact us when you’re looking for a certified electrician near San Jose, whether you need a small repair or major renovation. Please consider sharing these tips for increasing home values with your friends and neighbors so they can also tap into these benefits.

Your kitchen is the heart and soul of your home. Whether you are constructing a brand new kitchen, or renovating your existing space, it is important to include lighting in your new kitchen design . A residential electrician in San Jose will be able to provide you with all of the services you need to get the most out of your kitchen lighting installation. From hanging lights to recessed lights and more, you will be able to create a custom lighting concept with the help of your electrician. Read on for some top tips to keep in mind during your lighting installation.

Mix Lighting Types

As you are planning a kitchen lighting installation , you may want to consider mixing different types of lighting styles. For example, task lighting will provide you with plenty of illumination when you prepare meals. Other lighting styles that can be incorporated with your task lighting include ambient lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting. By blending different lighting styles, you can get the most use out of your kitchen lights.

Create Focal Areas

Your kitchen lighting design can be used to accentuate different architectural features or spaces throughout your kitchen. For example, if you have a central kitchen island, you can draw attention to this feature using pedant lighting or a chandelier. Other focal areas can be created by placing recessed lighting in exposed shelves or under cabinetry. With help from your electrician, you will be able to determine the correct placement for lights around your kitchen space.

Consider Decorative Additions

While lighting is a functional part of every kitchen, your kitchen lighting can also be used to provide a decorative accent to your room design. If you are planning a kitchen with a classic and elegant style, you can add decorative whimsy to your space with a fun chandelier installation. Modern kitchens can also benefit from decorative elements, such as hanging lamps and track lighting.

When your home is in need of electrical services, it is important to take your time to find a qualified residential electrician near you. For example, you should check to make sure that your electricians are qualified with an established professional body. With proper certification, you can rest assured that your certified electrician has the training and experience needed to work on your home in a safe and efficient manner. You may also want to look at the website of your electrician serving San Jose . On the website, you can read reviews and learn more about certification. For more helpful tips to keep in mind when you are hiring an electrician, be sure to check out this video from Rated People.

Your home’s electrical panel provides power to all of your outlets, appliances, and lighting. In the event that your electrical system experiences a maintenance issue, your electrician may need to access your electrical panel to perform repairs. By switching off your home’s power at the electrical panel, your electrician serving San Jose can ensure that your electrical outlets and wiring are safe to repair. When your electrical panel is switched off, all of the power will be disconnected to your home. To highlight the importance of providing safe access to your electrical panels, here is a look at some fast facts about these units.

Fact: Improper Electrical Panel Installation Can Pose a Safety Threat

Whether you are building a new home, or are planning to upgrade your existing electrical system, it is highly important to make sure that your electrical panel is properly installed. An improperly installed electrical panel can cause fire, injury, and property damage. With proper electrical panel installation, you can prevent a dangerous situation in your home.

Fact: Federal Code Regulates Electrical Panel Installation

To protect the safety and well-being of every occupant of a building, Federal code dictates the proper installation and orientation of all electrical panels. When an electrical panel is installed, it must have a minimum of three feet of clearance. This clearance space provides an electrician with plenty of room to switch off the panel and perform electrical repairs. By following Federal code, your electrical panel will offer proper safety to your family members and electrical workers, alike.

Fact: Electrical Panels Should Be Easily Accessible

While electrical panels are typically installed in out of the way locations, it is of the utmost importance to make sure that your electrical panel can be quickly and easily accessed. If your electrical panel is blocked by shelving, furniture, or other items, it may be too difficult for your electrician to perform emergency repairs. By avoiding a blockage in front of your panel, you can ensure that your electrical services go smoothly.

Thoughtful interior lighting can do a lot for the atmosphere and mood in your home. The right combination of down lighting, ambient lighting, spot lighting, and task lighting can create a beautiful, multi-dimensional look in your home. To learn more about these and other types of lighting, as well as how to incorporate them into your home’s lighting design, watch this short video.

Changing a lightbulb is nothing like installing new lighting fixtures, which is why homeowners are highly encouraged to trust all lighting installations with a certified residential electrician in their area. San Jose electricians can also assist with the design of your lighting system to achieve optimal functionality, safety, and aesthetics.