A fire is one of a business or homeowner’s worst fears, and over 50,000 house fires occur each year due to electrical malfunctions. Many municipalities may only require an inspection when you are having work done during a renovation or addition, however, a responsible business owner should be routinely checking their breaker panel or fuse box. It is important to have a professional electric company like Piper Electric’s commercial electrician team come inspect your electrical wiring at least once every five years to ensure that there are no glaring errors.

Here are several other signs that your business or home may be at risk of house fire due to electrical malfunction:

Flickering

Considering the fact that lights draw such a minimal amount of power, flickering in lights throughout your house is rarely the fault of the fixture itself. The issue could be a result of having other large energy draws like appliances or a generator attached to the same circuit. Do your lights flicker when your dishwasher starts a cycle? You may want to consult a Denver electrician to address the situation.

Strange Smells

Strange odors are common when first using a new appliance, however, if the smells persist when the item is in use, disconnect all items from the outlet and call Piper Electric’s commercial electrician team. If there are odors coming from your fuse box or breaker panel, call us immediately.

Extension Cords

During the holidays, it is common for homeowners or business owners to use extension cords to light up the inside and outside. Having an “exposed” wiring system like extension cords leaves itself open to kinks, tangles, or tripping breakers. This can lead to damaging outlets and creating larger problems. Limit extension cord use, and ensure that cords are tucked away and only used for small periods of time.

Hot Outlets and Switches

It is normal for an appliance like a toaster to generate heat, however, an outlet should not also increase heat while the appliance is in use. If the outlet continues to increase heat, then either the outlet or the switch may be wired incorrectly and could lead to a fire. If you believe an outlet has an unusual amount of heat to it, consult Piper Electric’s commercial electrician team and allow them to diagnose the root of the issue for you. And refrain from using that outlet until the problem is addressed!

Buzzing and Sparking

Many people believe that electricity should “buzz,” however this is not the case. Electricity should flow silently through your system. If there is buzzing that means there is a jump in connection as the result of a damaged outlet, loose prongs or even frayed wires. If you hear buzzing from a certain outlet, remove all appliances and contact Piper to come to assess the situation.

Above all other items, sparking is a sure-fire sign of electrical malfunction and puts you at risk of a fire. If an appliance is sparking, then it may be damaged and there could be no larger issue at hand. However, no risks should be taken with sparking electricity and the appliance should not be used if you suspect it is damaged.

Piper’s Commercial Electrician Team

If you believe that your house of business may have an electrical malfunction, do not delay in calling Piper Electric’s commercial electrician team to come to address the issue and give you the peace of mind that you deserve. A quick call to a certified electrician can save you thousands in the long run and may even save your home all-together: (303) 422-9219.