You may be tempted to perform your own outlet testing if household circuits are not functioning properly. There are DIY ways in which you can test an outlet: however, it is much wiser to call an electrician if you notice certain signs that may indicate a dangerous situation.
Signs You Should Look For
Certainly, a homeowner should contact a local electrician if:
- You notice constant and frequent circuit breaker trips, as this could be an indication of a much bigger problem.
- Lights flicker often and unexpectedly.
- Your switches and power points are very warm to the touch.
- You are often overloading a single outlet or power strip.
Outlet Testing by Your Local Electrician
A local electrician will carry out the following:
- Test other outlets in the same room by plugging in working appliances. If multiple outlets are not working, then the wiring likely has a problem.
- Check the circuit breaker.
- Check the wiring of an outlet.
- Use a multimeter to check voltage at an electrical outlet. A multimeter is a handheld device that connects to an outlet with two metal prongs and provides a variety of data for the electrician to consider. Testing an outlet’s voltage may be helpful if you have flickering lamps, weak power, frequently tripped breakers, or constantly-burned-out light bulbs.
- Test ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). The outlets in kitchens and bathrooms that protect against water should be tested to make sure that your home and electrical system is actually getting proper GFCI protection.
Calling your local electrician might seem like an unnecessary cost, but in the long run, comprehensive testing will keep your home powered safely. If you are looking for residential electrical service in Owings Mills, MD, contact Tim Kyle Electrical Service. We have a five star rating through Five Star Rated Home Services Review as a result of our exceptional service and work performance.