7 Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection

15 February, 2021
7 signs you need an electrical inspection

As electricity costs increase, it’s a good idea to regularly check your household’s electrical sockets, panel boxes, and the overall condition of your lighting fixtures. With more people staying home, you need to factor in the number of individuals working remotely and kids opting for online learning. This means with the increased use of tablets and laptops, along with all the other electrical fixtures such as lamps and appliances, an increased risk of fire, shocks, and surges could occur.

With a boost of electrical usage occurring at home, electrical issues could happen if you’re not careful. At Hi-Lite Electric, each one of our electricians is certified under the Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA) Authorized Contractor Program (ACP). We have the expertise and the best electrical services in Toronto to ensure your home is safe from electrical mishaps. Here are 7 signs you need an electrical inspection.

1. Outlets or switches are loose

Walk through your home and check all the electrical outlets and light switches. Over the
years, the wiring behind electrical outlets and light switches gets worn out and, eventually, they can loosen. If you notice this, know that they can catch on fire if they are used. Be sure to stop using these sockets and switches and call for an electrical inspection.

2. Surges occur using major appliances

Using major appliances such as air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, freezers, refrigerators, water heaters, and microwave ovens should be safe. However, if you use multiple appliances at once and they cause an electrical surge, this can spark a fire. Consult with an electrician as soon as possible for an inspection.

3. Burning smells

If you detect a burning smell, follow where it’s coming from. If you come to a dead-end and you can’t determine the source of the smell, the wiring might be the problem. Since wires are not visible to the naked eye, they could cause a fire if left alone. Once you smell something burning, stop using all switches and outlets in that area or room and call for an electrical inspection.

4. Flickering light

When you turn on the lights and they start flickering, that is a sign of wire damage in a faulty switch. Another common issue that causes flickering lights is likely to be ignited by other appliances being used that are attached to the same circuit. For instance, a washing machine draws a lot of power and could make the lights flicker in the laundry room. Call an electrician to do an inspection, as they can switch the lighting to another circuit, so the washing machine is getting the correct power supply.

5. Hot electrical sockets and switches

Along with burning smells, if your electrical switches and outlets are producing heat, that is something you should be concerned about. It’s normal for some warm spots, especially when something is plugged into a socket. However, if it becomes too hot that it burns your hand, have an electrician check it out. Another thing to pay attention to is if an electrical outlet gets hot even when there is no device plugged into it; in this case, there might be a wiring issue. Stop using that socket and have it inspected by an electrician.

6. Buzzing outlets

If you hear buzzing or any sounds coming from your electrical outlets, unplug the devices connected to them. It is not normal to hear buzzing or any kind of sounds from your outlets. Buzzing sounds signal loose connections, defective appliances, or faulty wiring. Stop using these sockets and seek the help of an electrician.

7. Regular circuit trips

The main purpose of fuses and circuit breakers is to protect the appliances in your home. Sometimes, a circuit may blow or trip when it is overloaded. All you need to do is flip the switch in your circuit box and restart it. This is normal. However, if you find your circuit tripping is happening frequently and you need to constantly restart it at your circuit box, this should raise concern. It’s time to seek advice from an electrician on their electrical circuit upgrade services.

If you think the wiring or any other electrical components in your home are having problems, never attempt to fix them on your own. An electrical inspection performed by a trained electrician can uncover the causes. Here is a summary of the 7 signs you need an electrical inspection:

  • Loose outlets or switches. All electrical outlets and light switches should be easy to turn on and plug things into. If they are loose, stop using them.
  • Surges occur using major appliances. Using major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, and refrigerators should be safe. However, older models can take up a lot of energy and cause a surge.
  • Burning smells. If you detect a burning smell, discontinue using all switches and outlets in that area or room and call for an electrical inspection.
  • Flickering light. If you switch on the lights and they start to flicker, that is a sign of wire damage in a faulty switch. Have it checked by an electrician, as they can make some changes to the circuit.
  • Hot electrical sockets and switches. If your electrical switches and outlets are hot to touch, there might be a wiring issue. Stop using that socket or switch and have it inspected.
  • Buzzing outlets. Buzzing sounds signal loose connections, defective appliances, or faulty wiring. Stop using them and seek the help of an electrician.
  • Regular circuit trips. Every so often, a circuit may trip, especially when overloaded. Go to the circuit box and flip the switch off, then turn it on again. However, if you find your circuit tripping on a regular basis, it’s time to get an electrician to do an inspection.

If you would like a free quote on our upgraded electrical services, our team of professional electricians at Hi-Lite Electric are here to assist you with preventing electrical issues throughout the GTA region. Call us at 416-800-5523 in Toronto, in York Region at 289-207-0324, and in Peel Region at 289-216-0548, or contact us here.



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Riaz Jilani
Riaz Jilani
2024-06-05
I had another electrician which not giving me time and then I search on google and found Hi Lite with good reviews so I decided to try them. I send massage on their website and after 30 minutes I got call from them they booked me different time which was not suitable for me. I requested them and they change according to my convenient.electrician came on time complete the job also advised me some unseen problems also fixed perfectly and my satisfaction . First time I really impressed I recommend them they are trouble free and with good reputation
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
2024-05-10
Stove wasn't working. Stove people said it was an electrical issue. Steven came over, showed me what was wrong. Now I know more about electricity. 5/5 would electricity again.
Heather D
Heather D
2024-05-10
Excellent service. Matt came out after hours to resolve an emergency situation where an outlet in our garage caught on fire. He was here within the hour and completed the work efficiently. In addition he communicated clearly all the necessary steps needed. We will definitely be calling him back for additional assistance in the future if the need arises.
Amrik Bhogal
Amrik Bhogal
2024-04-29
Excellent service! We had a problem with some receptacles in a couple of rooms in our house. Tried the usual resetting the breakers and GFI plugs, but to no avail. Called Hi-Lite Electric based on a recommendation from a friend. Matthew from Hi-Lite come over, diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable and kept me in the loop as what he was doing. His estimate was very accurate. I would highly recommend HiLite
Roy Thompson
Roy Thompson
2024-04-29
Matthew and Steven did a fantastic job added two lights in my bedroom, prior to that their was no lights in my bedrooms. i would highly recommend them.
Izabella Hansen
Izabella Hansen
2024-04-23
Had a great experience with Matthew, a licensed electrician. He explained everything I needed thoroughly. Worked efficiently, was professional and curteous. I highly recommend this family run company.
Jo Persad
Jo Persad
2024-04-19
Excellent service. We had a problem with our house wiring and Matthew diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very polite and pleasant and informative. We would highly recommend HiLite.
James Danakas
James Danakas
2024-03-27
The service we received from Matthew and Luciano was excellent and our problem was solved in a timely matter. Great customer service! Highly recommend!
Corrado Di Rosa
Corrado Di Rosa
2024-03-26
Excellent customer experience! Matthew is always on point with his recommendations and makes sure the issue is solved. Highly recommend Hi-Lite.
Funk Roberts
Funk Roberts
2024-03-18
I recently had the pleasure of having Matt from HiLite Electrical come over to replace my smoke alarm, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the moment Matt arrived, it was clear he was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable and professional. His attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that the job was done efficiently and effectively. What truly set Matt apart was his commitment to going above and beyond. He was punctual, arriving right on time, which is a rarity these days. But more importantly, he took the time to explain the process, what the problem was, and why we couldn't get the unit from the foundation in the first place. He was also amazing to talk about in general (especially fitness, training and combat sports, relationships, and other things), and ensured everything was working perfectly before he considered his job done. I highly recommend Hi-Lite Electrical to anyone in need of electrical services. Their team, from speaking with Ang on the phone to set up the appointment (Happy Angela Day..that's an inside joke) to Matt getting it done, Hi-Lite exemplifies the kind of professionalism and expertise that is all too rare. Trust me, if you want a hassle-free, high-quality service, look no further than Hi-Lite Electrical. A big thank you to Ang and Matt for not just meeting, but exceeding my expectations! Super Happy Customer! Funk Roberts

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