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The Art of Navigating Electrical Issues in Your Luxurious Home

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Published
03/27/2023

Electrical issues don't just occur in old or budget housing. They're also common in luxury homes where they pose all the same dangers to residents' health and safety. Most of these problems won't resolve themselves, so read on to find out about the art of navigating electrical issues in a luxurious home.

Identifying Problems in New Homes

A lot of people assume that having a new, custom-built home will eliminate the risk of electrical malfunctions completely. Unfortunately, that's not the case. There may still be electrical issues in your home that no one notices until after the move-in date.

The best way to handle electrical issues in new homes is to call an electrician as soon as they come up, but homeowners need to know what to look for. Common symptoms of underlying electrical problems include:

  • Frequent power surges.
  • Power fluctuations.
  • Light switches that don't work.
  • Circuit breakers that trip frequently.
  • Circuit overloading and overheating.
  • Lights that are too dim or bright.
  • Unreasonably high electrical bills.
  • Electrical shocks.
  • Lightbulbs that burn out often.
  • Dead outlets.
  • Burning smells.

These issues can occur due to faulty wiring, improper grounding, overcrowded circuits, and other faults. Homeowners should never attempt to resolve these or other electrical issues on their own, but recognizing them is the first step toward knowing when to call for help.

Safety Tips for New Homeowners

Only licensed electricians should work on electrical wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures. However, there are some steps that all homeowners should take to ensure safety around the house and eliminate unnecessary issues, whether they live in budget housing or luxury homes. 

Replace Damaged Power Cords

Extension cords are the most common culprits when it comes to sustaining potentially risky damage. Avoiding their use whenever possible is the best thing to do, followed by exercising extreme caution when using them since they can be damaged by furniture or get walked on. If damage occurs, replace them immediately.

Keep Water Away From Electrical Components

Modern homes feature GFCI outlets in moisture-prone areas, but it's still up to homeowners to avoid letting water get too close to outlets, power cords, and devices. Whether it's coming from a leaking iron or damaged plumbing, water does not mix well with electricity.

Avoid Overloading Outlets

Older homes, even nice ones, tend to have fewer outlets than are needed to accommodate a modern lifestyle. The temptation to simply plug everything into the available outlets may be strong, but don't give in. The better solution is to call to request that more outlets be installed.

Ensure Proper Wattage

Every light fixture has a specific wattage limit that should not be exceeded. However, the power draw of newer LED bulbs is much lower than that of incandescent bulbs, so they are measured in wattage equivalents. As long as the actual wattage doesn't exceed the fixture's limit, the bulbs are safe to use.

Keep an Electrician on Speed Dial

Whether a home is old or new, it's always a good idea to have an electrician in mind to call should something go wrong. While there are steps that homeowners can take to ensure the safety of their families and the longevity of their electrical systems, actual issues are always best left to licensed professionals. When in doubt, call a local electrician to find out what to do.

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