10 Common Home Electrical Problems — and When to Call an Electrician
Most homeowners encounter electrical issues at some point. Some are minor nuisances; others are serious safety hazards that require immediate professional attention. Here's what every Winston-Salem homeowner needs to know.
1. Breakers That Keep Tripping
Normal: Occasionally tripping when running high-load appliances on the same circuit.
Call an electrician: Breaker trips repeatedly under normal loads, won't reset, or multiple breakers are tripping — likely an overloaded panel, faulty breaker, or wiring issue.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Voltage fluctuations, caused by loose connections, undersized wiring, or panel issues. Call an electrician if flickering happens regularly — especially when appliances cycle on.
3. Dead Outlets
DIY check first: Look for a GFCI outlet (with TEST/RESET buttons) in the same room and press RESET. Check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker.
Call an electrician: If neither fixes it — wiring problem or failed outlet.
4. Outlets or Switches That Feel Warm
This is a fire hazard. Stop using the outlet immediately, turn off the circuit breaker, and call a licensed electrician today.
5. Burning Smell Near Outlets, Switches, or the Panel
Arcing, overheating, or burning insulation — a serious fire hazard. Turn off the affected circuit and call 911 if you see smoke or flame. Otherwise call Dausman Electric immediately at (336) 978-7844.
6. Light Switches That Spark Repeatedly
A small spark when flipping a switch is normal. Large sparks, popping sounds, or repeated sparking need immediate professional inspection.
7. Lights Too Bright or Uneven Brightness Throughout the Home
Can indicate a lost neutral wire connection — a serious problem that can damage expensive appliances throughout your home. Call an electrician immediately.
8. Unusually High Electricity Bills
If usage hasn't changed but bills have spiked, electrical problems — arcing connections, failing appliances, or inefficiencies — may be the cause. Have an electrician perform an assessment.
9. Buzzing or Humming from Outlets, Switches, or the Panel
Electrical arcing or loose connections — a fire hazard. Turn off the affected circuit and call a licensed electrician immediately. Do not ignore buzzing from your electrical panel.
10. Frequent Light Bulb Burnouts
If bulbs are burning out unusually fast (especially in the same fixture), you likely have voltage fluctuations, poor fixture wiring, or excessive vibration from a loose fixture. Have an electrician inspect the circuit and fixture.
When to Call Dausman Electric
Any electrical issue that involves heat, smell, sparking, or repeated failures warrants a professional inspection. Dausman Electric serves Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and the Triad with same-day electrical service. Call (336) 978-7844 or schedule a free home safety inspection online.
