Serving Tampa & Surrounding Areas 
Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it also comes with risks if not properly maintained. Ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe can prevent hazards such as electrical fires, power surges, and electrocution. At Home Service Heroes, we prioritize your family’s safety by offering electrical services in Tampa, FL. Here’s how to determine if your home is electrically safe.
1. Check for Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Your circuit breaker is designed to protect your home by shutting off power when it deflects an electrical overload. However, if your breakers are tripping frequently, it could indicate underlying electrical issues such as faulty wiring, overload circuits, or outdated panels. A licensed electrician should inspect your system to ensure it’s operating safely.
2. Inspect Outlets and Switches for Warning Signs
Outlets and switches should be in good condition and function properly. Look for these signs of trouble:
- Discoloration or scorch marks – These can indicate overheating and potential fire hazards.
- Loose outlets or switches – Loose connections can lead to electrical shorts and sparks.
- Burning smells – A persistent burning smell could indicate overheating wires.
- Flickering or dimming lights – This may be a sign of poor wiring or an overload circuit.
If you notice any of these issues, schedule an electrical safety inspection with Home Service Heroes immediately.
3. Test Your GFCI and AFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are critical safety devices that protect against electrical shocks and fires. These outlets are required in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. You can test them by pressing the “test” button. If they don’t reset properly, they may need replacement.
Click here for a tutorial on how to test your GFCI outlets
4. Look for Outdated or Faulty Wiring
Older homes may still have outdated wiring, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which are major fire hazards. Signs that your home’s wiring needs upgrading include:
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights
- Buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets or walls
- Warm or sparking electrical panels
- Lack of grounding in outlets (two-prong plugs instead of three-prong)
If your home is over 40 years old and has never been rewired, it’s time to have a professional electrician assess its safety.
5. Ensure Proper Surge Protection
Power surges can damage expensive electronics and appliances. Installing whole-home surge protectors can safeguard your devices from lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, and internal surges from large appliances.
6. Examine Extension Cord Use
Extension cords are meant for temporary use. If you rely on them for permanent power solutions, your home may lack sufficient outlets. Overloading extension cords can cause overheating and increase the risk of fires. Consider having additional outlets installed by a professional electrician.
7. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection
The best way to ensure your home is electrically safe is to schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection with a licensed and insured electrician. Home Service Heroes offers expert inspections in Tampa, FL, to identify potential hazards and bring your home up to code.
Why Choose Home Service Heroes?
- Fully licensed and insured electricians
- 24/7 emergency electrical services
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Decades of experience serving Tampa homeowners
Keep Your Home Safe Today!
Don’t wait until an electrical problem turns into and emergency. Contact Home Service Heroes for a professional electrical inspection and ensure your home is safe for your family. Call us today or schedule your appointment online!
