3 Signs Your Electric System Need To Be Upgraded

Do you know how much voltage your current electrical system can handle, or whether all of the outlets in your home are properly grounded? If you cannot answer these questions, don't feel bad. Many homeowners do not readily know this information. This is because residential electrical systems are designed to remain out of sight and therefore often remain out of mind as well. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to tell if your electrical system needs to be upgraded. Continue reading to learn more about three of the ways you can tell if your home's electrical system is in need of an upgrade. 

#1: You Rely On Extension Cords 

Many people use extension cords on a regular basis without ever thinking twice about it. However, extension cords are not really made to be used on a permanent or even a frequent basis. The purpose of these cords is simply to allow you to temporarily provide additional outlets in your home or to temporarily supply electricity to areas of your home that do not have any. Using extension cords for an extended period of time can increase your risk of an electrical fire. If you are relying on extension cords to plug in all of the items you use on a regular basis, it is time to upgrade your electrical system in order to create more permanent electrical outlets.

#2: Your Lights Flicker Or Dim When Using Appliances

High-powered appliances such as microwaves and air conditioners can require a significant portion of the voltage your electrical system is able to produce. If your electrical system is outdated, you may find that your lights flicker or dim each time you turn on one of these high-powered appliances. This is because an outdated electrical system may not produce enough voltage to power both your appliances and your lights at the same time. Getting your system upgraded will allow you to correct this issue and ensure that all the areas of your home are able to get the power they need. 

#3: You Are Quite Familiar With Resetting Tripped Breakers

Just about everyone will need to take the occasional trip to their fuse box in order to reset a tripped circuit breaker. However, this is not a task that you should be completing on a regular basis. If you often find yourself resetting a tripped breaker, this is another sign that your electrical system is not able to provide the level of power that you require. Rather than continuing to reset your breaker every time it trips, you will want to seriously consider reaching out to an electrician to get your electrical system upgraded. 

Reach out to a company like Etheridge Electric Company Inc to learn more.