In the modern homeowner's residence, there are a ton of items that rely on electricity. Oftentimes, you don't think about it when you're using your appliances. With great power, as we all know, comes a great responsibility to maintain it. For homeowners, that often means regular inspections.

Electrical fires are one of the many reasons why there are 31,356 electrical contractors in the United States, according to Zippia. Not only can electricians inspect for warning signs or damage but they can also put the work into repairing said damage. What signs should you be looking for that will let you know to call up your local electrical services? Here are three important general guidelines.

1. You See Visible Sparks

When you're plugging in your appliances or turning them on, the absolute last thing you want to see is a spark. It could be an issue with your outlet or your appliance short-circuiting. You don't want live wires to touch ground wiring either. This is how electrical fires begin. Call your local electrician as soon as possible.

2. Your Lights Are Flickering

While flickering lights can mean that your bulb is at the end of its lifespan, or defective, it can also mean that your electrical supply is unstable. After you've replaced the bulb, if the flickering continues, you'll know the issue is actually in the wiring. Don't just trust us; have a professional come take a look at the fixture and make sure that everything is working correctly.

3. You Hear Humming or Buzzing Sounds

Depending on where you live, it could mean that you have a bee's nest in your walls. However, a possibility to consider is that humming or buzzing noises could mean that your wires are overloaded. That's an indicator of a bad wiring job or an improperly installed grounded wire. Have your local electrical services come out and examine the sounds. If they determine it's a bad wiring system that needs to be amended, you'll have the experts there to fix it before it turns volatile.

Electrical fires can be devasting and deadly. If you think that there's a problem with your wiring, don't hesitate to contact someone for electrical services. All it can take is a stray spark to set things on fire. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Is it time for your home's routine electrical inspection? If so, leave it to the experts at G.E. Smith Electric, Inc. Contact us today!