Signs You Need Electrical Repairs ASAP
Is Your Home’s Electrical System in Trouble?
Electrical issues can lead to fire hazards, power outages, and costly damage. If you notice flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or burning smells, it’s time to call a professional electrician near you.
At American Electric Company, we specialize in fast and reliable electrical repairs in Lake County, McHenry County, the North Shore, and Southern Wisconsin, serving cities like Antioch, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Crystal Lake, Johnsburg, Spring Grove, Bull Valley, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Long Grove, Glenview, Lake Geneva, and more.
Warning Signs You Need Electrical Repairs
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights flicker when using appliances – This could mean your electrical panel is overloaded or you have faulty wiring.
Random dimming or brightening – Loose connections or outdated wiring may be the cause.
Solution: Call a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring and panel before it worsens.
2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Breakers trip often – If your breaker keeps shutting off, your system may be overloaded or have a short circuit.
Fuses blow frequently – If you have an old fuse box, it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade.
Solution: Don't keep resetting a breaker—this signals a deeper issue requiring immediate electrical repairs.
3. Burning Smells or Scorched Outlets
Smoky or burning odors – If you smell burning from outlets, switches, or your panel, it could indicate overheating wires.
Dark marks on outlets – Scorched or discolored outlets signal serious wiring issues that could lead to an electrical fire.
Solution: Turn off power to the affected area and call an electrician immediately to prevent fire hazards.
4. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds from Outlets or Walls
Electrical systems should be silent – If you hear buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds, wires may be loose or arcing inside your walls.
Solution: These noises signal imminent electrical failure—contact a professional electrician right away.
5. Dead Outlets or Switches That Don’t Work
Non-working outlets or switches – If an outlet suddenly stops working, it could be a wiring issue or a bad connection.
Sparks when plugging in devices – This is a red flag for dangerous electrical faults.
Solution: Stop using the outlet and have it repaired to avoid further damage or potential shock hazards.
6. Overloaded or Outdated Electrical Panels
Older homes with 100-amp panels – Today’s homes require at least a 200-amp panel to handle modern power needs.
Adding appliances or an EV charger? – You may need an electrical panel upgrade to safely support increased energy use.
Solution: Upgrade your electrical panel to prevent overloads, power failures, and fire risks.
Schedule Electrical Repairs in Lake County, McHenry County, North Shore & Southern Wisconsin
Ignoring electrical warning signs can lead to dangerous consequences. At American Electric Company, we provide expert electrical repairs, wiring fixes, and panel upgrades in:
Lake County, IL
Antioch, Bannockburn, Deer Park, Deerfield, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Kildeer, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Mundelein, North Barrington, Round Lake, Riverwoods, Volo.
McHenry County, IL
Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Johnsburg, Lakewood, Prairie Grove, Port Barrington, Spring Grove, Woodstock.
North Shore, IL
Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Southern Wisconsin
Burlington, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Pleasant Prairie..
Call Now for Emergency Electrical Repairs!
If you notice any of these electrical warning signs, don’t wait—electrical issues can quickly become dangerous. Contact American Electric Company today at 847-252-1757 for expert electrical repair services.
